Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute - Breezes Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

Page 19 text:

D. M. C. I. BREEZES 17 nonites, most of whom were previous immigrants from Russia, opened their hearts to help their kinsmen from across the ocean. The Canadian Pacific Company, too, agreed to furnish the transportation on credit, without material security. Now we are in Canada, the land of great possibilities and great tolerance, still recognizing “God, our help in ages past, our hope in years to come.” May we appreciate the privileges of this new land and do our duty toward it. Returning to my original subject, I should like to tell you first about the Ukraine and its people. The Ukrainians live close to the soil and have a natural love for music and poetry. Driving the ox-cart, they sing their weary, melancholy tunes, the syllables of which are as long and wide, as the grass-covered prairies, surrouuding them. Although hundreds of years of oppression have put a stamp of sadness upon their disposition, nevertheless, some of their songs are rapid and joyous. Their villages also are cosy and full of charm. Early in the spring time, the small, straw-thatched huts are nearly buried by the cherry blossoms. The people themselves dress in gay colors and gather together at evening times, the young singing and playing to the sound of the harmonica. . The Russian people, as a whole, are open-hearted and good-natured. When travelling on a train, for example, they do not sit silent and dig¬ nified, but soon a lively conversation shortens the otherwise long jour¬ ney. The Russians are very hospitable. If one had an opportunity to accept the hospitality of a true Russian, he would feel himself very much at ease and at home. An air of comfort would surround the “samovar,” whose boiling would produce a humming of various melodies on the table of the friendly Russian. The educated Russians are very reflective. They can spend hours and hours debating or revealing their deepest thoughts and ideas. They also show a great appreciation of art. The picture gallery of Tretliakoff in Moscow has a great value from the artistic point of view. Moreover, the wonderful choirs in the Russian churches are well worth mention¬ ing. The Russians have many folk-songs and ballads; they have also a distinct classical literaure, developed since the eighteenth century. The philosophical and artistic elements are prominent. Some of the out¬ standing writers are Pushkin (poet), Germontov (lyrist), Turgenieff, Dostoievsky and many others. The Russians are very emotional, capable of the noblest acts, but they lack strength and consistency of character. The religion, pre¬ sented to the masses, has been too vague, and is incapable of enlighten¬ ing them in the true sense of the word. Education has been the privil¬ ege of a small percentage only. The whole literature bears the mark of unquestionable sadness and pessimism. One of the Russian critics has said: “No one can measure Russia by tape-line, no one can understand her by intellect, one can only be- lievp in her.” Yes, let us believe that Russia has not yet shown of what her people are capable; let us still believe in a Divine plan with the Russian nation, as a link in the great chain of the human race. —Agnes Willms, Room 58.

Page 18 text:

16 D. M. C. I. BREEZES Does ox’ does not the modern dress of Chinese women show a healthful reaction towards antique and heathen customs? All phases of the subject must be taken into consideration. Every country has its good and its bad, yet there always has been and there probably always will be a greater proportion of the good than of the bad. But why do some people judge only from the evil they see? They do not seem to notice the good at all, and therefore they denounce every¬ thing as wicked. Why do they not see the millions of good, honest, painstaking people? Why do they not also judge from them? Why? —Frances Fox. A FEW HISTORICAL GLIMPSES you write something about Russia?” the editor of the School paper asked. I promised. Now, what is most important about any land? Is it not the people? However, before wi’iting about Russians I must explain that I do not wish to deny my own “kith and kin” and leave the impression that I am writing of my own nation. It is not so. Russia, as we know, has many different national groups. One of these is the Mennonites, a German-Dutch group, to which I belong. If the honoured staff of our “Breezes” allows, I should like to say something about our own people. Our Mennonite forefathers were called by Katherine the Great, in order to cultivate the wild steppes near the Crimean peninsula. Grass, man-high, covered the land, and wild Tartar tribes used to hover in these natural hiding-places. Many a merchant, compelled to pass this region on his way to the southei’n ports of the Black Sea, never saw his northern home again. Our ancestors knew the hardships and persecutions, in many lands, such as Holland, Switzerland, Poland, and Germany, for whenever they were not allowed to live according to their own faith and conviction, they looked foi’ward to a home in a new land. Katherine the Great’s call was accepted by a large group. Facing difficulties, but rejoicing in religious freedom and certain civil rights, they began their task. Although compelled to wander, the Mennonites have always loved the soil. Their hands moved the ploughshare, but their hearts and minds were never satisfied with material things, so long as they themselves were true to the highest spiritual ideals which had called their commun¬ ity into existence. May they long remain so ! Their work in Russia xvas crowned with success. Prosperous colon¬ ies grew up on the Molotchnaja (Milky River), on the banks of the Dnieper, and on several other rivers. Prosperity and education began to spread rapidly. Then came the last war, and the Revolution that followed. All Russia suffered, and our people not the least. Their sit¬ uation became complicated. National, social, moral and religious con¬ flicts were the order of the day. Everywhere was opposition; nothing was considered sacred. Their position became so critical, that if it were at all possible, they left the land “to seek a kinder shore.” Inspired by love and solidarity, their brethren, the Canadian Men-

Page 20 text:

18 D. M. C. I. BREEZES THE PUPIL’S PROGRESS (With Apolgies to Bunyan) J DREAMED a dream, and behold, I saw a young man clothed in the garments of this age, standing in a certain place, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. As I looked, I saw him open the book, and read therein, and as he read, he wept and trembled, and at last he brake out with a sorrowful cry, saying: “What shall I do?” In this state, therefore, he went home, and restrained himself as long as he could, that ids parents might not perceive his misery. At length he did brake his mind to them, saving, “Oh! woe is me. For tomorrow is the day of School Opening, and when I do think of the long journey which I will have that I may reach the Goal. I am filled with distress. Alas!” And he went up to his room to spend a worrisome night. When the morning was come, Student (for that was his name) set out with his face toward the east. In his hands were many books. As ' he journeyed, a young man caught up with him whose name was Punctuality. “Haste thee!” said Punctuality unto him, “for it is now ten min¬ utes to nine and w r e may not be late for fear of one Detention.” So sav¬ ing, he passed him by. After a time, Student came to a building, over the door of which were inscribed the words, “Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute.” In the building were many Corridors and Rooms. First did Student go to the door of a smaller room upon which was printed “Office.” He gained entrance here, and began to talk with the master of that place, whose name was Principal. He said unto Student, “Verily 1 say unto thee , it would be most unwise to cease thy study of Latin, on account of Honor Matriculation which thou dost hope to have by next June.” Then lie did say further, “Thou mayst rid thyself of the burden High School Work, which is upon thy back, if thou wilt use these weapons, Attention in Class and Homework, which I shall give unto thee. These will truly aid thee in thy journey to the Goal.” Then Student gave him many thanks and took leave of him. He then went on with his journey. Now not far off was the Slough of Despond which men called Chemistry. As he journeyed, Student took from his pocket a Pencil and wrote in large letters on his book, “Poison” and “This is not Love.” Being not watchful of the mire Student fell in. He was un¬ able to get himself out because of the burden on his back, and was like to remain in this slough for some time, when one Persistency came ano helped him out. So these two went on together for a time until they found them¬ selves at the foot of the Hill of Difficulty, named Mathematics Moun¬ tain. With many groans they gained the middle of the hill whei-e was a resting place. In this place they entered into combat with the giant Inaccuracy, who was lord of that hill. Now was Student very grateful