Barringer High School - Athenaeum Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

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III G H SC II OOL A N X U A L. GRAVITATION. PRIZE ESSAY, CLASS OF 75. BY MARY RVA GRAVES. Many thousand year» ago, while Ignorance was still holding her sceptre, and before Philosophy had started on her long and illustrious career, men were familiar with two sets of simple and invariable phenom- ena -the fall of heavy lMxlies set free above the earth’s surface; and the pressure of such bodies on it surface or on any support. But man’s knowledge was limited to effects. He failed to comprehend the grand socret which uature was everywhere endeav- oring to reveal. He had not as yet entered her inner chamtar and beheld her perfect mechanism. Gravitation, the great agent to which the Divine Architect entrusted the harmony and the stability of the universe, remained in obscurity. Nor did it receive of man duo recognition, until ' Philosophy, soaring to her proudest heights, caught up the soul of Sir Isaac Newton,’ and to him nature dis- clos :d her master-wheel. The force of gravitation is mighty; it is stupendous; it is universal. Its power is confined neither to terrestrial bodies nor to bodies celestial. Every atom of matter in the universe, from the tiniest mote dancing in the sunbeam, to tho largest centre of the largest system, yields it perfect oljcdicncc. | Gravitation chains all earthly bodies to their mother earth ; makes the rain descend upon nature's tired and dusty head; causes the river to pursue its onward course to the rolling sea; and restrains the wild and tempestuous ocean within its appointed bounds. Such arc a few illustrations of the obedi- ence of matter to this wonderful force. In like mnnncr there exist in the world of mind, a silent and unseen force, by which men arc universally influenced. Upon it, all progress in the social, intellectual, political aud moral worlds is directly based, and by it the entire world of mind is bound together. And what i» this force but gravitation ? There are in man’» nature the germs of much that is great, much that is good, aud much that i» truly sublime, for tho develop- ment of which he is not only provided with the great book of nature; but this powerful attractive force awakens within him a love for the peraual of its pages —the solving of its mysteries. Social gravitation, or the attraction which underlies and holds society together, is un- limited in it |)ower. There are numberless 1 Kinds of union, and sources of sympathy, which attract and bind man to man, and nation to nation. When God fifct called matter into exist- ence, even the countless atoms spread throughout space, feeling that “it was not good to l e alone,” sought companionship. In the intellectual world we find that through all ages, it was this, which far back in the misty realms of time, first induced man to attempt to solve the mysteries with which his life was densely enshrouded. It was through its influence that the 1 great world went spinning through the ringing grooves of change.’ Nature generously revealed her secrets one by one to her la) oring sons; the march of intellect continued, and with waving banners it still advances. Men arc created with different tastes and aptitudes; so that their combined labor may bring to light tho lost member of Truth, whom Milton, in his sublime figure, represent as having been hewn into pieces and scattered throughout the universe. As in the immensity of space there arc countless systems which arc upheld, illumin- ed and energized by their respective central bodies, so in the world of mind there are num- l rlets objects and pursuits which constitute t he centres of attraction for man, about each of which is gathered a band of admirers and workers. These toilers, bound together by a common sympathy, upheld by the attrac- tion exerted upon them by their common centre of aspiration, find their minds illu- mined and energized by the glorious light of truth. Life’s great army of truth-seekers seem to diverge widely in their sympathies and work. Somo go down into the bowels of the earth, others into the depths of the ocean. Some walk among the flowery fields and others explore the star-bedecked heav- ens. Yet truth is tho common centre to which all are attracted. They arc merely being drawn thither through different paths, which finally terminate in Him who said “ I am the truth.” We see here and there along the track of history, a gfcat and brilliant mind, standing forth in striking contrast to the mosees about it, like a lofty mountain towering above the surrounding hills and valleys. Such were Phidias, Homer, Newton and Shakespeare, and these arc the minds which attract the multitudes and lead them step by step into the shady recesses of thought “which