Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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22 THE GOLDEN-ROD through whose efforts a notorious band of out- laws, named Doone, is entirely annihilated. The heroine. Lorna Doone, is almost too fairy like to be human but for all that she is very lovable. Although the characters are for the most part dull and uninteresting, yet the story is exciting and well told and the descriptions are wonderful. “Lorna Doone” is probably one of the greatest books in Eng- lish Literature and any time consumed in read- ing it is certainly well spent. Mabel Derry, 1918. NINETY-THREE Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo is one of the best romances that I have ever read, for three reasons. The first reason is because it is so well planned. Each chapter has a certain definite end in view. Every time the action of the plot is stopped to go back to something, which at the time appears to have no bearing on the plot, there is a fixed purpose in the author’s mind. For instance, the first book seems to be of no use at all until in the mid- dle of the story, then the mother following her children takes a prominent place. It’s a fine example of literature. The second reason is because of its educa- tional qualities. This book depicts the condi- tions in France during the latter part of the Revolution. Victor Hugo presents a very graphic account of the hardships in all parts of the country, life in Paris and in the theatre of the war alike, being described. The high cost of living now-a-days had its duplicate in the year of ninety-three in France. The third reason is because the book is con- sidered one of the great classics. Any rom- ance, novel, or other form of literature which is in a class with Ninety-Three, is a good thing to read. It offers such a great opportunity to improve one’s composition and English by studying and copying the style. It is always a good plan, as in any line of work, to imitate the great masters. Ninety-Three is an educa- tion in itself. Harold Ewertz, 1917. ROBERT E. LEE The biography of Robert E. Ijzc by Gillman is the most readable biography I have ever had in my possession. It brings out Lee’s character in a most in- teresting way. at the same time giving a good idea and a true one of the conditions in the South at the time of the Civil War. If more Northerners would read this book, they would lose a great deal of their bitter feel- ing towards the South. It does not uphold the South in seceding from the Union in any way, but it shows that the South fought for what it believed to be right, and that is as much as anyone can do. There is one passage in the book summing up Lee as a general which I thought was especially good: “Lee was Caesar without his ambition, Frederick I without his tyranny, Napoleon without his cruelty, and Washing- ton without his reward.” This seems to be true throughout the entire book. He had no ambition, except to do right, he was fair and just at all times and dealt sympathetically with his soldiers. He never received a reward nor did he wish one. As time passes on and people overcome their narrow prejudices against Robert Lee, gain- ing a clearer and a truer idea of him. he will be respected more and -more as a man who at all times did that which he believed to be right without a thought of his own personal interests. No book can give a truer portrayal of Robert Lee and the South at the time of the Civil War than this account by Gillman. Florence M. Hoacland, ’19.

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THE GOLDEN-ROD 21 BOOK NOTES MODESTINE (Travels with a Donkey and an Inland Voyage R. L. Stevenson.) In his “Travels with a Donkey” Stevenson has clearly described to us the disposition of the average donkey. Now, Modestine was no exception to the rule. She was usually a meek, little creature, but, like all her sex, subject to occasional bursts of pettishness. She would be jogging amicably along at a snail’s pace, when, suddenly, she would come to a dead stop, refusing to move another inch. Light lashes from a whip would not make her budge, nor would sugar lumps, brought along for that express purpose. She might be coaxed and coaxed the whole day long, but that would not move her. The only thing to do would be to lash her legs vigorously with the donkey- whip. Then she would start, and when the spirit moved, go along at a good pace. Modestine was very sure-footed and min- ueting along would lift first one slender foot and then the other in such a graceful manner. Carefully would she go along down the hilly roads, her small feet culping the cobble-stones. Perhaps she would hear some distant noise and cock up her velvety ears and stop dead still. Then again, if you were not discouraged you would use all your persuasions to make her resume her jogging. Barbara G. Chambers, T7. WHEN A MAX’S A MAX The author, Harold Bell Wright, has chosen the cattle fields of