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A Magazine for SNPJ Juveniles
NOVEMBER
1943
Mladinski List
JUVENILE
IVAN MOLEK ------ Editor
PHILIP GODINA -	-	-	Business	Manager
CONTENTS FOR NOVEMBER, 1943
Vsebina novembrske številke
POEMS, STORIES, PLAYS, ETC.
Angel of the Battlefield, The.........
Christmas Meeting in the SNPJ, A......
Lukec in njegov škorec (nadaljevanje)..
‘'Mladinskega lista” prvi dnevi (pesem)
Resnica (pesem) ......................
ARTICLES
In Honor of the SNPJ Juvenile Thirtieth Anniversary....................... 1
FEATURES
Just for Fun..............................................................11
Let’s Play Games..........................................................12
Origin of the World, The.................................................. 9
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the	SNPJ................................. 25
Our Pen Pals Write .......................................................28
Our School ......................................................... ;....18
Zgodba o bombažu .......................................................  13
Published monthly by the Slovene National Benefit Society for the members of its Juvenile Department. Annual subscription, $1.20; half year, 60c; foreign subscription, $1.50. Address: 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago 23, 111. Entered as second-class matter August 2, 1922, at the post office at Chicago, 111., under Act of August 24, 1912.
Page
.... 5
....14
.... 6
.... 4
.... 8
MLADINSKI LIST
JUVENILE
LETO XXII—ŠT. 11	CHICAGO,	NOVEMBER,	1943	VOL.	XXII—No. 11
In Honor of the SNPJ Juvenile Thirtieth Anniversary
By Michael Vrhovnik, Juvenile Director
In October’s issue of the Mladinski List, we summarized briefly a number of important events which led to the organization of the SNPJ and, nine years later, to the establishment of the Juvenile Department. We also brought to your attention the progress made in membership growth and the kind of insurance protection offered by the Society for its juveniles.
If you are one who read the opening installment of this short history, then you are in position to answer the questions, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and by WHOM was the SNPJ organized. Not only that, but you should be able to tell or write a little about the principles and ideals upon which the Society was founded, for that, especially, is what made the SNPJ so different in the beginning from any other fraternal organization existing at that time.
The average boy or girl of school age, who is a member of the Society, should be able to give correct answers to such questions as— In what year were juveniles first admitted into the SNPJ? When were women first allowed to join? Were their duties any different from those of the men members?—Were their rights and privileges the same? Etc. If you can’t answer these questions, then you’d better start digging in right now and do a bit of reviewing. After you have done that, continue with this installment.
During the first eight years following the establishment of the Juvenile Department of the Society, little else was offered to juveniles except membership and a certificate of protection. Once the members were enrolled and their certificates issued, they were forgotten and treated in much the same manner as they were and still are, for that matter, by the commercial insurance companies —remembered only when the date for payment of assessment falls due.
It was noticed even at that early stage in the development of our Society that juvenile members, attaining the age of transfer, knew little, if anything, about the aims and purpose of the SNPJ, this in spite of the great interest and activity which prevailed in many homes and communities where SNPJ Lodges were located. As a rule, children were not “bothered” with such matters. They were allowed to go their own way much of the time, in fact too much of the time. The parents for the most part were unable to cope with the changes that were rapidly taking place—slow or unwilling to make adjustments to the new ways of life.
The leaders of the SNPJ realized these conditions more and more as time wore on. They knew something had to be done and done soon, or the Society would find itself without good leadership come the day when they were gone or unable to perform their duties. What to do—what to give the juvenile members to stimulate and encourage their interest and improve their mental attitude towards the Society was a hard problem for them to solve. This problem was made the more difficult because our “free-thought” teachings and many of our views on economic and political questions, while they were not wrong, were not in harmony with the general educational and religious programs championed by schools, churches, and other organized groups which worked strong and immediate influence on the minds of the children wherever they came in contact with them.
Greatly outnumbered though the SNPJ was and lacking the means with which to combat her enemies on even terms, our leaders, nevertheless, stood by their principles— They did not give them up. Slowly and resolutely they set about to the task—studied and labored unceasingly towards the day when their juveniles would have the oppor-
tunity to learn the real facts of life, the whole truth in language they could understand, brought right to the doors of their homes and lodges. It took a lot of hard work to succeed in the new venture, but the fact remains to this day that they did succeed and well.
It was during the spring and summer months of 1921 that a very important movement stirred the Society, causing a great deal of discussion and debate among the members. It concerned the proposed merger of the Slovene Workmen Benefit Union of Conemaugh, Pa., with the SNPJ, a merger which, when completed, was to bring thousands of members into the Society, including several thousand juveniles.
As the day approached for the opening of the Third Special SNPJ Convention in September of that year, it appeared very likely that the merger would be approved. With that thought embedded in their minds, the more influential leaders and delegates left for the scene of the Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, convinced that here was the opportunity they had been waiting for to do something of lasting good for their children and the Society. The merger agreement, binding the two societies together, was adopted and the proposition, inspired by the union of two large groups of juveniles, led to the founding of the “Mladinski List”, our monthly juvenile magazine.
It was 21 years ago last'July when the Mladinski List made its first appearance. This was almost a year after the Convention had given its “go” sign to the idea. It took all that time to complete the necessary arrangements for its publication. Those who charted its early course made sure that every step was in the right direction. They did not want the Society to be tagged with a failure as was another Slovene organization some time before that. We did not fail. Continuously from July, 1922, the Mladinski List has paid its regular visit to the homes of thousands of SNPJ juvenile members, where it has been welcomed month after month as a symbol of truth and fraternalism.
The first Editor of the Mladinski List was Jacob Zupančič (Zupan) of Chicago, now a member of the Supreme Finance Committee of the SNPJ. He was then a young man of twenty-six, ambitious and talented in the
Jacob Zupančič
(He was Ihe first Editor of the ML, and he edited the magazine in his private room.)
literary and cultural fields. His knowledge of the Slovene language and literature, and iiis firm adherence to the principles and ideals of the Society, qualified him for this position. But, as he himself admits, the job to begin with was certainly not an easy one. With the help of the Editors of the Prosveta and a number of Supreme Board members who volunteered as starting contributors, the task was lightened considerably, and more so later, when material from approved sources began to arrive from writers in Slovenia. Some two years later, his wife, Katka Zupančič, came to this country and it wasn’t long after that her poetic compositions began to grace the pages of the Mladinski List, and there they have beeft featured ever since.
Two words might well describe the early issues of the Mladinski List—humble and plain. The first six issues were composed of sixteen pages each, equally divided between Slovene and English contributions, with the Slovene given preference as to position in the front half of the magazine. The cover and inner pages were alike as to color and quality, black print on ordinary white newspaper. The pages were numbered consecutively, starting with the first issue of the
Katka Zupančič
(See her Slovene poem of the ML's first Editor in this issue.)
year and ending with the final page of the last.
As we examined the contents, we found interesting short stories, poems, articles, a few riddles, games, puzzles and jokes in each issue. The back, outside cover, we were quick to note, was devoted to a study of the Slovene language, starting with the alphabet and proceeding gradually to teach the members how to read and write Slovene. These monthly lessons were continued for many years and, no doubt, proved a valuable source of learning to many juvenile members now grown into manhood. Lucky the boys and girls who applied themselves.
The popularity of the Mladinski List spread quickly among both the juvenile and adult members of the SNPJ. In fact, soon after it appeared, suggestions were received that it be published twice each month instead of once, but for a number of very good reasons this suggestion was tabled, and instead, beginning with the first issue of 1923, the number of pages was increased from sixteen to
thirty-two, half Slovene and half English. In this form it was published for sixteen years.
In the last five years a number of striking improvements have been put into effect. A much better quality of paper is being used. The cover pages are of heavier material and of different color from month to month. There has been a large increase in number of drawings, pictures and illustrations. The Slovene and English contributions are mixed together with little regard to place. Color and variety have been substituted for the plainness of the past.
The aim of the Mladinski List is still the same as it was the month it started.—In the words of its first Editor, “To make men and women out of little boys and girls! Real, red-blooded men and women, the fighters for the rights of exploited working people!”— Our principles and ideals remain intact, the same today as they were forty years ago, as they will be one hundred years from now! They do not change with the times. Remember that, boys and girls, and continue your splendid work in the various sections and contests of the Mladinski List. It will lead to a world of democracy, freethought and freedom.
(Concluded next month)
GIRL READING
“MLADINSKEGA LISTA” PRVI DNEVI
Katka Zupančič
Nazaj se ozrimo
in čas premostimo
za dobo vseh dvajsetih let.
Pa najdemo izbico.
Nekdo za mizico v delu prav ves je ujet.
Na črke pik-pika, s strojem jih stika, da s čela na stroj mu kaplja. A misel, ko ptička je, noče v kletko še—
Dolgin se na tihem smehlja.
“Saj ‘prvo’ končano imam in lahko počitka si dam, ko meseca sklenjen bo krog. Kogar pa čas lovi,
si v Škarjah pomoč dobi-a tega ne trobi na rog .
Tu nekdo prištrka, na vrata potrka:
“Kako je, kako, urednik?
Že svinec pretapljajo,
škrati že čakajo
lista, ki nov bo mejnik!”
Dolgin mu požmigne, na postelj namigne:
“ ‘Detece’ vam tamkaj leži, v papir je zavito in tesno povito, da udkov gredoč ne zgubi—”
Ljubezen in nega ga varje naj zlega, ker trda spočetka bo pot.
Naj raste, naj cvete!
Kot bratec ‘Prosvete’ bo mladim tovariš povsod.”
PILGRIM GIRL
PILGRIM BOY
The Angel of the Battlefield
“There is not a peace society on the face of the earth so potent, so effectual against war as the Red Cross of Geneva.”
These were the words of Clara Barton, as she saw the workings of this marvelous organization while resting at Geneva, after her harrowing experiences during our Civil War. To it she had given strength, loving care, money—saying “What is my money to me if I have no country?”—unsparing devotion to the suffering and dying.
Indelibly traced in her book of memory when, worn out and sorrowful, she sought health in a foreign land, were Fredericksburg, Rappahannock, Morris Island, the battle of Chantilly where she bent over a dying boy, who took her tender ministries and soothing voice for those of his sister; then a short sleep on the wet ground of her tent, almost in the pathway of flying cavalry; furnishing bandages and cordials for the wounded at the terrible battle of Antietam, making gruel for fainting men from meal in which her medicines were packed, extracting with her own hands a bullet from the cheek of a wounded soldier. No wonder the soldiers called her The Angel of the Battlefield.