give the soul sweet sense of large room.” Man is irresistibly attracted by the peerless l cauty of nature. He cannot resist her flowers, and birds, and dancing brooks, her winding vales, and verdant plains. He gazes with rapture upon her rolling seas and ever- lasting hills, for his soul “looks through nature, up to nature's God. Upon this same force of gravitation de- pends tho strength of tho political world. Every form of government has its peculiar centre of interest, and of motive, to which the national mind is drawn. In our happy democracy, the idea of individual liberty is a common centre which radiates peace and prosperity. Unity of language forms another centre of incalculable importance. Wherever this exists there must be a national strength and solidity. Diversity of language occasions national weakness. In the moral world this same attracting force is absolutely essential. The Prince of Peace said unto man, “ And I, if I be lifted up from earth, will draw all men unto me, and here we have a centre embodying the most superlative lovelincss,uncqualcd majesty and unfathomable wisdom, which attracts the spiritual man, tending to bring him to the perfection of moral culture. Terrestrial forces chain man to the earth, but when the “Angel Death shall have set tho pure spirit free from its prison of clay, then will it be drawn to the Almighty Centre. The progress in love, and truth, and purity, l egun below, shall never cease, and all mysteries shall glow with supernal light. Throughout the endless cycles of Eternity, Heaven’s fair inhabitants like glorious stars shall revolve about the Sun of Righteous- ness in the most sublime harmony. One song, one force, and one centre forever. A STRAY THOUGHT. IDA r. KINSEY. The light grows dimmer and throws a grey mantle over the silent woods and hills that stand like sentinels around the crumbling ruins of a palace; and as I look on the pic- ture, it reminds me of the human life. The ruined palace seems a being made grand and beautiful by the will of God; and the life that moved within its walls, I liken to the heart, beating with alternate joy and grief. The deeds that have becu done within, are like the passions of that heart, going up be- fore our Maker to be judged. Good and evil men have passed at will through its iron gates jnst as careless words pass from the lips of tho impetuous, and take their winding way through the . world with their several influences, for better or worse. But the march of death cannot l e delayed. He turns neither to the right nor left, to make allowance for the rich or beautiful. All, sooner or later, must come under his dark banner, and so the life within the palace was hushed. The gates were closed, and now tho castle is deserted; while the stones that form- ed the towers, rising proudly toward the sky, are rapidly crumbling and falling to the earth from whence they were raised. Yet tho moss nnd the vine cling lovingly to the stones, like tender memories to the dead; and as the vinca festoon and hide the rough stones, so wc, when God takes one of our number, hide their faults with their virtues. The editors would be gratified to receivo at the High School building any back num- bers of tho Annual, from its first publication in 1857 to tho year 1869.

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 4 HIGH SCHOOL A X X CAL. HfiGH School J nniwl EDITORS: Cyrc E. V. Pool., Minmb L. Lyon, Chari.es P. Hewitt, Auieda M. Oi.ds. NEWARK. N. J., JANUARY !. 1870. EDITORIAL. Tl« Ibe mtulc of ijUdne , the voice of the Horn, That bid o« rejoice when a Now Year U bom.” The New Year, bright atul joyous, stands waiting a welcome, and wc greet it gladly in this our offering, where are linked mem- ories of the Old Year with hope for the Now. The coming of the New Year crowds thoughts thick and fast upon us, of those who imperilled their lives and fortunes for our freedom, and whose brave deeds the na- tion is about to commemorate. The year that ushers in the Centennial of our nntion, also brings our High School to a higher plane of action. It has now passed its twenty-first year, and may truly be said to be of ngc. If wc may judge ofits future work by its past, wc predict for it a brilliant ca- reer, and a time when wc shall look upon our Alma Mater with feelings of pride. Time everywhere leaves its changes, and our school has not been free from them. Mr. E. F. Smith having resigned in the summer, Mr. C. L. Woodruff, of the Penn. State Normal School, was appointed by the Board of Edu- cation to fill his place. Early last spring the ranks of our female teachers were invaded, and Miss Minnie B. Churchill, of the E. C. Class, was triumphantly borne away as the bride of the Rev. I). Do wolf, of Bristol, Conn. Miss Laura P. Hill, of the D. Class, was promoted to fill the vacancy. Miss Ella