Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

Page 9 text:

The MissHiE 3 Jfor ®ut af Marram fflamptlj 3ag iN the little crossroads church the sermon was just drawing to a close. It was very late in the day — in fact, almost evening. There had been reports to be made,- and it was afternoon service, too. It was one of those lifeless hot days, when everything seems to irritate, or weary. Up in the choir, at the rear of the church, Mr. Meredith slept sweetly in his corner. Two so- pranos were looking at him and nudging each other. Mr. Morgan was writing notes to Minnie Ballard, who laughed at him. The first soprano was looking over her next Sun- day’s solo. And Miss Macdonald, the leader, was watching all, amusedly, though trying now and then to follow the sermon. Miss Macdonald was not a native of the village, but had come to the Rawlings’ farm for a month, and had consented to take the choir during her stay. She was director of a large choir of a large church in her home city; one that was known throughout the city for its well selected and well-sung music. She had a wonderful contralto voice herself — so clear and powerful, yet at the same time so sweet and musical and “human,” as Barbara Rawlings said. Barbara’s greatest am- bition was to sing-Tcto be the possessor of a lovely voice; but she had no hope of realizing her ambition. She was positive that she could not sing, and her friends agreed with her. The revelation of what a voice might mean, given by Miss Mac- donald, made her long all the more for the power of singing. At length the minister closed his Bible, and there was a lively rustle of relief as he announced the last hymn. Then the squeaky little organ began to squeak, and they sang the hymn, Miss Macdonald’s voice rising above and dominating all the others, and even atoning for the organ. And then all heads were bowed- while the benediction was pronounced ; and it was over at last.

Page 8 text:

2 Thk Missile lElitirt of moon HE United States is a neutral country ! Do these words have a familiar sound? They ought to, for they are the words of Presi- dent Wilson. They were expressed when peo- ple began to feel strongly about the war, when the press published insinuating arti- excitement was running high. They still hold good. On March fourth, nineteen hundred and thirteen. Presi- dent Wilson took his oath of office. He pledged himself to guide the country through storm and peril, and it was un- derstood that the country would accept his leadership, would not scorn his opinions and advice. Yet when a time comes when his advice is useful, it is deliberately ignored. People shout their opinions in every direction. They hurl challenges to their neighbors. They make absurd bets and become furi- ous over the outcome. Is this neutrality? In time of war at Rome, a dictator was appointed. He had absolute power as long as the war continued. The peo- ple placed themselves under his care. Why do we not fol- low the example of the Romans, and place ourselves under the President’s care? If the nation selected Wilson from other candidates to govern for four years, why did it treat him as though unworthy of this honor? Why does it neg- lect his wish? The nation will bring us into a perilous war if it keeps up at the present rate. Such marked partisanship among the people of the United States can not help provoking the jealousy of the unfavored side. Human nature is the same everywhere ; unrestrained human nature is a menace the world over! We cannot control our likes and our dislikes, but we can suppress our actions. Neutrality is not only desirable, it is imperative. — Mary Willson, ’ 18 .

Page 10 text:

4 The MissHjE Barbara and the leader came out together, after the cus- tomary greeting had been paid, and went over to the buggy. Jim Rawlings was to drive them home behind Pluto, a long- limbed, black beauty of a horse, with wicked eyes, and ears that seemed always flat back. But now, instead of starting ofl ' at once, he came forward with a worried air. There had been trouble between their father and his neighbor, and if certain papers were not brought home that night, there might be serious trouble for them. Could the two go home by themselves? Pluto had seemed rather decent recently. Barbara was delighted at the thought of the long drive. “Surely ! I can manage Pluto very well.’ ' “Wei — 1. But best go slow. I don’t half like to leave you.” “Ohi, he’ll be all right. Come on. Miss Macdonald.” And they climbed into the buggy, while Jim hurried off. Pluto struck out for home at a swinging trot, while the girls settled themselves for the long drive. It was almost dark when they reached Gatewood, about three miles from home. The roadside was a mass of waver- ing shadows, and silent shades glared at them from trees and bushes. Pluto was uneasy. He did not like such in- definite views, nor did he deem it good policy to be entirely unconcerned about terrible things he couldn’t just see. So when a fluffy mass of blackness formed awkwardly from the bushes, followed by an equally terrifying ball of gliding black, he was on the alert. He stopped short just one moment, and then was off, rushing straight for home. His head was up, his ears were forward, and his nostrils were diste nded ; his breath came in gasps. There was no stopping Pluto now — no, not if the rankest bit in the world were between his teeth. Cling- ing desperately to the reins, Barbara realized this, and, sick- ening, she saw a vivid picture of the end. They would dash past Angers farm, then Pluto would dart ’round the corner by the old pine tree. They would be thrown out and prob- ably killed. And if they, by some miraculous chance, did manage to cling to the buggy, there was that other turn at