While at Geneva Miss Barton was visited by the International Committee of Geneva, that had for several years been doing as an organization, what she had attempted personally and alone. . . The most striking feature of its plan was its wide humanity. Its flag was the color of the national flag of Switzerland reversed—a red cross on a white ground. From this the society took its name —The Society of the Red Cross. It ministered “under a treaty of neutrality for all who wore its badge and were doing its humane work.”
Nearly all civilized nations had signed this treaty, even some who were not regarded as civilized. Twice it had been offered to the United States for signature. Twice 't received no response.
Knowing of Clara Barton’s work on the battle fields in her own land, leading members of the International Committee of Geneva naturally thought that she would be able to explain the reason of the United
States’ silence. But she was unable to make any explanation for the discourtesy. Possibly, she thought, the documents sent were in a foreign language, and had been passed on from one office to another, and finally forgotten.
While Miss Barton, still an invalid, in 1870, was in Berne, Switzerland, the world was startled by a declaration of war between Fiance and Prussia. Three days after Dr. Appia, one of the founders of the Society of the Red Cross, with other members, invited Miss Barton to go with them to the battle field. Waiting only a few days to gain a little more strength, she took with her a young French girl, and was on her way to the scene of action. As they passed along the frontier country toward Strassburg, the fleeing, frightened people could not believe the women were actually going to the battlefield of their own free will, and implored them to return.
On the field Miss Barton found that “everything was done systematically, quietly; surgeons, nurses, assistants, trained for the emergency promptly at work, supplies abundant; the wounded and dead moved from the field at once, so that the next day none of the dreadful debris of the conflict remained.”
“The terrible scenes of our own war came back to me,” said Clara Barton. “I thought of the Peninsula in McClellan’s campaign, of Pittsburg Landing, with its fourth day flag of truce, of the dead, and starving wounded, frozen to the ground, our commissions and supplies in Washington, with no effective organization or power to go beyond. . . As I worked with these Red Cross societies in the field, with their systematic organization—no mistakes, no needless suffering, no waste, no confusion, but order, plenty, cleanliness and comfort wherever that little flag made its way,—you will not wonder if I said to myself, ‘If I live to return to my country, I will try to make my people understand the Red Cross and that treaty’.”
Shiploads of supplies were sent from the United States during the Franco-Prussian war that for the most part went to waste, because they bore no stamp of the Red Cross, (Continued on page 8)
LUKEC IN NJEGOV ŠKOREC
Povest za mladino France Bevk
(Nadaljevanje)
21.
Naslednjega dne je sijalo solnce. Na nebu je bilo še nekaj belih oblakov, ki so izginjali bolj in bolj. Zrak je bil svež. Morje še ni bilo mirno, a valovi so bili majhni, da se je parnik le rahlo zibal.
Ljudje so polagoma prihajali na krov. Pre-čuta noč se jim je poznala na obrazih. Bili so bledi in slabe volje. Pripovedovali so si, kako so prestali bolezen. Kmalu je bilo slišati smeh. Nevihta je bila skoraj pozabljena.
Prikazal se je tudi Lukec s svojim škorcem. Bilo mu je že dobro. Le neko omotico je čutil v telesu.
Začudil se je, ko ni našel matere na krovu. Oziral se je na vse strani. V skupinah so stale ženske in si pripovedovale o nevihti.
Lukec jih ni vprašal po materi. Odšel je v spalnico za ženske. Na dveh posteljah je še spalo dvoje potnic. Tri ženske so imele opraviti s svojimi kovčegi. Matere ni bilo.
Stal je ko izgubljen.
“Kje je moja mati?”
Ženske so ga pogledale. Ena izmed njih je odprla usta in mu začela nekaj pripovedovati. Z roko mu je kazala v neznano smer.
Lukec je ni razumel. Kot pijan je prišel na krov. Poiskal je Slokarja.
“Kje je mati?”
Slokar je postal in pomislil.
“Počakaj me!”
Odšel je. Lukec je ostal na mestu. Ni ga zanimal škorec ne Spanjolka, ki ga je zaman klicala . . . Slokar se je kmalu vrnil. Imel je resen obraz. Pomignil mu je z roko.
“Pojdi z menoj!”
Sla sta. Po poti je vprašal Lukec plaho: “Kje je mati?”
“Bolna je.”
Lukcu so planile solze v oči. Stežka se je ubranil joka. Občutil je težo v prsih.
Stopila sta v bolniško sobo. Na dveh posteljah sta ležali neka Italijanka in neka Portugalka. Na tretji postelji je ležala mati vznak. Roke je držala na odeji. Oči je imela napol zaprte.
Lukec je stopil k postelji. Mati ga ni opa-
zila. V dečku se je porodila grenka skrb. Ni vedel, kaj naj stori, kaj naj reče. Prijel jo je za roko.
“Mati!”
Ta je odprla oči. Obrnila je glavo in pogledala na sina. Velika blaženost se ji je razlila po obrazu.
“Lukec!”
“Mati, ali ste bolni? Hudo?”
“Malo,” je dejala komaj slišno. In je skrbela zanj: “Ali je bilo tudi tebi slabo?”
“Tudi,” je dejal Lukec komaj slišno. Žalost mu je zadrgnila besedo. “Pa sem že dober . . . Saj boste . . . tudi vi ozdraveli . . .” “Bom,” je odgovorila. “Seveda bom . . .” Vstopil je zdravnik. Ni pogledal nikogar, šel je naravnost do bolnice . . . Dejal ji je nekaj in se nasmehnil. Mati ga je gledala z vprašujočim pogledom. Potipal ji je žilo, poslušal na njenih prsih. Dal ji je zdravil.
Lukec je gledal od daleč. Ko je zdravnik ogledal še ostali bolnici in hotel oditi, se je deček opogumil.
“Saj mati ... ne bo umrla?”
Zdravnik je postal. Gledal je v Lukca. Da, to je bil tisti deček, kateremu je ozdravil škorca. Videl ga je tudi pri kapitanu v pisarni. Nasmehnil se mu je, mu podal roko. Ni ga razumel. Slokar je ponovil Lukčevo vprašanje. Zdravnik se je zresnil. Gledal je v dečka dolgo, kakor da nekaj misli. “Kaj mi daš, če jo ozdravim?”
Lukec ni pomišljal. Obljubil je, kar je imel najdražjega.
“Škorca.”
“No, prav,” se je zdravnik nasmehnil. “Potrudil se bom.”
In je odšel.
22.
Lukec je ostal pri materi. Sedel je k postelji in jo gledal. Mati ni smela govoriti, ni se smela razburjati. Težko je sopla. Skozi pol odprte trepalnice je gledala v strop. Kaj je mislila. Kaj je trpela? Zdaj pa zdaj se je ozrla po sinu. Gledala ga je dolgo. Nato se mu je nasmehnila. Nasmehnil se je tudi on.
Zdravnik je prihajal in odhajal. Bil je resen, ko da je jezen. Ni dejal besede. Lukec je odšel le tupatam za trenutek. Takoj se je vrnil in znova sedel k postelji.
(Dalje prihodnjič.)
ps»iiia5£:
ATHLETICS Drawn by Bill Baliezar, Butte, Mont.
“RESNICA”
Katka Zupančič
Emil učenec je nov v razredu.
“Treba poslati še tega h pregledu ..
Hrapava, težka je pot do zdravnika—
Emil po nji se še komaj pomika.
Gladka in lahka je pot od zdravnika—
Emil pridirja in glasno skovika:
“Čujte resnico od mene, junaka!
Vprašal zdravnik me je: “Kje je napaka?”
Jaz pa, to vsakdo ve, pravi sem ptiček— in sem zdravniku pokazal jeziček . . .”
Tongue Twisters
The soldier’s shoulder strap slipped from the soldier’s shoulder.
Fat Frank flies flags and flings fireworks. Sweet Silly Susan sewed six split shirts.
The fritters Frannie flipped Friday fattened fussy Frannie.
Four funny fish flipping fins.
THE ANGEL OF THE BATTLEFIELD
(Continued from page 5)
and no one was authorized to receive them. After heroic service on the battlefield, for which Miss Barton received from Empress Augusta and the Emperor the Iron Cross of Merit, conferred only on those who earn it by heroic deeds on the field of battle; she worked in the devastated cities, where the poor had taken refuge during bombardments, and were living in squalor.
As soon as possible, after her return to the homeland, Clara Barton went to Washington to urge the acceptance of the Geneva Treaty. She found that the matter had been delayed and overlooked simply because “It had always been delayed.”
It was not until after the inauguration of President Garfield that the treaty received recognition and his hearty approval. Only his untimely death prevented him from signing it. This was left for his successor, President Arthur, who signed it.
One of Clara Barton’s close friends wrote: “And our country may know that one of its wisest, most humane treaties exists through the unwearying perseverance of a woman.”
And that woman—the Angel of the Battlefield—Clara Barton.
WINDY WASHY DAY
THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD
(Continued.)
It is not what you would call a pretty bird, but the naturalists only showed what they had. They added as little as possible to the form, only filling up the gaps so as to make a complete bird. But the main point is that it has teeth—well-marked, well-formed, definite teeth—and that is what proves the development of the bird from the reptile. Now we come back to the “bird tracks” in the Connecticut sandstone, and we see that they may have been the tracks of reptiles, just developing birdlike characteristics. Did the bird’s foot develop before the bird’s wing? Who can say? Geology is such a baby, and the stone book is so marred and mutilated that we really cannot tell; but we are quite sure that beasts and birds developed from reptiles, and that they came from amphibians, which came from the water. What a miracle!
CHAPTER XIX
The History of the Horse
It seems very easy to talk about the way that things change, but we see little or no change in the things about us, do we? The horse was always a donkey; just as the sheep was always a sheep, and a man was always a man. Yet here I am saying that everything has changed, and that all we see and know, even to the solid and mighty hills, was developed from the white fire-mist which once spread out in hazy mystery in the realms of space. If you believe that the world was really developed from the fire-mist, then you are compelled to believe that all things have developed on the earth, although it seems difficult. It would take such a long time for all things to change from a fire-mist, a simple fire-mist, to the complicated things that are on the earth today. It would take a long time, of course; but time is plentiful in eternity!