G. Brown, a graduate of the High and Nor- mal Schools, was appointed to the charge of the N. D. Class. Miss Itcmick, of the B. and Mias Bosworth, of C Class, arc absent on ac- count of illness, and Miss Marie A. Marcher, a graduate of Vassar College, has charge of the B. Class, and Mrs. Ellen II. Sanborn, a graduate of Northampton Literary Institute, of the E. C. Class. Oar school is in a flourishing condition as regards the pupils, although in tho male de- partment the scholars are so crowded, and the D. Classes arc so large as to justify the appointment of an additional teacher, and the enlargement of the building. Wc trust our Hoard will see to the matter as soon as possible. List year the Board of Education deter- mined, on account of the crowded condition of the School, to raise the per cent, required for admission into the school, from 1G| to 70 per cent., and thus keep the lower rank of scholars in the Grammar Schools another year. But the scholars aware of the fact put forth all of their energies, and the result is that the I). Classes this year arc larger than ever. During the past year but few changes have been made in our High School build- ing, but the most important alteration has been in the young ladies’ department. The former dressing room has been transformed into a handsome reception room, having been carpeted ami furnished in a manner that docs no little credit to our Board of Educa- tion. We hope the same good taste may be exercise I when our long-needed new High School makes its apiKurancc. The young ladies' court has been made considerably smaller by the dressing room which has been placed there. The young gentlemen of the A. Class have been removed from the room occupied by the A. Class of former years, to one of the recita- tion rooms in the rear of the building. The removal was met with some opposition at first, but as the room overlooks the young ladies’ play ground, tho gentlemen have quietly submitted to their fate. Now as the flight of the Old Year brings the dawn of the New, let us with thoughts and aims higher and better, enter with joy upon the Happy Now Year. As wc reluct- antly clo8o the door u| on the Old Year, let us not think of it as dead,— For the year never die, for the It-Mone they give In tbc heart of humanity cltuter and live. OUR SOCIETIES. THE UONTAOU. The Montagu Society is in a very flourish- ing condition. The meml crship, composed of the young ladies of the A and B. Clashes, is larger than it has lxsen at any previous time of its existence. Several important additions have been made to the library of the Society during the past year, among which, a complete set of Little Classics, Miss Alcott’s works, and the Bric-A-Brac series, are the most conspicuous. The leading magazines and papers of the day—Harper's Magazine, Scribner’s Montbly, Atlantic Monthly, Appleton’s Journal, In- dependent, and Semi-Weekly Tribune,—are found upon the reading table of the Society. By means of these and the admirably chosen library, the members of the Society are enabled to make themselves acquainted with everything of importance that trans- pires in the department of art, and in the political, scientific and literary worlds. At the last public meeting of the Society, the room, which was tastefully decorated, was filled to its utmost capacity, and the meeting was in every respect a decided suc- cess. larger than it has ever been since its first or- ganization. The objects of this Society are the improve- ment of its members in debating and in other departments of literary work, and to give them a knowledge of parliamentary rules and of self-government. Lost year the plan was adopted of allow- ing the young gentlemen to elect their own presiding officer, instead of having the Prin- cipal preside at their meetings, as was formerly the custom. This plan, which re- lieves the Principal of much society work, has proved a complete [success, as the men»- here, feeling tho increased responsibility which rests upon them, are becoming more and more interested in the Society’s welfare. This Society is fully accomplishing tho ob- jects for which it was organized, and wc wish it a long and happy continuance. THE NATI7RAI. HISTORY SOCIETY. The Natural History Society connected with the High School, in addition to the regular monthly meetings, has held several evening sessions during the year, at which, subjects of general scientific interest have been discussed. The Society holds in trust the fine cabinet of minerals belonging to the New Jersey Natural History Society, which, with the collection in Natural History belonging to the Society connected with tho School, forms a collection of the greatest help to the School, particularly to those pursuing the Scientific Course. Friends of the Society having articles of value—mineral or otherwise—could