The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1919-02-12
AFTER 5000 YEARS

This is important in the history of mans de-
velopment. 1t represents the supreme writing
achievement of 5000 years.
Fifty centuries ago men clothed in skins and
armed with flint-headed clubs invented hierog-
lyphics-the first attempt to express thoughts in
writing. The stone age man wrote word day.
The history of alphabets and writing teaches
US that man is never satisfied Eternally he seeks
la quicker way Of doing things-a shortcut.
AS far back as the Romans we find shorthand
in use The first system was invented by Marcus
Tullius Trio, the slave-secretary of Cicero.
The typewriter by which man called machin-
cry to his aid in penmanship, was introduced in
the year TIA by Henry Mill, an Englishman
Laborious indeed were mans first attempts at
writing No alphabet was at his command Only
by series of crude pictures could he set down
his thoughts.
If we believe the scientists, mans struggle to
perfect writing system extends back to the Ice
Age 1OO 900 years ago when the first writer's drew
pictures on the walls Of caverns near Niaux in
the Pyrennes mountains between Spain and
France. These pictures, drawn in outline with
mixture of grease and black oxide of manganese,
show horses, cave men and sbisons The artist
writer, ignorant Of any language, was trying to
hunt. .6Sygx& sssEss
What is most important in the shorthand
record established by the New York court re-
porter? 49, - "a asss. So
First of all, it marks the highest point attained
|by the human race in an effort that has gone on
INCREASINGLY through from so to 1000 centuries.
Mans progress is slow, painfully slow, but also
sure.
The exploit Of Herman J. Stitch further Illus
trates the wonders possible to the finger skill of
man.
1t shows that when hand labor is backed by
effort of the BRAIN the individual has unlimited
possibilities.
A few weeks ago it was thought that 1870
words minute was the limit possible in taking
down shorthand. ggIfG Ii $ESEsft /
Now comes an obscure court reporter and al
most doubles the speed. ~
Man has pert ected nothing All is subject TO
change, Improvement. The goal toward which we
strive is like the horizon-it moves forward as we
advance. @-8 II l. Z" 81
We can never reach the last word in any,
thing, for, once we reach it, it becomes only
milestone on the path and new possible goals
emerge from the fogs ahead e. NE
AS man hasI labored through centuries to per-
feet writing I'D has he .tdled to- better ehving
conditions of the common man. 1t is a hard fight
slow, wearisome at times discouraging-
always there is Improvement and greater vision
CT the better things that lie ahead if we continue
the struggle
1t is good to dream of Utopia, but better to
lock the stable.
Add to the price of peace the guaranteed price
of this years wheat CROP
Fear of seeming dsloya to our allies may
make us disoyal to America. -
All good men go to Heaven, and the others go
to Her, that u.s. Holland. "
The Huns relied on mass formation and now
they rely on mess formation .e
Man is insignificant, and we call city great be-
cause it is massed insignifcance.
There are enough good lawyers in the senate
to find the jokers in the peace treaty. ....s
The crown prince is wearing wooden shoes now,
probably as delicate compliment TO his head.
We ask God for help, and then give all the
praise to the man He uses as an instrument.
Germany's proposition was that might made
right and eventually we demonstrated the truth
| of it. ..... ~
There is nothing in this camor about profteers.
The three big packers made only IS millions in
1877