What we call time is just the sequence of events. The world turns round in twenty-four hours, and we call that a day; but a day is not a real thing. It is only the revolution of a ball. How many times will the ball revolve before it gets tired? The num-
ber of revolutions will give you the age of the world. We think that it is an important matter, but it is not, really. You have to change your point of view when you dare to ask how the world originated.
You think of the horse as a fixed type of animal, and so it is, relatively to other animals. All the same, a horse has developed, just as everything else has, and we are only now finding it out. I remember when Professor Marsh found the fossil remains of the horse in America, and yet we used to think there never had been any horses in America till the Spaniards took them over, after 1492. That was the date when Columbus discovered America. Think of Spaniards taking horses across the Atlantic in their little ships, over four hundred years ago! We bring horses from England to Australia now, 13,000 miles; but we carry them in steampships, and we know how long it will take, almost to an hour. When the Spaniards took horses across the Atlantic they had to trust to the wind, and they never knew how long they would be, and the ships were very, very small, and storms were just as frequent then as now. Yet they took the soldiers’ horses to America.
When I was a little boy, and read about Cortes and Pizarro conquering South America, I remember what an effect the sight of the horses had on the natives. They thought the horse and the man were one animal, and when the man fired his gun, and they saw the flame and heard the report, their terror of the new animal was complete. That was how the small band of Spaniards were able to conquer Mexico and all South America. The point I want to make here is simply that horses were quite unknown to the people in America. They had never seen or heard of one, and when the Spaniards came with their horses they were terrified at the sight of them. When the Spanish horses escaped to the great level lands of South America—the “Pampas” they call them—they flourished exceedingly, and grew wild, and galloped over all the land in enormous droves, like the waves of the sea.
You wonder why the horses had never ap-
peared in America when they had been so common in all historic time in Europe and Asia. When you learn that the bones of the fossil horse were discovered in America aftei'wards, when men began to study geology, you wonder still more. The horse was very common in America “once upon a time,” before men had ever seen America. The ancestor of the horse was developed in America, and must have been very widespread on that great continent. But how did it get from its home, in what we now call America, to the other parts of the world? Once you start thinking about this subject, you will find that there is no end to the wonder and to the curious things in connection with it. There must have been a great change in America to destroy the equine life entirely, but what that change was I am quite unable to explain. I want you to understand that the mystery of life and the world is greater to me than it can possibly be to you, for I have found out what a lot of things I do not know, while you are ignorant of your ignorance, to some extent at least.
An old-world poet named Lucretius who lived in Italy before the time of Christ, must have known that all things change, for he sang:—
Time makes mutable the whole world’s mass,
Which on from phase to phase must ever range;
Naught keeps its native likeness; all things pass,
All things by Nature’s laws must shift and change.
When I first read the history of the horse, as written in its own bones, in the Peabody Museum, in New Haven, Connecticut, U. S. A., I was too much surprised to understand it. I had always thought that the horse had been a horse from the commencement; but when I looked at the bones in the museum I saw that there had been a time when the horse was not a horse, as we understand the word. The geologists found the bones of the horse in Western America, buried in the rocks and clays and stones of an ancient world. They found that the horse, as we understand it, was an old animal in point of time, but—they discovered something else. They discovered that there was once a horse with three toes instead of the single hoof which it has now. They saw that an animal like the horse had existed in the
Upper Miocene times, but, instead of having one toe, it had three. They called it the hipparion, and they studied its character. Then, in the Upper Eocene, they discovered the ancestor of the hipparion, and it also had three toes; but the side ones were longer than in the hipparion, and it showed other differences as well, and and they called it the anchitherium. Then they discovered the ancestor of the anchitherium, which they called the orohippus, and it had four toes; and there was another named eohip-pus, but I forget when it came in. Now look at the bones of the horse’s feet, and tell me what difference you See! I have seen the bones themselves, and have read a good deal about them; and I am quite certain that these bones are the bones of the horse and its ancestors; and I am also quite certain that the horse of to-day is the descendant of the horses that lived in America long, long ago.
When you look at the foot and ankle of a horse, you will find that the splint bones —as they call them—are the relics of the big bones that existed long ago. The horse has developed one toe, and the others have all disappeared except the splint bones, which are but the milestones to direct us back to the horse’s ancestors.
I have not shown you the foot of the fivetoed horse, for the simple reason that I did not see it myself; but I have no doubt at all about its existence. There was once a fivetoed horse, but it was no larger than a fox or hare; it was a swift little creature, that flourished in the western parts of America a very long time ago—millions of years ago —and it grew bigger and stronger and swifter all through the ages, and gave rise to the quagga, and the ass, and all the varieties that exist today.
It died out in America. You can read all that I have been telling you in the stone books of geology; but you cannot read why the horse died out in America, nor how it reached Europe and Asia, nor can you read —as yet—where and when the changes took palce in the varieties of the horse, but— there are the bones in the New Haven Museum to show you that the changes have taken place.
(To be continued in next issue)
JUST FOR FUN
THANKSGIVING DAY
Mollie the mouse has errands to do.
So she gleefully skips to town;
Over stones and brush she gaily trips With her hat and basket brown.
Mollie the mouse buys a piece of cheese And corn so yellow and sweet;
A nibble of fruit and a bit of cake To make her shopping complete.
She's quite excited for there's work to do For tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day—
There's house to clean and dinner to cook. For the friends who will come to stay.
*****
Brain Teasers
1. The names Lincoln, Madison, and Jefferson are all names of Presidents. What else are they names of?
2. The largest island of the Philippines is: A— Oahu; B—Luzon; Cl—Kiska.
3. The rank of an Army officer who wears two silver bars is: A—‘Captain; B—Lt. Commander; C—Lt. Colonel.
4. The first Vice-President of the United States was: A—Adams; B—Madison; C—Jefferson.
5. Camouflaged targets can be detected by our bombardiers. (True of False.)
*****
Thanksgiving Quizzer
1. The favorite Thanksgiving dinner is: A—Ham; B—Beef; C—Turkey.
2. We celebrate this holiday on: A—Thursday; B—Friday; C—Monday.
3. Thanksgiving Day was celebrated by the Pilgrims about: A—100 years ago; B—200 years ago; C—300 years ago.
4. Boys and girls like Thanksgiving because: A —They see Indians; B—They get a holiday from school; C/—They can all eat a lot of goodies.
5. The first Thanksgiving was held to: A—Give thanks for a successful year; B—Make friends with the Indians; C—Make friendly relations with England.
*	* * * *
HOBBIES
Do you know what the hobbies are of the various
outstanding men in today's history? In Column
A are the names of the prominent men and in
Column B are the hobbies. Can you match them?
COLUMN A Pres. Roosevelt Winston Churchill Chas. F. Kettering H. V. Kaltenborn Henry Ford
COLUMN B Painting Reading
Stamp Collecting Clocks
Table Tennis
By Ernestine Jugj
Word Mystery
What occupation would you like to follow when you grow up? Susie and Bob made a list, but before you can read it you have to unscramble the words. Can you do it?
1.	awlrey	5.	inmer
2.	tiroava	6.	runse
3.	codrot	7.	heaeter
4.	neigneer	8.	hutberc
*	* * * *
Zany Zoo Names
Georgie and Pat went to the zoo one day and saw many animals. When they tried to write down the animals’ names, they could not speil them-. So they’ve only given us the first and last letter. It’s a tuffie, but you’ll be able 1o guess them.
1.	g-
2.	t-
3.	b-
4.	s-
5. k-
6. s-
7. 1-
8. z-
-o
-1
-d
-a
* * * * *
Problem of the Month
When you drop an object from a height it falls through 16.1 feet in the first second, 48.3 in the next, 80.5 in the third and so on, in arithmetical progression. How far will it fall in the 7th second? How far in seven seconds?
*	* * * *
FILMVILLE
Of the current movies now in local theaters, can you tell us what is wrong with the following movie titles?
1. For Whom the Bell Rings.
2. Cabin in the Clouds.
3. This is the Navy.
4. Watch on the River
5. My Horse Flicka
6. Back Door Canteen
*****
Let’s work hard with all our might To help our country win this fight.
Our soldier boys give t'heir all—
Let’s everyone heed our country’s call.
Help swing Vctory our way By buying bonds or stamps today.
*****
(Answers to Puzzles on Back Inside Cover Page.)
Rubber Heels
Mother: “Tommy, how is it I find you with your hand in the cookie jar?”
Tommy: “I don’t know, mother, unless it’s because you wear rubber heels.”
LET'S PLAY GAMES
“The spectral hand of Halloween,
With eerie and uncanny mien Bids you a welcome to its fete Where ghosts and witches you will greet And much, I’m sure, to your surprise, They’ll penetrate through your disguise And guide you through the secret pass That leads you to their haunt, Alas!
Enough is said—do not delay By eight at night They’ll hold full sway.”
A spooky, old-fashioned Halloween party is a grand way to bring the season to a close. Appropriate invitations should be sent out at least one week in advance. Decorating the room can be a lot of fun if you let your imagination run wild! Cornstalks, pumpkins, branches, and leaves should be scattered here and there. Witches, bats, and spiders should be hung on the walls. A witches cave in one corner may serve as a fortune telling booth. The cave effect can be achieved by turning a table over with the top to the wall and covering the legs and extending top with gray crepe paper. Branches and cornstalks complete the effect. A real looking gypsy fortune teller and a witch can prove big hit. And don’t forget to dim the lights with dark blue crepe paper. Games, of course, are always in order, so let’s start the party with—
Halloween Faces
A Halloween party is always more succesful if the guests are masked for at least part of the evening. Since it is often difficult to have the guests come masked, why not have them make their masks after they arrive? This can easily be done by giving each guest a large paper sack and some colored chalk or pieces of crayon. The sack is to be used as a hood, with holes torn out for the eyes. The chalk is used to decorate the masks. After all masks have been completed, the lights should be turned out. Each guest then puts on his paper sack and moves to a different position. When the lights are flashed on again, each guest tries to identify as many people as possible. As each person is identified a mark is put on his mask by the person who recognized him. As a surprise finish to this game, give a small prize to the guest who has the most marks on his mask, for being so well known.