place them nowhere where they would do so much good as in our collection, their permanency would be that of the High School itself. The Society is under great obligation to J. Ball inch and Son, J. Hagar, Esq., and to Geo. J. Hochnle, of this city, for valuable additions to tbe cabinet ITEMS OF INTEREST. Any that have visited our Chapel during the past year could not have failed to notice the two fine steel engravings, after Landseer, which adorn the walls. The editors of last year's Annual, out of the generosity of their hearts and pity for the blank, expressionless walls, presented these engravings to the school, for which we earnestly thank them. The decline of the year is marked by the . death of many prominent men. Vice-Presi- dent Wilson died in November, thus adding another name to the long list of Vice-Presi- dents who have already diet!; by bis death only two Ex-Vice-President8 remain living— Colfax and Hamlin. THE nESPERIAN. This Society, which is composed of male members of the A. and B. Classes, was prob- ably never in so prosperous a condition as now. Tho membership roll is fully as largo as, ami at the beginning of the year wiw The class of ’76 is larger than any previ- ous graduating class. Its members, through- out the entire course, have been character- ized by the same independence and freedom of action, which distinguished our fore-fath- ers. They aie worthy the name of '76.

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0 III (i II SC IIOO L A N N U A L. SKILL. BY C. B. CICAVKN. Skill, in the special calling to which a man may devote his attention, may safely be regarded as one of the most useful and nc- ccssary of qualities. Without it, life is almost useless. Men unskilled in their occupations are looked down upon—the driftwood of humanity; while those who have attained to skill in their various occupations, are respect- ed—lights arc they, dispelling the darkness of discouragement, and cheering and guiding others to positions similar to those occupied by themselves. Skill is the result of unceasing aud untir ing labor and thought, for which reason, it is much less easily acquired than most other qualities, but, when once acquired, it fully : repays those who have exerted themselves to I possess it, for it leads directly and surely to the highest object of the most aspiring ; ambition. Skill has been shown in all times, and in all places, and whenever and wherever it has ! existed, then and theta most beneficial re- sult have attended its presence. One of the men first mentioned in sacred history, Tubal Cain, is spoken of as having been skilled in the use of brass and iron, and, doubtless, his skill in these respects was productive of great good, as. judging from our own times, we know that articles of brass and iron rank j among the Finost important in respect to I utility. In the time of David and Solomon, the skill displayed by workmen of various kinds, was perfectly marvellous, and among | i ho ancient Greeks and Romans, what but most wonderful skill raised Epaminondas, Pericles, Phidias, Demosthenes, Cicero, On? -ar, and hundred of others, warriors, states- men, orators and artists, to their high positions of power, responsibility, influence and respect ? And previous to the existence of any of these, the mighty Egyptians dis- played wonderful skill in architecture and the other fine art . In each of these in- stances, the skill displayed has tended to refine and elevate humanity, and immense quantities of our knowledge can be traced back to nations, which, even now, centuries after they have ceased to exist, pour masses of enlivening and guiding light over the whole world ; while nations, which have possessed men of little or no skill, have either faJcd out of the view and recollection of the world, or have only been kept in remem- brance by the record of the misery and downfall necessarily proceeding from want of this exceedingly important quality. Perceiving from the foregoing, the ruin and destruction produced by the lack of skill, and the eminence and distinction attend- ant upon its possession, how exceedingly care- ful should we be, to perfect ourselves in the pursuits which we follow, thus procuring skill, and, through it, not only earthly dis- tinction, which lasts but for a comparatively short time, but also that sure and everlasting reward, which is promised to the faithful servant who shall increase his talent. And in order to perfect our gifts, how careful should we be, in the selection of our employ- ments for life, to choose those for which we are naturally fitted, for it is utterly impossible for a man, whose powers and faculties were shaped by Providence for the pursuit of a profession, to become skillful in a trade. Frequently men have been engaged in man ual labor, who have possessed abilities