Farragut High School - Where the Action is Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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DAVID G. FABBAGUT FIRST U. s. ABMIBAL

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FUBE IDBI! With cries on all sides demanding a speeding up of national defense, what can high school students do? In our day-to-day behavior, in all our relationships, we can, by giving our best to whatever job needs to be done, build up a morale that is an answer to all who fear for America's future and for democracy. Everyone of us who refuses even for an instant to lose faith in the American ideals of freedom and testifies to that faith whenever he has a chance is doing something for his country this very moment. We do not forget that democracy teaches us to live and let live and so we do not listen to malicious criticism, we do not tolerate racial nor religious prejudice. Any attempt to stir up dissension or unrest among us is quickly denounced and squelched. , We know that our nation is one of youth, made of her steel alloyed with the blood of many peoples, not too stubborn to bend but too strong to be broken. Our nation is made up of peoples of common stature not cursed by class, and vaccinated against all isms, cults, or crack pots. What can we do to survive these desperate times? We must be cheerful, confident, know what we believe in and stick to it and, most important, have no fear. Directed by the principal and teachers we take part in all' activities of the school wholeheartedly, knowing that fair play, qfooperation, clear thinking and active participation teach us how to appreciate and respect our fellow men and fit us for the places we as citizens shall sometimes occupy in the community. ln our classes we gain skills, atti- tudes, knowledge and training knowing that only an educated nation is free. We know too that our country to defend itself properly has need of those who know, and those who can. And that is why the anniversary of David G. Farragut's birth was taken as a fitting theme for 1941 because throughout his life Farragut prepared himself for the oppor- tunities he was sure would come and when they did he was ready for them. So in closing this year, which was full of satisfactory accomplishments, we say with Farragut, HFull speed aheadf,

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AVID GLASGOW One hundred and forty years ago on July 5, David Glasgow Farragut was born fnear Knoxville, Tenn.J son of George Anthony, a full blooded Spaniard whose family history showed fighting blood as far back as 1229. Since his father became a Master in the United States Navy when David was six and he himself was adopted by Commodore David Porter a year later, he grew up with the smell of the sea in his nostrils. In 1807 his father was sent to New Orleans to command a gunboat. Often he took his children out on a yawl on the trip from New Orleans to Havana. Once when during a bad storm he was criticized for exposing his children to such dangers, he answered, Now is the time to conquer their fearsf' David under Commodore Porter's expert training had many such experiences which taught him to face peril with unruffled composure. He became a midshipman in the Navy when he was nine years old. At twelve David was put in command of a prize whaler, which he was ordered to convoy to Valparaiso. While other boys spent their time on larks he studied and made notes on the rigging, guns, fittings and practices found aboard foreign ships. Farragut learned that having an influential foster-father proved an impediment to his advancement. Commodore Porter always considered him too young for promotionff Although it rankled that many who entered the Navy after him became lieutenants before him, he was never soured by his ill- fortune. He never lost pluck or ambition and worked all the harder to fit himself to seize the opportunities when they came. When he was 23 he took command of his Hrst naval ship in the war with the West India pirates. The Civil War found him the best equipped man in the Navy and although he applied for an active command he waited months for an appointment. As an ofhcer of Southern birth leaving Virginia when it seceded and moving to New York, he was looked upon with suspicion. Ordered December, 1861, to take command of an expedition against New Orleans, Farragut hoisted his flag on the U. S. Hartford and spent months making preparations for the capture which took place at the end of April. On August 5th, 1864, occurred the battle of Mobile Bay where he spoke his s