Ghost Treasure
Draw one small circle in center of floor with four large circles equally distant from center. Divide group into four teams. Each team occupies one circle. This is their home base. A pile of peanuts or candy is placed in the center circle. Cut the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 from a calendar and pin on back of each member of corresponding group. Upon the signal to start, all players run out to get the treasure, carrying away one piece at a time. If a player’s number is taken
Submitted by Marge Jeric
off by an opponent while outside of home base, he is “dead” and out of the game. If more than one peanut is taken the guilty group is disqualified. Count the treasure to determine winners. All the spoils go to the winning group.
Dance of the Witches
Players form two circles—boys on the outside, girls on the inside. If more girls than boys, extra girls pair off half on outer and half on inner circle. One player marches in center of circle with broom in hands. A lively march is played as couples march around. When whistle blows, the inner circle reverses and both circles continue to march to music until the player in center drops the broom and makes a dash for a partner. The player left out is the “Witch” next time.
Apple Fortunes
It wouldn’t be Halloween without large . tubs of water and apples for apple ducking. If this isn’t convenient, apples may be strung on a clothesline, and players (with hands behind back) bob for apples. Be sure to string apples at various lengths so that small and tall alike may pick the apple closest to their mouth. After ducking or bobbing for apples, each person breaks or cuts his apple in half, and counts out his fortune.
“Murder”
The “witch” now announces that a “murder” is to be committed on the spot. Each person draws a slip from a box. What is on it is kept secret. Only one slip is marked, and it carries the one word “murderer.” The lights are turned out and the group mills around the room until the “murderer” finds his “victim.” He does this by putting his hand loosely about the throat of some person. That person screams and falls to the floor. The lights are flashed on. The “prosecuting attorney,” who has been selected previously, requires every person to take the “witness stand.” Each person, except the guilty party, must answer truthfully any question asked by the “attorney.” When the questioning is finished, the crowd votes on who they think is the “murderer.” Then the “murderer” confesses. A good prosecuting attorney can make this a most interesting feature.
Learn lo Be Cheerful
Learn to be cheerful. Tell a helpful story. A well-told story is as welcome as a sunbeam in a sickroom. It smooths the way.
Keep Your Troubles
Learn to keep your troubles to yourself. The world is too busy to linger over your petty ills and sorrows. Don’t burden others with your complaints. If you cannot see any good in the world, keep the bad to yourself.
ZGODBE 0 BOMBAŽU
(Nadaljevanje.)
Gospodje ravnatelji velikih tekstilnih tovarn postajajo nemirni. Kaj, če jim zmanjka bombaža? Ali naj ustavijo obrate? Ali naj se odrečejo poslovnim dobičkom?
“Halo! Halo!” telefonirajo gospodje ravnatelji svojim zaupnikom v Aleksandrijo, Kalkuto, Sin-gapor, Šanghai, New York, Bahijo. “Pokupite ves bombaž za nas! Po dnevni ceni. Ste razumeli?”
“Halo! Halo! Tu govori Aleksandrija, Kalkuta, Bahija,” se javljajo zaupniki. “Farmarji ne dajo bombaža po današnjih cenah.”
“Halo! Plačajte dražje!” odgovarjajo gospodje ravnatelji.
Halo! Halo! Kaj dela predsednik Roosevelt?
Halo! Halo! Predsednik Roosevelt sedi v “beli hiši” in se smehlja.
DON PEDRO ROSAS SE VESELI DOBRE LETINE
Račun predsednika Roosevelta ni bil popolnoma točen. Predsednik Roosevelt ni vedel, da živi nekje v Braziliji don Pedro Rosas
Don Pedro Rosas je podjeten gospod. Takih podjetnih gospodav pa je več. Žive v Braziliji, v Egiptu, v Vzhodni Afriki, v Avstraliji, v Indiji, na Kitajskem, na Sundskem otočju in še drugje.
Podjetni gospodje mnogo dajo na dober zaslužek. Ne zamude nobene prilike, kjer se lahko zasluži denar. V svojih računih navadno ne delajo napak. Kupčija je zanje nekaj resnega, kjer človek ne sme delati nobenih neumnosti. Prav dobro vedo, kdaj se izplača, da v kako podjetje vtaknejo svoj_ težko zasluženi denar, da jim da lepe obresti. Že v naprej točno določijo, če se bo zadeva posrečila ali ne.
Poleg podjetnih gospodov žive v teh pokrajinah še Indijanci, Kreoli, Črnci, Indijci, Malajci in Kitajci. Večinoma so delavci. Denarja nimajo in žive samo od dela svojih rok. Ker nimajo denarja, se ne spuščajo v kupčijo. Navadno so tudi slabi računarji. Računanje prepuščajo podjetnim gospodom.
Kako? No, pa poglejmo!
V Južni Ameriki je Brazilija. Brazilija je enakokrak trikotnik. Površina tega trikotnika znaša 8,511,190 štirjaških km. Na to ploskev bi lahko razgrnili štiri in trideset Jugoslavij. V Braziliji je torej dovolj prostora za tako ogromno reko kot je Amazonka z vsemi njenimi pritoki. Ob Amazonki in pritokih rastejo velikanski pragozdovi. V njih osrčja še nikdar ni stopila noga belega človeka. Po vejah pragozdnega drevja se vzpenjajo opice, v bujnem listju gnezdijo živopi-sani ptiči, v podrasti se skrivajo kače in mrzlica.
Šest desetin Brazilije namaka Amazonka s svojimi pritoki.
Južno od pragozdov so travnate ravnine. Kam-pos (campos) jim pravijo Brazilci. Polja bi rekli po naše. Na ravninah raste šopasta trava. Med travo se bohoti še lepše cvetje ko na severnoameriških prerijah. Tudi grmovje raste na ravninah.
Ravnine gnoji odmirajoča trava že od nekdaj.
Zemljo namakajo tople plohe. Vroče sonce jo pregreva.
Zemlja na braziljskih poljanah je rodovitna. Rodi kakor drugod malokje. Na tej zemlji zraste:
sadje, tobak, sladkorni trs,
kako (ena šestina svetovnega pridelka, ki znaša približno 513 milijonov kilogramov),
kava (ena tretjina svetovnega pridelka, ki znaša oribližno 1360 milijonov kilogramov).
Na braziljskih kamposih pa zraste tudi bombaž. Ni tako dober ko severnoameriški, a če tega ni dovolj, velja iudi braziljski.
Don Pedro Rosas, ki ga predsednik Roosevelt ni upošteval v svojem računu, je podjeten Brazi-ljec. Rad pripoveduje o sebi, da je potomec tistih junaških Portugalcev, ki so osvojili Brazilijo. Mogoče je to res, ker je don Pedro zelo ponosen in podjeten gospod. Vsi čistokrvni Braziljci so taki. Sicer pa nihče ne ve, od kod je don Pedro prišel.
Lepega dne se je pojavil v mestu. Bil je oblečen, kakor bi ga pravkar vzel iz škatlice. Na rokah se mu blešče težki, zlati, z dragulji okrašeni prstani. Njegova ura je pravi čudež iz zlata in dragega kamenja.
Nihče tudi ne ve, kje si je don Pedro vse to prislužil. Morda trguje s sladkornim trsom, morda s kavo, z gumijem, s kakaom, morda je lastnik kakega zlatokopa.
Brazilija je velika. Tam ljudje ne gledajo drug drugemu v lonec. V Braziliji ljudje niso na tesnem. Zato se za preteklost ne sprašujejo mnogo. In ne mislijo mnogo nanjo. Vsaj don Pedro Rosas ne. Sicer pa: kaj je komu mar, odkod ima don Pedro svoje bogastvo?
Braziljcev je 48 milijonov.
9% se jih peča z različnimi poklici.
8% je zaposlenih s trgovino in prometom.
13% jih dela v rudnikih in tovarnah.
70% Braziljcev obdeluje zemljo.
Med temi je nekaj malega velikih farmarjev, nekoliko več je malih farmarjev, vsi drugi pa so poljedelski delavci. Tak delavec je tudi Antonio. Navaden Antonio, ki ni podjeten gospod. Nima ne prstanov, ne zlate ure.
Antonio je sploh brez ure. Živi iz rok v usta. Po njegovih žilah ne teče čista portugalska kri. Njegovi predniki so bili belci, črnci in Indijanci, zato je mestic. Stalnega bivališča nima. Zdaj žanje sladkorni trs, zdaj obira bombaž, zdaj otrguje kavo, zdaj koplje premog. Ko prejme svojo mezdo, poveže culo in gre drugam za delom. Včasih ga dobi, včasih tudi ne. Takrat gre v mesto in oprezuje na ulicah, če se bo kje kaj našlo.
Mnogokrat oprezuje na ulicah tudi Miguel. On ni mestic. Mulat (mešanec) je. Kajti njegovi predniki so bili samo belci in črnci.
Čistokrven je samo Ču-Teh, ki je Kitajec. Pred leti je prišel v Brazilijo, ker so mu na Kitajskem rekli, da je v Braziliji zaslužek večji. Pa ni. Kakor životari Ču-Teh v Braziliji, bi lahko životaril tudi doma na Kitajskem ob obali Rumene reke.
(Dalje prihodnjič.)
14	MLADINSKI	LIST
A Christmas Meeting in the SNPJ
A One-Act Play By Michael Vrhovnik
CHARACTERS:
WILLIAM, Juvenile Circle President, age 16 FRANCES, the Circle Treasurer, age 15 EDDIE, mischievous, but ready worker, age 13 STANLEY, another mischievous member, age 12 MR. JERICH, ex-farmer from Kansas MRS. JERICH, 'his kindhearted wife MARGARET, the oldest daughter, age 15 ANNIE, the youngest daughter, age 7 JOHNNIE, the only son, age 11 BETTY LAURICH, next door neighbor, age 16 JENNY LAURICH, her sister, age 14 ADDITIONAL PLAYERS for meeting and entertainment
SCENE: An ordinary meeting hall with chairs and table disarranged. There are several charters and pennants on the wall, a clothes tree or two in one corner and a Christmas tree partly decorated in another. A box of tinsel and decorations are on a nearby chair. The time, an evening before Christmas.