Arizona, as the setting for a most interesting novel. The story deals with the trials of Lawrence Knight, a rather worth- less, young, Chicago millionaire, in his at- tempts to “make good.” As a cowboy on a western ranch, under the assumed name of Honorable Patches, he works hard to accom- plish the work dealt out to him, in order to win the love and respect of a girl with whom he is deeply in love. With his constant good- nature and stick-to-it-ivness, he finally wins out. He captures the rustlers, with whom he is suspected of being in league, and proves himself worthy of the trust and confidence of his friends. He then finds that his efforts have been in vain, as the girl, for whom he has been trying to make good, has married an- other man. The story is well told and the author evidently knows his subject well, but he is very cynical in his prejudices against city life. Albert Baker, 1917. THE COMING OF THE TIDE—AN IMPRESSION (Margaret Sherwood) A most interesting book full of beautiful color descriptions of the ocean at sunrise, noon» and sunset. Not much of a plot, but so at- tractive in other ways that the plot is scarcely missed. Author’s love of beauty brought out wonderfully. Charming characters who hold one’s interest all through the book. A South- ern girl, passionately fond of the water, whom everyone comes to love for her frankness and winning ways. An old man, well-posted on the characters of his ancestors, who later learns that he is adopted and must give up all reference to traits inherited from his sup- posed ancestors. A young man, made over from a woman-hater to a lover, through the influence of the pretty Southern girl. On the whole, a book well worth the time spent in reading. Mabel G. Merigax, 1917. LORNA DOOXE “Lorna Doone,” by R. D. Blackmore, is a story of country life in the west of England. The leading character is one John Ridd

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THE GOLDEN-ROD 23 SCHOOL NEWS DEBATING CLUB The question for debate January 31 was: Resolved, that hockey and track should be substituted for basketball and baseball in the Quincy High School. The debaters were: (affirmative) Mullen, Cummings, and Walters; (negative) Gesmer, Baker, and Keyes. The negative received the decision. The appoint- ments for March 14 are: (affirmative) Marr, Mahoney and T. Nixon; (negative) H. Nixon, George, and H. Ewertz; reader, R. Ewertz. The question for the debate will be: Resolved, that the best lumber sections in our forests should be placed under federal con- trol. The following officers were elected for the next half year: President, Hugh Nixon. Vice-President, Russell C. Johnson. Secretary, John Cummings. Assistant Secretary, Harold Ewertz. Treasurer, Roland Newcomb. Entertainment Committee, Mullen, H. Nixon, and Keyes. Question Committees, Gesmer, Kendall, and Markham. Membership Committee, Mr. Fuller, Hig- gins, George, Carlson, and Mahoney. Nominating Committee, Peterson, Marr, Diamond, T. Nixon, and Nicholson. A committee consisting of Keyes, Johnson, and Higgins was appointed to arrange a dance after the vaudeville show has been given. Dimmick then gave an interesting reading. A meeting was held February 14. The ques- tion for debate was: Resolved, that the coast defenses should be strengthened. The dis- putants were: (affirmative) Peterson and Dia- mond; (negative) Markham. The affirmative received the decision. The appointments for March 28, are: (affirmative) R. Ewertz, Kendall, and Nicholson; ( negative) Johnson, Taylor, and Weymouth; reader, Mahoney. The question will be: Resolved, that Cuba should be annexed to the United States. Read- ings were given by Gesmer, Marr, Diamond, Mahoney, and Peterson. LATIN CLUB A meeting was held January 27 in the Hall. Miss Rogers sang several selections and Wey- mouth played four pieces on the violin. Miss Luke accompanied Miss Rogers and Wey- mouth on the piano. Reed and his sister, Lil- lian, give an interesting sketch and then Reed and Gesmer each gave several excellent read- ings. A Pin Committee consisting of Miss Russell, Dodge, and Gesmer was appointed. DRAMATICS The Debating and Thalia Clubs will present a vaudeville show March 9 and the members arc now perfecting their parts. From all in- dications the show will be a tremendous suc- cess. Our local stars, Bill Mullen, P. Oscar Jenkins, “Knock-Out” Keyes, Ted Higgins, and “Whitey” Peterson will be seen in action. Everyone who wants to have a good time should buy a ticket. MUSIC Plans are under way for a fine Spring Con- cert to be given May 15. A soprano and also a ’cello soloist will be secured by Miss Howes, who is directing the plans. The High School chorus, the Girls’ Glee Club, and the Mixed Glee Club will render selections, assisted by the Orchestra. SCHOOL An assembly was held in the Hall, Monday, January 29. Mr. Collins asked that any pupil who had found a bunch of keys should return it to the office and then discussed the matter