The Republican journal., 1902-03-13
HIGH SCHOOL NOTES.

When "Englsh" comes our hearts 20 pit-a-
If asked to distinguish between (which"
and "that.''
We shake and tremble when we're asked,
NV no can do it ?"
But NO we eqs know san it. so we're told to study M till
School closes Friday for spring vacation
of two weeks.
Examinations this term bring a welcome
relief from book exams The system re-
Gently adopted of reading parts of the re-
quired books in class, and discussing them,
finds favor with teacher and pupil.
The Sophomore English and Freshmen
English classes are doing good work, speci-
mems of. which will appear from time to
time in this column, beginning with our next
number. 1t is thought best, for many rea-
sons, to withhold the name of the writer, so
merely the class numeral will be affixed.
The B. Ii. S. Literary Club was called to
order last Friday evening with the presi-
dent in the chair. Owing to the absence of
the regular secretary, Miss Heal was ap-
pointed secretary pro TEN by the chair. On
motion of Mr.. Howard, bylaw with
reference to the meetings was adopted.
The entertainment committee reported the
program for the next meeting, and the
evenings program began with a debate
Resolved, That the proposed canal route
across the 1sthmus of Nicaragua is prefer
able to that across the IsthmuS of Panama -
tive. He spoke of its nearer situation as a
decided point in its favor, making the
voyage of steamers sailing from New York
to San Francisco two days shorter than by
the Panama route. He stated, also, that
the SOIL climatic conditions and geographic
cal situation were all more favorable at
Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua, he said, would
furnish an unfailing water supply, while
at Panama the supply would be precarious.
The time of construction was also favora-
BILE, as during two of the years spent in
excavating at Panama Nicaragua would
be paying for itself. The prevalence of
the doldrums at Panama was spoken Of,
while at Nicaragua fair winds and smooth
seas prevail. The difference in cost, a
paltry five millions, would soon be made
up, it was claimed, by greater profits
Mr.. Read then took the floor for the
negative. He called the attention of his
audience to the fact that not only the cost
but the maintenance of Nicaragua would
greatly exceed that of Panama, and al
though the United States was rich coun-
try she would not long remain so if money
was needlessly wasted He said that for
rapid transit the railway lines were employ
ed, and the difference of two days was not
to be considered. Mr.. Read also said that
the Panama route would be much shorter
for vessels sailing from New York to South
American ports, to Peru, for instance; and
that a large trade would be rapidly built
up between the countries. In reference to
the climate he contended that the U. S. san
itarian systems would soon overcome all
objections in that line. He contended that
the danger in the locks would be much
greater at Nicaragua on account of the fire.
quency Of volcanic eruptions and as to the
dodrums, he said that steam was coming
into use SO rapidly, to the exclusion Of sail
ing vessels, that this fact would have very
little weight Mr.. Stevens again took the
floor for the affirmative. He said the esti,
mates of cost were not to be depended upon
as the Panama Company had already eX,
pended amounts much greater than the esti
mates. In reference to the earthquakes, he
| said that shock felt at Nicaragua would
be as severe at Panama, but 400 miles away
AS to the greater length of the canal, why
he said, sail 500 miles farther to reach
shorter canal Most of the exports from
Peru are now received at San Francisco
and the canals would not affect this trade il
the least. The greatest amount of com
merce, Mr.. Stevens said, is between Sar
Francisco and the Philippines and New
York, and by the Nicaragua route eigh
days, at least, would by saved by sailing
vessels. The terrific heat at Panama makes
the climate almost unbearahle, and out of d
engineers, workmen, etc. sent out by thu
Panama company, but three were alive il
| LQr6o months. lie Sdlu no SANITARY pre-
cautions could overcome the ravages o
yellow fever and other prevalent diseases
He concluded his argument by saying tina
the thirteen millions more for the mante
nance of Nicaragua would not be thowl
away, but would go into the pockets of tn
employees Mr.. Read disputed the fact tha
shocks would be felt at the distance men
toned, and mentioned the 43 recent ones a
Nicaragua, which had not been felt a
Panama He said the extra thirteen mil
lions might better be kept in the L. S. Th
terminal harbors, he said, were far supero
at Panama. He concluded with lis reasons
for his attitude-the cheaper cost and main
tenance of Panama; new South American
| trade which would be encouraged; tn,
shorter distance, making less danger, and
in time of war, fewer troops to guard it
and its superior harbors. At the conclu
sion of the debate the committee appointe,
to collect and count votes reported that tn,
ballot stood SO to in favor of the propose,
route across Nicaragua.
Miss Chamberlain sang "The Heroes VIII,
| Sank on the Maine very prettily ant
received much applause, and Miss Ev.
| Knowlton, who followed recited the poem
''Life is But Dream in very pleasing