AT RISE OF CURTAIN: (William and Frances enter from right, dressed appropriately for the season)
WILLIAM (looking at his watch): Gosh, it’s late —almost six o’clock and so many things to be done! Let’s hurry and get the place in order before the rest of the members arrive.
(Both remove their wraps and hang them on the clothes tree.)
FRANCES: I guess the first thing we’ll have to do is arrange the chairs and table in their proper places. About how many chairs do you think we’ll need for the meeting? (Starts to arrange the chairs)
WILLIAM: Quite a few, I imagine, for there’s usually a big attendance at the Christmas meeting and besides, we mustn’t forget t’hat many of the parents will come, too. (While talking, he helps with the chairs)
FRANCES (drawing a finger across a chair): W-w-h-h-e-e-w-w! Are these chairs dusty! I’ll get a cloth and wipe them off. (Hurries out and returns quickly with cloth) WILLIAM (draws finger across table):	While
you’re about it, be sure to wipe off t'he table, too. Dust sure accumulates around here. (Both busy themselves cleaning and arranging chairs—hum a Xmas tune.)
EDDIE (enters from R, smiling broadly): Hello, fellow members! A merry Christmas to you both!
WIL. & FRAN, (return greetings simultaneously): The same to you, Eddie, and many more of them! (They keep right on working.)
EDDIE (removes coat and hat): Say, you two are pretty busy, aren’t you? I’ll give you a hand as soon as I put away my clothes. (This he
does and then surveys the Christmas tree.) That’s a mighty nice looking tree, but I think it needs more decorations, don’t you?
WILLIAM: Yes, it does. I was just going to take care of that myself, but since you’re willing to help, you’ll find t'he tinsel and a few other decorations in that box over there (points at box on chair)—And hurry, for we haven’t much time left.
FRANCES: And when you’re through, turn on the lights. It’ll make the place look more Christ-maslike.
EDDIE: Okay, Francka, I’ll do anything you say —yes, anything. (As he says this, he grins mischievously at her, and then begins to decorate the tree.)
STANLEY (enters from R, all out of breath): Oh, hello, everybody! (Puff-puff) A very Merry Christmas to you all! (Puff-puff) I—I—ran all the way, so I wouldn’t be late for the meeting. (Continues breathing heavily.)
EDDIE: For the meeting? You mean the party and the gifts, don’t you? This is the first time since last Christmas that you weren’t late. (Turns to the tree and keeps on with his work.)
STANLEY (with a wave of his hand, disgustedly): A-a-w-w-w, g-a-a-w-w-a-n! You’re no better! (Pause) Say, who do you think I saw down t'he street a few minutes ago? (Pause)
EDDIE (quickly): Well, whom did you see? Tell us.
STANLEY:	Betty and Jenny Laurich walking
along with five strangers—never saw them before.
FRANCES: They could be relatives from out of town, here for the holidays?
EDDIE: I doubt it very much. With gasoline rationing in effect, very few people are able to travel out of town.
WILLIAM: I’ll bet it’s their next door neighbors, who just moved in from Kansas.
STANLEY:	Gee, I hope you’re right! Maybe
they’ll attend our meeting! (Faint voices are heard off R and get louder) Listen—I’ll bet t'hat’s them coming now. (Looks out of the window) Yes, there they are down the street!
EDDIE: Say, I’ve got a swell idea! Let’s all crouch down behind the table, and when they come in, we’ll jump up together and yell, “Merry Christmas!” What do you say?
FRANCES: Come on, everybody! Quick, before they get here! (All four crouch down behind table.)
(In comes a group of members, led by Betty and Jenny Laurich. All, except Betty, stop just inside the entrance laughing and talking. —Then Betty takes command of the situation.)
BETTY: Well, isn’t this a nice howdy-you-do! We’re the first ones here.—I can’t understand it at all.—'Why—(Before she can say another word, the four jump up and greet them.)
EDDIE (laughing loudly): Ha! Ha! Ha! We had you worried for a minute, didn’t we? Boy, this sure was a smart trick, wasn’t it, Jenny? (Looks at her teasingly.) Ha! Ha! Ha!
JENNY: Oh, no, you didn’t, Mr. Smart Aleck! I knew all the while you were there.
STANLEY: I’ll bet you did.—Ho! Ho! Ho!
BETTY: Well, now, that you’ve had your little fun at our expense, I’d like to introduce our new neighbors from Kansas, where they lived on a farm. (Pause.) This is Mr. Jerich — — Mrs. Jerich — — and their three children, Margaret—Johnnie—and Annie. (Pause.) And here’s news, I’m sure, you’re going to like. They’re all going to join the local SNPJ Lodge! Isn’t that grand?
ALL MEMBERS (together): Wonderful.—Hurray, for the Jerich family!
MR. JERICH (steps forward): Well, all I can say is that we Jeriches are certainly happy to meet up with such a fine group of boys and girls, and we’re m-ig'hty proud to be with you on this occasion.
MRS. JERICH (looking around and admiring the hall): My, but this is a fine meeting place. Do you hold all your Circle meetings here?
WILLIAM (who all this time looked on proudly): Yes, we do. We meet here twice a month. This hall, we want you to know, belongs to the SNPJ.
MARGARET: I’m going to enjoy coming here! Everything is so neat and comfortable!
JOHNNIE (who has been lonesome):	And	I’m
going to enjoy playing wit'h the boys—and— maybe, with the girls, too (winks at Jenny, as he says this).
ANNIE: As for me, I’m going to have fun all around. (Just then, Eddie turns on the Christmas tree lights.) Oh, look at the pretty lights on the Christmas tree!—Isn’t it nice! I’ll bet Santa Claus will be here any minute now, won’t 'he? (Looks inquiringly at William and Frances.)
FRANCES: No, I’m afraid he won’t be here for a while yet—at least not until we’ve had our meeting.
WILLIAM: Which reminds me that it’s time to start the meeting. All right, everybody! Take your seats, quietly! (The officers, William, Frances and Betty take their places at the table. The Jeriches and other members take seats—Stanley and Eddie, however, remain standing at one side, laughing loudly at something funny one of them must have said.)
WILLIAM (raps gavel for order):	Boys, boys!
Let’s have some order, please! We’re about to open the meeting, so take your seats at once! (The boys lose no time obeying the order, while William looks on sternly. Once they are seated, the President raps three times with the gavel, indicating that all must rise who are members of the SNPJ.) The regular
meeting of Circle No...........of the Slovene
National Benefit Society will now come to order, but before we proceed, let us greet each other in symbol of friendship and brotherhood.
(The greeting sign is executed by placing the right hand above the heart. When this has been done, the President gives one rap of the gavel as a signal for the members to be seated again.)
WILLIAM: You were notified by letter that, in addition to some special entertainment which has been planned for this occasion, we are going to have with us a little later a very important visitor, one who comes only once a year. For that reason we are going to shorten this meeting as much as possible. All business pertaining to our future program of activities shall be reserved for action at the next meeting. How does that strike you?
MEMBERS: Good! Hurray for Santa Claus!
WILLIAM (raps sharply): Let me have your attention, fellow members! We are now ready to have the Roll Call. Will the Secretary please read the roster of officers and note who is absent?
BETTY (reads the names of the officers of the Circle. Each must answer “present” when his name is called. Betty then sits down.)
WILLIAM: According to the Roll Call of Officers, all are present except the Sergeant-at-Arms. Does anyone know why he isn’t here? (Pauses —no answer.) No one seems to know anything about him, so, in that case, I will have to appoint someone to fill his place for this meeting. (Sees Stanley raise his hand.) Yes, what is it, Stanley?
STANLEY: I’m. not very big, Brother President, but I think I can handle the job, if you let me.
WILLIAM: It’s yours for the asking, Stanley, so take your chair and sit there near the entrance, and be sure not to let anyone in who doesn’t belong!
(Stanley proudly takes his chair and sits near the door at R.)
WILLIAM: Well, now that that’s settled, we’ll have the Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting.
BETTY (rises and reads minutes briefly written for this occasion. The minutes may be an exact account of the previous meeting of the Circle giving the play, or partly or all imaginary.)
WILLIAM: Members, you have heard the minutes read. Have you any additions or corrections to make? (Notices Eddie’s hand up.) Eddie?
EDDIE: Brother President, I have a correction to make. If I heard correctly, the Secretary entered the wrong date for today’s Christmas meeting. It should be the 20th, instead of the 19th, as she has it. (Note: Other dates can be used to apply to your affair.)
WILLIAM (turns to the Secretary): Will you examine the minutes to see if the correction offered is right or wrong?
BETTY (pretending to read the minutes to herself): Let me see—yes, here it is, right here. It states Sunday, December 19th, instead of the 20th. I was only half wrong, but I’ll correct the error at once. (Erases one date and writes in another.)
WILLIAM: Yes, please do that before you forget. (Pause.) Are there any other corrections? (Pause.) If not, the minutes of t'he previous meeting stand approved. (Pause.) We will next hear the report of our Treasurer.
FRANCES (rises slowly): I’m sorry, Brother President, but I left the Treasurer’s book at home.
I was so excited about our Christmas meeting that I completely forgot it. However, I know the expenditures of the past two weeks off by heart, and the cash balance, too. Since my last report, we spent a total of $3.22, mostly for postage and letterheads, leaving a balance of exactly $14.73 in the treasury. (Frances remains on her feet, wondering if her report will be accepted.)
WILLIAM: I’m sorry, too, but according to all parliamentary rules, we cannot accept such a report. We must have the facts and figures presented to us in black and white. Remember that in the future, and be sure to have the Treasurer’s book with you at the next regular meeting. (Frances, flustered and uneasy, sits down.) Next in the order of business is the reading of communications. Have you anything there, Sister Secretary?
BETTY: Yes, I do. Here’s a very nice letter from the Main Office of the SNPJ extending GREETINGS OF THE SEASON to our Circle. It reads as follows:—(Reads it and then goes on to another.) And here’s a Christmas card from Circle No. 44. (Reads it also, and hands both to the President.)
WILLIAM: What is the pleasure of the membership in regard to these Christmas Greetings? (Jenny raises her hand.) Jenny?
JENNY: I move a motion that—(Eddie and Stanley and a few others laugh out loud.)
WILLIAM: Boys and girls! Where are your manners? Anyone can make a mistake! (Turns to Jenny.) Now, try that again, Jenny, but instead of saying, “I move a motion,” say, “I make a motion,” and add whatever else you were going to say after that.
