The morning call., 1893-03-06
GO IN, STUDENTS.
Write an Essay and Win
a Prize.
COLUMBUS IS THE SUBJECT.
This Great Man and His Discoveries
Furnish a Wide Field for
Earnest Thought.

know what 10 write about; but the compel
Itors of The Calls prize-essay contest
have clear line of thought mapped out for
them.
Already a number of excellent produc-
tious have been sent in by the students at
San Jose. and bright young pupils in other
parts of the State are also beStirring them
selves.
THE Discovery of America by Column
bus'' Is indeed a fruitful theme for a student
OF history.
History is one of the principal branches
taught in the schools. The students have
all read Of the great discoveries wonderful
achievement. and some of them know the
story almost by heart. The chief trouble,
however, in writing of him is the lack of
originality of expression.
Originality OF thought and expression
will be a potent factor in awarding the
$50 gold-pieee for the first prize and SO for
the second.
This should inspire the students to deeds
, of literary Yalor and help them make a
name for themselves, for the prize-winning
essays will be published in THE CALL
Go in, students, and strive for the prize.
If you win you viii find that you have
future which lies mostly ahead Of you.
Some day you may become great.
Take up the theme from the very begin
ming and pursue it TO the end. and you will
surely find something new on which to ex-
pend careful thought.
Columbus, it is said, met with many
obstacles in his efforts to discover us. They
would have early discouraged less deter
mined man than Columbus, and his conduct
in the matter should be your guide in the
composition contest.
You doubtless remember, students, that
Columbus dropped over from Palos. Italy,
one day IN the spring Of 1892, to Madrid on
business Of importance connected with the
expedition.
. The Santa Maria was lying in the stream
st PalOs ready to SAIL but her commander
could not raise the wind. so to speak.
This fact, it developed later. was what
brought Columbus to Madrid. While walk
ing down the street. with his hands in his
pockets and wondering how in the world he
was ever going to get started in search of
us, he saw Queen lsabella's carriage stand
ing in front of a dry-goods store.
Ferdinand was reclining laziIy on the rear
cushions with his feet on the front ones,
smoking cigarette. As Columbus saunt-
cred NJ the King blew cloud of smoke
from his mouth and remarked:
Hello there. Chris, me boy. How's
business ?"
IT'S pretty rocky. Ferd." replied Column
bus, discOn solately. 81 haven't discovered
anything worth mentioning for month"
Nv hat seems to be the trouble? ?"
Broke. How are you fxed?"
Ferdinand gave his head a significant
jerk in the direction of the dry-goods store,
and Columbus understood.
% He was about to turn YEARLY away when
Isabella came out of the store, followed by
a boy with his arms full of bundles As
she was about TO follow them into The car.
rage, Columbus stepped forward and prof
tefed assistance.
well, if here Isn't Chris 7" she exclaimed,
in accents of delight. why, 1 haven't
= seen you in an age"
This made Columbus feel good, for he
used 10 90 to school with Isabella and he
thought che had forgotten him But it
seems that such was not the case.
Encouraged by her friendly greeting, he
fingered beside the carriage, rested one foot
on the hub of hind wheel, accepted
cigar from Ferdinand, and told them ali
about it.
1T has been the ambition Of my life," he
explained, "tO discover America. l have
GAEaA } 4OulQ u lew bSEOuu anu IllI0 class
continents, but want 10 do something big
now and get long account Of it in the
papers,
'Ohr | see" unused Isabella. sizeing Column
bus up out of the corners of her eyes.
Two weeks ago 1 was ready to sail"
continued Columbus, "but have been having
trouble with the sailors. / belong to the
Ship Owners Association. and we have put
three nOn-union crews aboard the Maria,
but the union men took them off every time.
What little money l had went for hospital
expenses, bail and doctor bills, and that
left me dead broke"
Poor fellow!" sighed Isabella gazing re-
gretfully at the bundles of costly goods
scattered around in the bottom of the car
riage.
My vessel is ready for sea. All 1 need
now is crew and enough money to pay
tOwage and pilot fees when we get to Amer
lea. Goodness only knows where it's COM
ing from" and poor Columbus almost
'sobbed in his misery.
Jump in here. Chris" she exclaimed,
greatly moved by the sight of his detection.
N o one shall ever say that America went
undiscovered on my account. Lay en- the
whip. coacbman, and drive US to Lowen-
but peyer mind his name, you know the
place we'll"
And as the carriage sped rapidly through
the streets the noble Queen tore the Jewels
from her throat and fingers.
Students of history are familiar with the
outcome of Isabela's generous act. We
were discovered.
with the assistance Of the police Column
. bus got his crew on board the Santa Maria
and set sail. For many weary weeks he
sailed.
sail on, sail on, and on and on" he
said. quoting Joaquin Miller, till at last the
world ne sought rose up out of the sea.
When he landed Columbus found, to his
intense disgust. that the natives were near
y tour centuries in advance Of the fash
ions. Indians in their feathers and war
~Loops came down to greet him. and Co.
mbus said:
Il have also discovered the crinoline and
; il gives me a pain"
This is not one 1.-THE OF what Columbus
saw, or said or did. Much of his history
San Jose students an opportunity to reveal
il to the world. You have until March Is
TO send In the essays, so there is yet time.
Let every student carefully read the fol-
lowing directions and then write an essay
> TO the best of his ability.
cantestants must not be over Is years
OF age.
The essays are to be of not less than
500 nor more than 1900 words.
Every contestant must be enrolled in
some school in San Jose. The schooImay
e"pubiic, private denomIn tionaI
livery boy or girl who is going to school
. Is eIiG bic.
1;he essays must be received by The
Call" by March Is.
Address 1.-THE CALL, 500 Clay street,
San FIR ncIsco."
Indorse on the envelope, Essay Con-
: If you want your manuscript returned
inelose return postage.
Use paper ONO size and write on only
one side OF the paper.