United Township High School - Skyline Yearbook (East Moline, IL)

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and mind in order to earn immediate smaller wages. Why is so m wh waste and expense tolerated by our country when schools are provided in which special courses are given to train the youths, while in this immature stage. Under special supervision, the work is mapped out and better results are obtained in the least time with the least expense. A fundamental scientific knowledge of the subject enables the scholar to handle the professional work in a greater degree of satisfaction to himself and his fellow-men. He will be counted as an efficient man, worthy of instructing inexperienced men in his department. He is trained in relying on himself and how much can be done by confidence in one’s ability. Thomas Edison, one of America’s most prominent, present day inventors is an example of a self-reliant man. How successfully he moves about managing his force, giving directions, and working out the most carefully devised plans of complicated machinery. Our nation is breathlessly awaiting the outcome of his latest invention. Many of the wealthy citizens have erected libraries, business schools, and so forth, for the use of the public. Along with Benjamin Franklin we have today many enlightened men such as Carnegie, who have done much toward the promotion of the public library. The reading material found on the shelves is of such a variety to satisfy the most fastidious reader. Accounts are found of events that have occurred during the recent years in the magazines, and earl'er events can be found in the many volumes of histories. Consequently information regarding any current topic can be obtained with no expense. In the large cities are the business schools, which the youth may attend and receive a business education with less expense and in less time than he who wishes to enter a more select profession. Along the line of higher schools, we have universities at which any course as farming, domestic science, engineering, pharmacy, dentistry, law. surgery, or theology can be taken and a clear view of the subject obtained. But before these schools were possible, we had men of such sterling quality as Lincoln, wffiose works have stood the test of time and are still living today. But how much more they could have accomplished if they could have had the advantages of the present day system of education to help their crude, unscientific attempts. Another wave tosses us madly. This time moaning what will you do with your acquired wealth? Russia now faces three serious problems, namely: the chaotic condition of her country necessitating home military rule; the education of her illiterate citizens, and the distribution of her hoarded wealth—the last no doubt the most imminent to be settled. Is Russia going to hoard her wealth all for her owrn ends, or is she going to aid the Allies in their struggle? Likewise, the citizens of the United States, who have accumulated great sums, should they invest their money in some enterprise for the benefit of humanity or selfishly refuse and lavish it upon themselves to live in luxury and extravagance? The great food problems and the high cost of living are forcing every one to live as economically as possible, yet the wealthy continue having costly banquets and expending great sums for one evening’s pleasure. More true happiness and pleasure would be derived by giving to the poor the necessities of life, which are so badly needed especially as seen in the large cities of today. The unequal distribution of wealth in this country is the cause of much crime and vice. Shrewd business men get a “corner” as it is called, on some commodity and the price the consumer is forced to pay is outrageous. In reviewing these ponderous movements and what has already been accomplished by our predecessors, we are and will be perplexed at what part we should take in maintaining and elevating them in the future. Sometimes these waves will be too tremendous for us to abreast. We shall have to steer toward you, oh, kind and strong patrons, who have guided us this far, to pilot us, the class of 1917, which is launched, but not anchored. EDNA PETERSON, ’17.

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JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS President—Hilma Anderson Vice President—Edith Forrest Secretary—Bernice Mason Treasurer—Grace Hink MOTTO—Not at the top, but climbing FLOWER—Wild Rose COLORS—Blue and Gray CLASS ROLL Tracy Aldrich Hilma Anderson Walter Christopher Edith Forrest Grace Hink Verna Long Lila Lundquist Bernice Mason Marguerite McGinnis Lenord Nelson Harry Walker Margerie Wiltamuth Hazel Wolgamot Joseph Berry Howard Gumm Irene Taes Gladys Taylor Harold Taft