Scituate High School - Chimes Yearbook (Scituate, MA)

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4 THE CHIMES Accordingly, on August 19, 1812, the Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, sighted the Gueriere. Both ships were anxious to fight and immediately began shift- ing about for an advantageous position. The battle lasted one-half hour and in that time the Gueriere was thoroughly beaten and her men made prisoners. The American loss was only fourteen men while the British was seventy-four. On December 29, about four months later, the Constitution, with Bainbridge in command, encountered the Java off the coast of Brazil. After a desperate struggle of two hours' en- durance, the Java was entirely destroyed, and the Constitu- tion was once more victorious. In 1814 four more prizes were conquered by the Constitution, and in 1815 the Cyane and the Levant were conquered. In September 1830 Oliver Wendell Holmes, then a young man, read an article in his newspaper which commented on the proposal of the Navy Department to dismantle the old frigate which had done such herioc work in the war of 1812. His patriotism was aroused, and he at once dashed off a pro- test in form of a poem which he sent to the Boston Daily Ad- vertiser. The poem was named Old Ironsides and it was copied everywhere. It created such a feeling that the old ship was saved. The Constitution was rebuilt and gave good service for twenty-five years more. She made her last trip across the ocean in 1878. Not long ago a movement was started by the Grand Army of the Repubh'c to raise a fund, which was to be used to repair the ConstHution. The movement was nation-wide, and every scholar in the schools of the United States was asked to con- tribute one penny. The week of October 11 to 17 was called ''Old Ironsides Week' and during that time contributions were made. Since 1878 the Constitution has lain in the Boston Navy Yard as a barrack ship, where it may still be seen. Ruth La Vange, '27. DAWN » Amid colors indescribable, which no artist can hope to re- produce, the sun, a brilliant red ball of fire, forces its w ay through multi-colored clouds and drives the last shadow of night far into the other side of the world. Men travel miles to view the Ba ' tine- of master artists, but millions sleep as a picture excelling all the art of man is painted on a canvas all can see and enjoy. This great scene so easy for all of us to delight in is viewed by few and their only comment is, ''Another hard day's work at hand. John Prouty, '26.

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THE CHIMES 3 A FRIEND What is a friend? First of all a friend must be some one whom you admire and respect ; for a person you look down upon can never be your friend. A friend is one who will stand by you through thick and thin. He is as true in the darkest hour as when fortune smiles on you. When others condemn you for some misdeed, he will stand by you. He will not say you did right, but he will help you to redeem yourself. He is not one to whom you need tell everything. He will trust in you when you cannot give a reason for your actions. He has faith in you when another would demand an explana- tion. But when you do confide in him, he respects your confi- dence. A friend does not proclaim your praises in a loud voice sim- ply to win your favor, but neither will he stand by and hear your name dishonored. He is as loyal when your back is turned as to your face. A friend does not express his sym- pathy for your sorrow in a torrent of well-meaning words, but by soothing hand and kindly eye, comforts you more than mere words can ever do. He does for you the many little things that no one but a friend would ever think of doing, he Knows your good and bad points and does not feel hurt or offended at your sudden outburst of temper or changing moods. He is willing to help you though it means a sacrifice on his part. A friend is one to whom you can go in sorrow or discouragement and find solace and comfort. Nor does his friendship end with death. He is the one who years afterwards sheds a tear on your grave when all others have forgotten you. A real friend is one of the most priceless things in the world, but to have a friend you must be a friend. Helen Healy, '26. A BRIEF HISTORY OF OLD IRONSIDES The frigate Comtitution, affectionately known as Old Iron- sides, is the most famous ship in American history. She was a 44-gun frigate, built in 1794 and launched September 20, 1797. Her record is one of victory from beginning to end. In every battle she was victorious and her fame still lives. As the flag-ship of Commodore Preble, the Constitut'on took part in the bombardment of Tripoli. She became really famous in the War of 1812. Her most famous battle was with the English ship, Gueri- ere. Dacres, commander of the Gueriere, had issued a chal- lenge stating that he would take on any American ship, and was convinced that he could beat and capture it.

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THE CHIMES 5 A STUDENT As the word ''student is applied, it usually means a person who attends a school, a college, or a higher institution of learning. The younger person, perhaps, is the greatest student. A child from the time he begins to walk is learning something. Each day he finds out the name of some new thing, or ac- complishes some new task. The older person has learned all these things which the child is just learning. But, he has many things to learn and accomplish also. His ideas are connected more with the philosophical questions of life, and the further development of science, now that he has learned the technicalities. For instance, the chemist experiments with acids and gases to find out their effects on certain things. In experimenting he learns not only what he is trying to find out, but something perhaps that he has never before thought of. Through every walk of life, people are finding out some- thing that will aid them in what they are doing — whether it be a new device, or a new method for doing their work. So, why should we confine the word ''student to a person who attends school? Aren't we all attending, the greater, more wonderful, and broader school of experience? Aren't we all students in this school? Bessie Monahan, '26. OPPORTUNITY To the window of thy heart Comes a wanderer peering in, Calling, with a merry shout, Opportunity waits without; Dreamer wake and let me in, Sleeping now is deadly sin ; Only once I pass thy way, Just today we two are kin. Regret shall call, with setting sun, Follow 'till life's span is run. If my help you scoffing shun, True Endeavor is my squire, He will tend thy house and fire; Quickly come, then let me in, I can help life's race to win. See how the fallen line the way, Yet on each I called one day ; Now they cumber up the earth, Useless bulk and wasted birth. Take my hand and strive to win, Dream no more, but let me in, I'll slay the dragon Might-Have-Been. Hazel G. Eaton, '26.