JENNY (who has been standing and fidgeting all this time): I—I make a motion that the Christmas Greetings be accepted and entered in the minutes of this rtieeting, and that a letter of thanks be sent to the Main Office and Circle No. 44 by our Secretary. (Sits down looking very happy and triumphant.)
WILLIAM: That’s perfect, Jenny, and a very good
motion, indeed! All in favor of Jenny’s
motion, raise your hands. Opposed? No one. Therefore, the motion is carried. (Pause.) And now, who has a new member to propose? (Both Betty and Jenny quickly raise their hands.) I don’t know who got her hand up first, but since I’m sure you both have in mind the same members, I’ll call on you, Jenny.
JENNY: I propose as new members Margaret, Johnnie and Annie Jerich. I’m sure they will be good, active members of our Circle, and a real credit to the SNPJ. I do recommend them highly.
WILLIAM: You have just heard the names of three members proposed for membership in our Circle. Are there any objections? (Pause.) Then we are ready for a vote. All in favor of accepting the new members proposed by Jenny Laurich, raise your hands. (Begins to count hands.) One—two—three—(Sees that all hands are up.)—It’s unanimous! (Addressing the Jerich children): Margaret, Johnnie and Annie, you are now one of us. You will be expected to attend our meetings as regularly as possible and abide by the Rules and Regulations governing the Circle. You will be notified later when your initiation will take place, at which time you will also be expected to take the pledge of loyalty required of all new members. (Pause.) Is there anything you wish to say?—How about you, Margaret? You’re the oldest.
MARGARET (rises): In behalf of myself, brother and sister, I only wish to say, t'hank you all from the bottom of my heart. You can be sure that we three Jeriches will always do our very best to be a credit to the Circle and the Society.
WILLIAM: And thank you for a very nice speech. (Pause.) And now, if there is no further business to attend to, do I hear a motion for adjournment? (Eddie raises his hand.) What is it, Eddie?
EDDIE:	I have an important resolution here,
which I drew up before coming to this meeting. Of course, my father helped me with it, but the whole idea, or most of it, anyway, is mine. And see, it’s all written out and ready to vote on, if the members want. (Holds a copy of it up for everybody to see.)
WILLIAM: Well"—we don’t have much time, but —go ahead and read the resolution. If it’s good, I’m sure the members will vote for it.
EDDIE (reads the following resolution):
Whereas, today’s Christmas meeting was made possible through the generosity and kind thoughtfulness of our local SNPJ
Lodge No ;
And whereas, we boys and girls have again been given an opportunity to display our talents, be entertained and honored, and once more favored with a timely visit by our SNPJ Santa Claus, the distribution of gifts, good things to eat, and joyful time;
Be it resolved therefore, that Juvenile
Circle No..........of the Slovene National
Benefit Society goes on record by a unanimous vote, thanking the local SNPJ Lodge for the wonderful time we have had today, and thanking, also, all the members and friends who have so patiently sat through our meeting and performances;
And be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be entered in the records of this meeting.
Signed this day of December. 1943.
Signature of Pres. Signature of Sec’y. (Eddie takes the resolution to the President.)
And see (pointing with finger), right here at the bottom are spaces for the signatures of the President and the Secretray of the Circle. (Returns to his seat.)
WILLIAM: Very good, Eddie! A very good resolution! I’m sure there can be no doubt as to the pleasure of the members. (Pause.) Are there any comments? (Sees Frances with her hand up.) Frances?
FRANCES: I move that we adopt the resolution as presented.
WILLIAM:	Is	there a second to the motion?
(Stanley’s hand goes up.) Stanley?
STANLEY: Yes, Brother President, but before I offer a second to the motion, I want you to know that I think we’re being a little hasty about thanking Santa Claus. After all, we’re not sure he’s going to come, are we? And if he does, you might get something you don’t like. But, I hope everything turns out all right. Anyway—I second the motion. (Spoken slowly and deliberately, more in fun than anything else.)
WILLIAM: Why, Stanley, I’m surprised at you! You should have more confidence in the SNPJ Santa Claus, than that. After all, he’s never failed us before, Christmas or any other time, and I’m positive he won’t fail us today. You just wait and see! (Pause.) All right, if there are no further comments, let’s put the resolution to a vote. All in favor, raise your hands. (All hands go up.) Thank you, fellow members. You have just proved your faith and loyalty in the SNPJ once more. And now, as there is no other business, we will adjourn the meeting and turn our attention to the entertainment program. (All keep their seats.) I know that several among you have come prepared to give us a treat, so who will be the first to volunteer? (Hands go up and the Entertainment program begins. One by one the Circle President, who acts as the master of ceremonies, calls on the members to recite poems, sing, play an instrument, or dance. Just as the final number of the entertainment program approaches its end, the jingling of bells is heard off-stage. Immediately the heads of the members turn in the direction of the sound, their faces wreathed in huge smiles. Then Santa’s friendly voice is heard.)
SANTA CLAUS: Who-o-a-a! Who-o-o-a-a, there! Back up—back up a little! (Pause, as he looks for the number on the hall building.) Yes, this is the place I want! This is where the little boys and girls of the SNPJ are having their Christmas celebration.—(Pause.)—Gosh, but this bag is heavy! I must be getting old. I hope I’m not too late.
(Santa enters from R stage.)
ALL MEMBERS:	Santa	Claus! Santa Claus!
(Shouting and laughing.)
SANTA CLAUS: Hello, boys and girls! A Merry Christmas to you!
ALL MEMBERS: And a very Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Santa Claus!
SANTA CLAUS: And how have all you boys and girls been since I was here last year?
ALL MEMBERS: Very good!
SANTA CLAUS: Well, in that case, I’ve got something here for every one of you. (Begins to open up his bag, when the President interrupts him.)
WILLIAM: Mr. Santa Claus, I realize you’re in a big hurry, but before you distribute the gifts, we’d like to sing you a song. Do you mind?
SANTA CLAUS: Not at all, not at all! You go right ahead and I’ll be glad to listen.
ALL MEMBERS (sing a welcome song, appropriate to the season).
SANTA CLAUS: Very good, boys and girls! A mighty fine song well sung, and thank you! —And now to unload this bag. As I call out the names, I want each member to come here and get his gift. (Calls for the smallest children first—after five or six have received their gifts, the curtain may fall on the scene.)
(NOTE: This play is intended as a follow-up to the play, “Next Door Neighbors”, written by Helen Amborzich, Lodge No. 747, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.)
SELLING PAPERS
OUR SCHOOL
IMPORTANCE OF SUGAR
Even though sugar is rationed, the average American eats almost his own weight in sugar each year—about 100 pounds. Americans use more sugar than any other people in the world. Our country consumes three times as much sugar as the average European country. To some extent sugar is still one of the largest of our imports, both in amount and in value.
Sugar has had a powerful effect on world history. It has lead to exploration, to slavery, to revolution, and to independence. In ancient times there was no sugar; honey was the sweetening used in those times. The first sugar was produced in India in the first century, made from sugar cane. At first it was used only at the feasts of very rich princes; it was also used as a medicine.
The Arabians carried sugar cane into their country and gave it a name. “Sugar” comes from an Arabic word meaning “gravel” or “beach.” Cane grew rapidly in t'he rich valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. From there it was introduced into Egypt and northern Africa. When the Arabs conquered Spain in the 8th century, they took cane with them. This was the first time it had been seen in Europe.
Not until the beginning of the 14th century is there any record of sugar being used in England. During the 14th century Europe began to develop a “sweet tooth.” Caravans wound overland to the Orient to bring back sugar and spices, and this led to a great age of exploration. In the 15th century Vasco da Gama found a water route to India around the southern tip of Africa. Columbus, seeking a shorter water route, discovered the New World.
Columbus did not find a route to India’s sugar, but he found lands just as well suited to the raising of sugar cane. Within two years after his discovery, Spaniards were planting cane in Santo Domingo. Soon it was being raised in Haiti, Cuba, and other islands of the West Indies. These islands became one of the world’s greatest “sugar bowls.” The task of raising and harvesting cane was a tiresome one. To help with the work, slave labor was brought from Africa. By 1800 nearly 9,000,000 Africans had been brought to the New World.
To feed their slaves, plantation owners of the West Indies needed large supplies of cheap food. They began to buy salt fish from New England. Soon New England’s swift clipper ships were carrying fish to the Indies, trading them for sugar and molasses. The molasses were made into rum, and the rum was carried to Africa to exchange for more slaves.
Up to this time all the sugar used in the world was made from sugar cane. Spain had a monopol-of the production of raw sugar, and England controlled the manufacture and sale of refined sugar. These two countries grew prosperous from the
growth of sugar cane. In 1747 a German scientist had succeeded in extracting sugar from beets. Fifty years later the world’s first sugar-beet factory was built. In 1812 special schools were set up .in France to train sugar beet growers and refiners, and other countries followed suit. Thus, by the end of the 19th century, beets had conquerred cane, and about 67% of the world’s sugar was being squeezed from sugar beet.
In 1903, by an agreement, cane and beet were put on a nearly equal basis. However, during the first World War, because of blockades, production of beet sugar fell sharply, and prices rose. Cuba, India, Java, the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands, and Puerto Rico, the leading cane growers, began to produce more and more cane. They piled up large profits. After the war beet growers went backi to the fields, markets for cane sugar fell, and prices fell, too.
Hundreds of Cubans were thrown out of work, idleness and hunger resulted in a revolution. European markets fell off, Cuba tried to sell more sugar to the United States; but our country had placed a tariff on sugar which allowed the Cubans little profit.
Today, about 2/3 of the world’s sugar is cane sugar and about 1/3 is beet sugar. Our own country uses about 1/4 of the world’s sugar and only about 20% of it is produced here. Most of it is beet sugar grown in Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, California, Idaho, and Michigan. Louisiana is the leading cane-producing state, but its output is far below our needs.
(Source: American Education Press)
ZORA GOSTOVICH, 15, lodge 297, Box 531, Raton, New Mexico.
*
NEW YORK CITY
New York is such a wonderful place! But maybe I just say this because I’ve never been out of this bee-u-tiful city. The roaring subways, the parks, the beaches, the tall buildings, and the rushing people are all a part of New York.
