St Joseph Academy - Jomara Yearbook (Yakima, WA)

Page 45 text:

T H E A U R O R A Thirty-seven MONEY, BY AGNES REPPLIER, A CRITICISM In the short introduction to her essay Agnes Repplier strikes the key-note of her subject. That a desire to do good is not, and never has been a motive power in the acquisition of wealth. She then takes you into her confidence and tells you of the dangers lurking behind the acquisition of metal discs. Some of the author's convincing arguments as to the menace of wealth are shown in her analysis of the effect of money on the individual, on patriotism, on citizenship, and on the country. To the individual money becomes an inordinate desire. Every class resents the extravagance of every other class but none will practice denial. Then also money grossly intrudes itself into the quiet places of life and one becomes a money seeker. Then as though we were not convinced of the truth of this argument, she draws our attention to something of more vital importance than the individual, that is, the reaction of money on patriotism, citizenship, and our country. There are people whose love of country and citizenship are in proportion to the amount of money they possess. In regard to our country the reluctance to practice economy indicates a weakness in the moral fiber of a nation, a dangerous absence of pride. The strongest reason of the author, in support of her belief, is one which clearly exemplifies the keynote of the essay by alluding to the need of others at this time. We disregard this need and find pleasure in the purchase of luxuries. The argument of this phase of money is clinched by the appropriate quotation. 'Tis man's perdition to be safe and ' tis his deepest and deadliest perdition to profit by the misfortunes of others. The author's idea of the spiritual effect of money is a pleasing change from her ideas on material things. The principal thought is contained in the words: Money has no power to get us any place worth reach- ing, no power to quicken the intellectual and spiritual potencies of the soul. We must then educate the faculties of thought to center on God's voice bidding us pursue ideals which are real, else our service becomes idolatry, and a blight falls upon our nobler selves, if we make money and its equivalents a life purpose. The conclusion of the essay is short, to the point, and in keeping with the preceding arguments. In it there is an admission of the peril of prosperity and a hope that for our own sake, no less for the world's sake, we must show that we coin money in no base spirit, and that we cherish it with no base passion. Our possessions belong to us only in a mechanical way. The poet owns the stars and the moonlit heavens, the mountains and the rivers, the flowers and the birds more truly than a millionaire owns his money. Miss Repplier would warn us, that laudable though it may be to seek money under the enthusiasm of the noble ends which it might subserve, that some blight of circumstance may fall upon that enthusiasm, and seize upon the means and convert them into ends. The author's style of writing is prominent throughout the essay in her lightness of touch, humor coupled with seriousness, clearness, and rapid movement. There are references to the Apostles, Saints, and history. Few figures of speech are used. In fact, the writer confines herself to one, personification. The long and short paragraphs and sentences are unified in thought. Agnes Repplier's unstudied diction is a feature which tends to bring her nearer to her readers, and, thus, convince them the more readily, of the truth of her arguments. - ELEANOR WEIDEMAN, '24.

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T H E A U R O R A Thirty-nine DOROTHY STRAUB - PRESIDENT MARGARET HARRIS - - VICE PRESIDENT PAULINE MULLOOLY - SECRETARY HELEN FREIMAN - TREASURER CLASS MOTTO Efort is the beginning of success. CLASS FLOWER White Rose CLASS COLORS Lavender and Silver ROLL CALL MARY ACKENHAUSEN ELSIE HARRINGTON AMY BROWN MARGARET HARRIS ELSIE DOYLE EVELYN MECHTEL ERVILLA DUNHAM PAULINE MULLOOLY GRACE EATON ALICE ST. HILAIRE IRENE FEARON ' PATRICIA STEPHENS HELEN FREIMAN DOROTHY STRAUB IONA HANLON MARGARET WEBER