Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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7 «ujntRv iivUt IvAXIN CNGUSH SCHOOLS Vol. XVI. Somerville, Massachusetts, January, 1907. No. 4 The Radiator is published by the Somerville I.atin and English High Schools on the last Thursday of every month during the school year, and only important news matter can be received after the 10th of the month. Matter for insertion may l»e left with any of the editorial staff or mailed to the editor at the English High School. In contributing, write on one side of the paper only and sign full name (this is for reference only). Communications, according to their nature, should he addressed to the editor, business manager, or exchange editor. Manuscript must be accompanied by necessary postage to insure its return. Terms, 75 Cents per Year Single Copies, 10 Cents SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT Editorial Staff JEDitorsinsCblef WALTER H. MC INTOSH, E.. ’07 associate Editor ADA F. HALLETT, L.. '07 Ercbaime Editor MARGARET A. SARGENT, L., '07 Sporting Editor JASPER A. LANE. E., '07 alumni Editors CORA H. SARGENT. E., ’07 HAZEL WHITE, L., ’07 business fcnnaflcr ARTHUR L. THAYER. E.. ‘08 assistant business fcanaocr HOWARD GRAY. L.. '07 Second assistant business Rana er FRED A. HOYT. L.. '09 {Treasurer GEORGE M. HOSMER (Faculty) Staff artist ' HAROLD E. KEBBON. E.. '08 Class ESMtors Einilisb School CHARLES HILLIARD. 07 ED VI4 A. SIBLEY. '08 WALTER PILCHER. '09 ANDREW HANDLEY. '10 Xatin School HENRY G. DOYLE. ’07 F. D. CCOPE, '08 SPENCER L. SAWYER, ’09 ARTHUR H. SANBORN. M0

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72 THE SOMERVILLE RADIATOR EDITORIAL'S As prophesied in our last issue, the question oi the abolition of fraternities and sororities has arisen in Somerville, and the following extract is the re- sult of the school board’s discussion :— “The question of the influence of secret societies in high schools is being discussed very generally throughout the country, especially in the West, where they are most numerous and have made the most trouble, and where the.most successful efforts have been made against them. In a recent court decision the following seven objections to these so- cieties were given : The detrimental influence upon the schools, the evil effects upon the pupils, their practical useiessness, their undemocratic nature, the false standard they erect in opposition to the ideals of the school authorities, their danger from the standpoint of school government, and, finally, the inherent viciousness of any system which makes paramount the decision of immature minds on questions of social or other distinction in the schools.’ “Each of these reasons was supported by strong evidence. While these societies now exist in our own high schools to only a limited extent, unless checked they will surely increase and may occasion much trouble. It is therefore “Resolved, that the school board of Somerville joins with principals and teachers in looking with strong disfavor upon secret societies in our high schools, and urges both pupils and their parents to use their efforts and influence to discourage the for- mation or the extension of any such organizations.” 'flic claim put forth that these organizations arc pernicious to the best interests of school life may in general be true, but in Somerville, so far as we can learn, there have been no organizations with principles antagonistic to those of the school. To sustain the above statement we quote Mr. South- worth in his annual report of 11)05: “There has been no conflict between school authorities and secret societies (save in a single instance)”; all of which goes to show that although fraternities in the West may have been proven as detrimental to their schools’ welfare, there is as yet no reason for their abolishment in our schools. It is exceedingly gratifying to the pupils at large that no definite action has been taken upon the matter, and it is their earnest hope that such action will be indefinitely withheld. Doubtless the most effective means toward bringing about the above result will be the continuance of such action and attitude on the part of the societies themselves as may merit the approval of the authorities. ► K The difficulty between the authorities of the Uni- versity of Maine and the State Legislature is most regrettable. The Legislature’s refusal to grant an appropriation for the use of the college, which is in great need of such aid, shows a deplorable amount of narrow-mindedness on their part. When dissolution threatens a college, especially a state college, the state government should be the first to respond to an appeal for help. Seniors: few short months, astonishingly short months, and—can you realize it?—our High School course will be finished. Congenial friends will separate, perhaps never to meet again. Our care- free. irresponsible boyhood and girlhood days will have come to an end. and before 11s will be life’s great battle to fight, a contest which is sometimes won, but more often lost. It is a serious matter, Seniors, and is worthy of serious consideration. Are you prepared for the fray? Can you fight a winning battle? If not. make these few last months worth while. Make them a period upon which you may never look with regret. a r r The recent outbreak of scarlet fever in Somer- ville had at first all the features of an epidemic. The efficiency of the Roard of Health, however, came to the rescue, and the alarm predominating at one time amongst the residents has somewhat subsided.