sufli cient to render them skillful professional men, iu which capacity their influence for good might have been ten-fold that which they could exercise in avocations for which they were unqualified, and in which they could reach no degree of skill or excellence. Much more frequent arc cases in which inen have dragged along miserably and worthlessly in professions, when tlicir time would have l ccn employed to infinitely greater advantage, blowing the blacksmith's bellows, and working manfully at the forge. PROGRESS OF AMERICA. BY CUAS. B. ». THORN. The centenary of the American Union is near at hand. One hundred years ago the foundation of this vast structure was laid by the bands and cemented with the blood of our forefathers. By their heroism in the Revolutionary War, they bequeathed us our glorious heritage— Liberty— and we do well to honor their names by celebrating the works they did. No revolutionists ever did their work with more conscientiousness or with a fuller persuasion of the rightfulness of their actions. We then entered upon a republican sysb m of government, an untried experiment, with- out wealth or power, or the ability to ad- vance, except by indominablc energy and per- severance. What a wondrous change Amer- ica has undergone in a century’s time, from absolute weakness to commanding strength. Mighty cities and flourishing towns, connect- ed by bands of iron, are seen on every side. Our productions are displayed in every mart of the civilized world. Our flag is every- where honored and respected, and to-day we I me proud to call ourselves American citizens. Equally remarkable has l een the advance of science. America has given birth to some of the greatest men that the world has ever seen; men, whose names, as those of Franklin and Morse, are honored by the whole world. Colleges and halls of learning arc scattered throughout the land, and education is spread- ing the light of religion, morality and gen- eral culture into every cottage in this wide extent of our States and Territories. Truly this is a period in our history for noble works, for monuments of benevolence and wisdom ; monuments that shall outlive the pyramids, and call down upon their founders the benediction of future genera- tions. Thousands are laboring faithfully to improve the physical, the moral and the in- tellectual condition of the people. Behold America as tho asylum where the wretched and oppressed find a refuge. The words of Lafayette seem like prophecy when he said, This immense temple of Freedom will ever stand a lesson to oppressors, an ex- ample to the oppressed, and a sanctuary for the right of mankind, and these United States will attain that complete splendor and prosperity which will illustrate their govern- ment.” Many years have passed since these words were spoken, and this immense tem- ple of Freedom stills rears its dome before the world. But our advance has not been unimpeded! from the founding of our government there liavo been two antagonistic principles con- tending for mastery—slavery and freedom. They so separated the interests and intensified the bitter feeling between the North and the South that war waa inevitable. It came, and was terrible ! But the national banner was majestically borne over the land, and pence and industry restored. The founders of Jliis great government have all gone to their long home, and it de- volves upon us as a sacred trust to maintain the honor and the glory of our country. But as the energy of the American people in the past has done wonders, so we may confident- ly hope that their children will preserve its heritage—freedom in all its completeness. WHA T WE DO NOT LIKE IN BOOKS. BY KLSIK M. HOUR. As a general thing we do not care for much description of scenery. It seems very natural that a t( tc-;i-U to between two young ] ersona (not both ladies nor both gentle- men), should take place at some summer resort, down by the clear, cool water; but we do not care to have the 'scenery for miles around fully described, nor do we need to be told of the little birds hopping merrily from bough to bough, nor yet of the immense pine trees rising loftily to the heavens, till they seem to pierce the very skies; nor do we care to be told of the waters breaking playfully upon the shore, leaving their ex-, quisite sea-weeds and mosses, which cause an exclamation of delight to break forth from the lips of the beautiful girl (always beautiful of course), sitting so near these rolling waves. All this we usually imagine, if we have any imagination at all. We are very apt to read this part of the story carc- lesasly, or else skip it entirely, for we are so much more interested to know what tran- spires between the two individuals, that we care comparatively little for the description of the place where they may chance to be.