The roaring subways, as the tourists say, will take you almost anywhere, for just one nickel. You can ride for hours for one nickel. I take great pride in writing about New York’s subways because I know very few other places have subways. Next come the parks. New York has no very large parks such as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, but it has Central park, overlooking Fifth avenue, and it has Bronx park with its large zoo, not to mention Prospect park with its breath taking Botanical Gardens.
Coney Island is the most popular beach in New York, not to mention Brighton Beach and the many pools we have in New York. And talking about the tall buildings, there is the Empire State, the tallest in the entire world. Madison Square Garden, where all the prize fights and matching bouts are held, seats approximately 25,000 people. Rallys of all kinds are held here. And there is the R.C.A. building (Radio City).
The Museum of Natural History has a very large collection of stuffed birds with a description of
each, and they also have a large collection of stuffed animals from all parts of the world. They are exhibited in artificial natural backgrounds, which makes the animals look almost alive. The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth avenue exhibits such art as Salone, The Ring, Twilight, and King Lear.
There are many large department stores in New York and many famous hotels. There are theaters all over the city, but some of the larger and more popular are the Roxy, Paramount, Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Carnegie Hall.
Oh yes, before I forget, the rushing people! It is true, that the people of New York are always rushing to get nowhere. I guess we New Yorkers are like that!
In the New York Public Library can be found books written in all languages, even Slovene. They have large reading rooms where you can copy all the information you have gathered from their many reference books.
There are many canteents and places of entertainment for our soldiers. All Slovene soldiers visiting New York are invited to attend our affairs usually held at the American Slovene Auditorium in Brooklyn. We have three SNPJ lodges in New York; they are: Nos. 56, 140 and 58j}„ Lodge 580 is our English speaking branch, known as the New York All American lodge. And we also have a Juevnile Circle here in New York, in Brooklyn, which is a part of New York City.
Well, I hope you have enjoyed reading about New York as much as I have enjoyed writing about it.
MILDRED PADAR, age 13, lodge 580, 222 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
IMPORTANT METALS
Copper is important to us in this war because it does not rust or corrode and it carries electricity well. Plumbers, builders, etc., could not plumb or build if it were not for the use of copper.
Gold has been hoarded by men because it is precious. It can be drawn in wires, beaten in sheets, and made in ornaments of great beauty. Gold represents wealth and has long been used as standard exchange.
Silver is more abundant than gold and therefore cheaper. It is used in making money and in arts.
Lead melts easily and bends easily like string. This metal comes mostly from China and it plays a great part in the war today.
Zinc does not rust as iron rusts. Therefore people coat zinc over iron to give it more years of wear and keep it from rusting. This process is called galvanization.
Tin is soft and easily worked. Tin foil and cans are made from the pure tin. It is used in makig tubes for cream, etc. However, a little lead is mixed with it to make it harder. Tin comes from Malaya and Bolivia.
Aluminum's purest form is bauxite. The pure bauxite comes mainly from Arkansas, and in Europe, from Jugoslavia. Aluminum for smelting is
sent to New York from Arkansas to be melted and made in different articles.
(Source: Article)
GEORGIE MOČIVNIK, 12, lodge 217, Route 1, Scarbro, West Virginia.
*
PRESIDENT F. D. ROOSEVELT
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the thirty-second President of the United States. He is a native of New York. He was born on January 30, 1882, at Hyde Park, N. Y. He received his A. B. from Harvard in 1904 and was admitted to the bar in 1907 after he was graduated from the Columbia University Law School.
Roosevelt practiced law in New York until he became a state senator in 1910. In 1913 he became Assistant Secretary of the Navy during Wilson’s administration until 1920 when he became the vice presidential candidate with Cox.
An attack of infantile paralysis in 1921 forced him to retire from politics for several years. However, his indomitable spirit, courage and determination made it possible to overcome the sickness, and he recovered. In 1928 he was elected governer of New York and reelected in 1930 by the greatest majority ever given a candidate for that office. He was always identified with reform and was known as a liberal and progressive.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was eltected President of the United States in November, 1932, by
PILGRIM FATHER AND MOTHER
Drawn by Zora Gostovich, age 14, Raton, New Mex., Lodge 297.
a plurality of more than 7,000,000, carrying 42 states. He took office in March, 1933. He was reelected in 1936 for his second term.
During his first and second term in office, President Roosevelt instituted a number of reforms of great importance. To his credit go such enactments as the Social Security act, the National Labor Relations board, the Federal Deposit Insurance corporation, the Agricultural Adjustment administration, etc.
Then came the year 1940 when President Roosevelt was reelected—for his third term. With this a lifelong tradition was broken. The people spoke and thus he is the first and only President of the United States so far to serve three terms as Chief Executive of our country.
(Source: Article)
CHRISTINE KOLAR, 13, lodge 684 421 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa.
*
DEMOCRACY
Democracy, to define the term, means the rule of the people. The term democracy is of Greek origin and is made up of two words: demos (people) and cracy (rule), therefore, “the rule of the people.”
Democracy, in Greece, was understood to be a commonwealth so constituted that the power was excercised by the people, and not by an individual or by a dominate caste. Democracy, therefore, stood opposed both to monarchy and aristocracy.
Most of the republics of Greece, more especially than that of Athens, were democracies in this sense. However, the name by no means implied the notion of an absolutely equal right in all citizens, still less in all men, to the excercise of poitical power.
The continually growing force of the democratic principles tended, however, to give more and more rights to the people and the transference of power to the citizens.
In a democracy, as for instance in the United States, democracy means the rule of the majority of the citizens. Here all citizens of voting age enjoy the right to elect their representatives, and they have the right to vote on many important issues concerning local and other questions.
In the United States we have an almost perfect political democracy. This, however, is not true of our economic and social democracy. Nevertheless, the people of the United States have the power through their political democracy to achieve also economic democracy. This, it is hoped, will be achieved gradually along with the improvement of political democracy.
We must remember that our form of government is the best in the world. We must also remember that democracy is a living thing and as such it must constantly strive for improvement, all of which depends on the people themselves.
(Source: Article)
LOUISE BRISELLI, 14, lodge 245 Box 27, Lawrence, Pa.
THE DREAM OF THE WORLD
I had a dream the other day:
There were people marching down the street, There were whistles blowing all around,
It was such wonderous sound.
The event was because the war was over,
Paper streaming through the air;
The streets were crowded, all was fair,
Because the second World War was over.
All of a sudden the crowd was still,
They had stopped at the City Hall And firmly resolved once and for all:
To end all future wars for sure!
MARION CERVENKA, 14, lodge 449 5126 W. 24th PL, Cicero 50, 111.
*
WILLIAM PENN
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, was born on Oct. 14, 1644, at Tower Hill, London. He was educated at Oxford, and also studied in France, where he became a good classical and French scholar.
William Penn was a good sportsman and also a writer. He wrote several essays and articles dealing with tolerance. By birth he was a Protestant but later became a Quaker. He was a rich man and friend of the ruling classes in England.
Penn was made “proprietor” of the province of Pennsylvania in 1681. His own account of the name is that he suggested “Sylvania,” because the land was thickly wooded, but the king of England added the name “Penn” in honor of William’s father, and thus Pennsylvania received its name.
William Penn concluded one of the first treaties of peace with the Indians. He died in 1718.
HELEN PINELLI, age (??), lodge 82 R. D. 3, Box 241, Johnstown, Pa.
*
MANY USES FOR HELICOPTER
The helicopter has leaped to a place in the headlines. Its wartime and postwar uses are great. Helicopter presents one of the greatest air stories of 1943.
To date, the helicopter has performed marvelously. The helicopter was designed and built by Igor Sikorsky. He is known most widely as a designer of modern airplanes. Helicopter is known as a rotaryuring aircraft. The helicopter has no standard propeller.
One problem that bothered designers was torque, the tendency of the helicopter fuselage to turn faster and faster in the opposite direction from that of the rotor blades.
Sikorsky solved this problem by placing a small rotor at the rear of the plane. Submarine spotting is the helicopter’s first really important use in this war.
One-third of 6,000 pound gross weight of Sikorsky’s helicopter is a useful load, which means one-third of the weight consisting of fuel and military supplies or bombs.
The helicopter is very valuable as an observation plane, for it is able to duck in and out in a game of hide-and-seek with the enemy.
The helicopter demands little space for landing field—just room enough for its rotor to spin in.
Other principal uses for the helicopter are for air police, agricultural inspection, and power line patrol.
(Source: Magazine)
GRACE ANN GERDANC, 12, 559 4933 W. 24th St., Cicero 50, 111.
*
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT
The electric light is now a common thing. We don’t realize that not so very long ago there was no electric light and the people had to use candles, oil and other primitive means of lighting their homes.
We all remember reading that in Lincoln’s time lighting was still in primitive stages. Then came the gas lamp, but that was much later. Soon thereafter, gas lighting was superceded by electricity.
Many had experimented with electric lighting before Thomas A. Edison put in circuit the first commercially successful lamp.
That was on October 21, 1879—exactly 64 years ago.
It was on that date that the New York papers announced that Edison was lighting the streets of Melo Park, New Jersey, with his new electric lamp.
HUNTING EGGS
This news caused great excitement, so much so that the Pennsylvania Railroad installed special trains to accomodate those who came to see the marvel, for a real marvel it was!
Among the principal investitions of Thomas A. Edison, besides the incadescent electric lamp, are his system af duplex telegraphy, his carbon telephone transmitter, the phonograph, the cinematograph (movies), etc., etc.
Thomas Edison was a great scientist and inventor. To him we owe much for our modern progress and practical development of electricity and its many appliences.
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 16, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
DID YOU KNOW THAT—
If the sun were hollow like an airball, it would take 331,000 globes the sizes of our earth to fill it.
Silk stockings were worn by Henry II of France, 1547.
A pelican can hold more food in its mouth than in its stomach.
The mercury drops when the thermometer is placed in hot water.
Snakes lay eggs with elastic shells.
The pigeon is the only bird that can drink with its head down.
ROSEMARY PANYAN, 16, lodge 314 413 Woodbridge Ave., Buhl, Minn.
(Ed. note: All drawings must be drawn on standard drawing paper, using India ink. Try again and follow instructions in “Important Dont’s.”)
*
NOVEMBER
November is the 11th months of the year. Among the Romans it was the 9th month at the time when the year consisted of 10 months a year and then contained 30 days.
