Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

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12 THE WHIRLPOOL maintain a stable government. Гог this reason we have great political parties with our leading statesmen and orators at their heads. Political parties in the United States began with the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. The two outstanding politicians of that day are Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton, a brilliant leader, sets forth a philosophy of conservatism as the main issue of his party, while Jefferson, an aristocratic planter, opposes every tradition of his class and defends the common people in their beliefs. Alexander IIamilton's ideas and views favor a strong national government. Jefferson chooses a more simple name for his party and calls them the plain Democratic- Republicans, who are in favor of state rights. Our first president is a Federalist, likewise his successor. The Federal- ists are not for long because of their conservative ideas. Thus the party of Jefferson gains power. But alas! the Federalists soon disappear because of the want of issues. Meanwhile. one of our greatest politicians is rising to power hy the virtue of his great capacity for leadership—it is Andrew Jack- son, the father of Democracy. History calls his administration. the reign of Andrew Jackson, because his power is so absolute. Jealousy and hatred rule in our hearts because Jackson's party, the Whigs, are made up of scattered l'ederalists and disloyal Democrats. Opportunity is knocking at the door of the Whigs but they fail to answer. However, if they had taken a definite stand on the slavery question the Whigs would have been the ruling party. During the next twenty years the Democrats continue in power. From 1850 to 1860 the Republican party is formed. A victory for them is made under Lincoln in the election of 1860, in which they win by a split in the Democratic ranks. The Republicans pilot us through the Civil War successfully and use the fact for their platform for twenty years. The one-party system proves too corrupt so reform must play its part. The Democrats elect Grover Cleveland of New York as the reform president. He serves a second term. Bryan is defeated in the next election and McKinley starts an administration of planned success. Upon the death of McKinley, Roosevelt becomes president and the Republicans become more liberal and the Democrats lose ground. Under Taft the Conservatives rejoice and the Liberals moan, Roosevelt tries for a third term by forming the Progressive party. The Democrats seize their opportunity and nomi- nate as their candidate Woodrow Wilson of New Jersey, who is elected. Under him many reforms are brought in and the people gain a new voice in the government. He is re-elected in 1916 and carries the World War to

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THE WHIRLPOOL 11 Judge: “Objection waived. Proceed with the hearing.” The defendant's lawyer now tries to defend John Smith. Defending Lawyer: “John Smith, did you mark on your desk because other names were on there and you felt perfectly justified in putting yours there?“ John Smith: Certainly, sir.“ Defending Lawyer: Ah, you see the young man had a perfectly excellent reason for adding his name to the others. Now, John, wasn't the teacher giving you such difficult lessons that you thought you could remem- ber your work better by writing your l'rench translation in your book? Don't you think she should have given you shorter assignments ?” John Smith: Certainly, sir. Defending Lawyer: John Smith, didn’t you throw away those two pieces of white paper because you had kept them so long that they were dirty and you knew that they wouldn't be accepted by any of your teachers ? John Smith: Yes, sir. Defending Lawyer: “So you see, my friends, John Smith had per- fectly sound reasons for the supposed wrong he has done his school. Prosecuting Attorney: Before the jury gives their decision, I should like to say that John Smith could have taken just enough paper for the day, thus having no excess paper to get dirty ; that if he had told his teacher that the assignment was too long, she would have remedied it; and lastly, that carving on his desk cost the school money for it to be refinished while it didn't accomplish anything of value to him. 'The jury files out to consider whether John Smith is guilty or not guilty. They are out but a few minutes, when they are seen coming back. The foreman speaks: We, of the jury, return a verdict of ‘guilty’ against the defendant, John Smith. The punishment is: 1st, to pay for his own paper hereafter ; 2nd, to pay the school for the renovation of the desk; and 3rd, to pay the school for a new French book. Nore: Are уон a John Smith of Pennell Institute? VIRGINIA NASON, '34. POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND THEIR FUTURE Political parties originated from politics, which is defined as the sci- ence of government. To many, politics is something vile and base, to be scanned with ridicule, but without politics our nation could not continue to

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THE WHIRLPOOL 13 a successful conclusion. The Republicans return to power as they are dis- satisfied. with Wilson's peace plan. Two more elections are held in which the Republicans win. They are those of Harding (Coolidge) and Hoover. Another election is held in which the Democrats rule by electing Franklin D. Roosevelt. 'The political parties have been outlined, but what of the future? We cannot tell what it will bring, but we do know that political parties are necessary. If we are to continue as a strong nation we must have two strong political parties. Many of our editors believe that the South and West will form a new Agrarian party. Some pin their faith in Socialism, while others argue that present conditions will continue and our history will repeat, but whatever the movement be, We must have strong political parties.” Hortense А. CASWELL, 33. STRANGE INTERLUDE The characters’ thoughts are in parenthesis. “Yes, Mrs. Benson, this has been a lovely winter.” (Lovely winter, my eye! We've had lots of snow and no ice.) Does your mother often stop at the store as long as this? (I wonder what's keeping her. I've been here fifteen minutes already, talking to this young girl!) | Oh, yes. She often stops to talk with Mr. Billings, the storekeeper.” (Is that old lady inquisitive! I don't see as it's any of her business.) Well, how is everything going at Pennell Institute, my dear? (I'll just have to keep up the conversation I guess. I don't get much help from her.) Fairly well. We have all been studying hard, preparing for exams this week.“ (Studying? I shouldn't have said that, it's a lie. Oh, well, might as well let her think well of me, anyway.) “That is a lovely dress you have on, my dear. Did your mother make it? (It's a hideous color and does not match her eyes well at all.) “Thank you. Yes, mother made it. She loves to make my clothes. (It's none of her business where I got it, as far as I can see. I do wish mother would hurry back.) Oh, here comes your mother now! (I should think it was about time. She probably stopped to gossip.) Yes, I'll go and help her carry the packages. Will you excuse me а