It subsequently was made to contain only 29 days, but Julius Cesar gave it 31, and in the reign of Augustus the number was restored to 30 days, which number it has since retained.
In November, the month of thanksgiving, we are thankful to Mother Nature for the food we eat. This consists of vegetables, grains and meat. We are thankful for the water we drink, and we are thankful for our land of the free—America. We are thankful for everything we enjoy as a free nation.
GERGIE MOČIVNIK, 12, lodge 24 -Box 47, Kingston, W. Va.
*
TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
By a Sergeant
Hello, Sweetheart! Remember me? I am the farmer boy who waved goodby to you a couple of years ago. What I’ve been through, since then, wasn’t pretty. But it made me think—of you!
Lady, you helped me take the muddy foxholes, the fields of blasting mines, the dive bombers and the cold steel of bayonets in my stride. And the fellows who won’t come back—well, they
died to keep you standing there with that crown on your head and the Torch of Liberty in your hand.
I know I’m speaking for them, too, when I ask “How are things at home?”
I didn’t expect much, now that I’m back. But what I do ask for I really want. I want an honest chance to make a decent living, and to own my own farm some day. If I’ve got what it takes, I don’t want anyone holding me down with needless interference. I’ve seen too much of slaves.
I want to marry that blue-eyed girl who’s waiting for me on my farm down the road—and raise a family.
I want to come back to a country where there is healthy competition and fair play and opportunity. When I have my farm, I want to run it my way.
I guess what I want all adds up to the right to live my own life in my own way—like an American.
From what I’ve seen, the American way can’t be beat. It’s made this country the greatest in the world. It made it possible for the folks at home to produce the food and munitions we needed to defeat the Axis.
Lady, if you’ve kept America American, I’m not sorry I went to war. And ten million of my buddies feel just about the same way I do.
(Source: “Republic”)
ZITA BOZANIC, 16, lodge 393 R. D. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
*
I KNOW A LITTLE POEM
I know a little poem, but I don’t know its source. You will think it funny knowing it and still don’t know its source. But that’s how it is, of course.
Well, the reason I don’t know its source is because I have an aunt, her name is Irene. When she was asked to put something in someone’s autograph book, she would put this little verse.
That’s why I thought it would be nice, too, to put this little verse in the Mladinski List. So here it is. Its title is “Smiles.”
The thing that goes the furthest Towards making life worth-while,
That costs the least and does The most is just a pleasant smile. PHYLLIS McKINLEY, 15, lodge 82 402 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa.
*
THE STORY OF INK
A little wasplike insect, called a fallfly, makes it possible for us to have the kind of ink we use today. She chooses a certain kind of oak tree, in far-off Syria, to lay her eggs, and she lays her eggs in the wounds she has made by boring into the soft, young twigs. Then a lump forms over the wound and it is shaped like a nut and about the size of an acorn. It is called a nutgall. It is in these little lumps that gives us the coloring matter for making ink.
In making ink the nutgalls are crushed, mixed with soft water, and boiled for several hours. The liquid is drained off. In huge tanks that hold
several thousand gallons each, this liquid is then mixed with iron salts and several other substances.
After this whole mixture has been allowed to stand for several hours, we have a writing fluid that will run smoothly and freely from the pen. Then the ink is ready to be bottled and shipped away.
The machine that fills bottles, shoves away any that are cracked and fills each perfect one with the right amount of ink. The bottles pass along a moving belt, first before a worker who sees that the corks are in tightly. Last they are moved to where the labels are placed on the bottles. Each label is stuck more evently and tightly than any human hand could do it. One of these machines alone can label nearly 30 thousand bottles in a single day.
When the ink bottles have been filled, corked and labelled, they are ready to be packed into boxes for shipping. After the covers are nailed by machines, the boxes are sent to the shipping room of the factory. The trucks then take it to the waiting freight cars and are shipped to all parts of the world. Some are sent to Europe, China and India, Iceland and Africa. Of course, due to the present war, these markets for our ink have been cut off for the duration.
(Source: Pathways to Reading)
FRANCES STROZAR, 13, lodge 82 R. D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa.
*
THANKSGIVING DAY
The last Thursday in November is set aside in United States by proclamation of the President and by the governors of various states for a day of thanks for everything Mother Nature has given us.
The first Thanksgiving in America was held by the Pilgrims at Plymouth in the autumn of 1621. Their first winter in the new country had been difficult, but they had survived its cold and want to clear and plow and plant their fields in the spring. They had gratefully watched the growing of their crops through the summer and in the fall gathered in an abundant harvest.
In Canada a similiar day of thanksgiving is held in November.
MILDRED ČRETNIK, 11, lodge 24
R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
JUST A FEW JOKES
Mike: “How many controls has your radio?”
Ike: “Two. My wife and daughter.”
Paul: “What’s the difference between learning to drive a car and learning to play golf?”
Ralph: “Easy. When you’re learning to play golf you don’t hit anything.”
Customer: “Stop! Why do you insist upon telling me these horrible stories?”
Barber: “I’m sorry, sir, but when I tell stories like that the hair stands up on end and makes it much easier to cut.”
AGNES MARZEL, 14, lodge 98 Rte. 1, Box 78, La Salle, 111.
DUCK EGG VITAMIN
In 1936, two scientists in Holland ordered 550 pounds of dried yolk of Chinese duck eggs. From this they extracted 1.1 miligrams of the world’s most powerful vitamin-biotin, a vitamin of the B family.
Biotin is the Superman of vitamins. Without it, plants, animals, and human beings would not grow. There is only about one-tenth of an ounce of pure biotin on earth, but it is present in most parts of plants and animals, and is very abundant in egg yolk.
It is difficult to get biotin out of plants and animals to obtain pure biotin. Scientists have discovered how to produce it in the laboratory.
The story of biotin began with the two Dutch scientists and their experiment. They found that the biotin caused microscopic plants to grow. They also found out that it caused miscoscopic animals, bacteria, and human beings to grow. Wtihout biotin, there would be no life on earth.
(Source: Senior Scholastic)
JOSEPHINE SLANSEK, 16, lodge 559 4933 W. 24th St., Cicero 50, 111.
*
AUTUMN
With the chill of the autumn breeze,
And the scene of the beautiful leaves,
It brings to my mind the season of year;
Yes, you’re right, autumn is here!
As you hear the crackle along your way,
And you hear the hustle of of trees sway, Then you will hear most people chant:
Yes, you’re right: Isn’t nature grand!”
CAROLINE TAVZELJ, 14, lodge 518 1425 McKinstry St., Detroit 9, Mich.
*
THANKSGIVING DAY
Thanksgiving Day has come,
The ground is white with snow,
The pretty birdies are gone,
It’s winter time they know.
The turkeys are quite plenty,
The cranberry sauce there’s too.
We have just what we crave for,
Why should we ask for more? Submitted by—
MARGARET POLONČIČ, 16, lodge 124 Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania
*
HISTORICAL EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
Nov. 2, 1796—James K. Polk, president, born.
Nov. 17, 1800—Capital moved to Washington.
Nov. 18, 1903—U. S. Panama Canal Treaty.
Nov. 19, 1831—Jos. A. Garfield, president, born.
Nov. 19, 1831—James A.Garfield, president, born.
Nov. 21, 1800—First Congress in Washington.
Nov. 23, 1804—Franklin Pierce, president, born.
Nov. 24, 1784—Zachary Taylor, president, born. LILLIAN ALEXOFF, 10, Circle 43,
1428 Nordyke Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
THANKSGIVING
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is observed each year on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be on Nov. 25.
Thanksgiving Day is set apart by proclamation of the President and of the governors of the various states. The day is observed with feasts and as an occasion for family reunion.
The Pilgrims set apart a day for thanksgiving at Plymouth immediately after their first harvest, in 1621, and the Massachusetts Bay Colony for the first time in 1630, and in 1630 it became an annual festival in that colony. Various colonies set apart different days until Thanksgiving was finally observed on one chosen day.
In 1789, President Washington appointed a day of thanksgiving, which was Thursday, Nov. 26, of that year, and appointed another in 1795.
President Madison, in response to resolutions of Congress, set apart a day for thankgiving at the close of the War of 1812. One was annually ap-
A BRAVE SOLDIER
pointed by the governor of New York from 1817 and on.
In some of the Southern States there was opposition to the observance of such a day on the ground that it was a relic of Puritan bigotry. But by 1858 proclamations appointing a day of thanksgiving were issued by the governors of 25 states and two territories.
President Abraham Lincoln appointed the fourth Thursday of November 1864, and since that time each President has annually followed his example.
To go back to the first Thanksgiving history tells us that the friendly Indians were invited to the first feast, and their contribution was fluffy white popcorn, the first the white people ever tasted. This first Thanksgiving feast lasted three whole days.
(Source: Year Book)
BETTY JANE DYBA, 14, lodge 82 R. D. 3, Box 229, Johnstown, Pa.
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IMPORTANCE OF COAL
Coal is a mineral substance of great use because of its combustible qualities. Coal was not used in ancient times. Its first use is believed to be in England in the 13th century. It is doubtful whether the present industry would be successful without coal.
Coal was formed millions of years ago, during what is known as the carboniferous era of the earth’s development, through the decay of vegetable and animal matter. Scientists believe that coal is found now where luxuriant growth of plants and trees once formed and was covered up by soil. The intervening rock stratus usually are sandstone, shale, and sometime limestone.
Hundreds of species have been found, most of which were found in Great Britain. Coal is divided into three groups: cannel lignite, anthracite, and bituminous. The latter being most plentiful.
Anthracite, or hard coal, is a solid texture, a glossy black, so solid that it looks and is often resembling jets. In United States most of it is mined in eastern Pennsylvania ad used greatly for domestic purposes.
Bituminous, or soft coal is dull black, breaks easy, and is easily burned. It is mostly used in
BUI
DEFENSE
STAMPS
BONDS
KEEP 'EM FLYING
industry. Certain grades are used in making coke.
Coal is found in practically all parts of the world, but United States stands first. Most mining is done by what is called “deep mining,” but a great bulk of it is done by “stripping.” In cases where the coal seams are close to the surface, steam shovels are used in removing the top layer of soil. Then the coal is dug out as in any excavating operation. This method is called “stripping” or “open pit.”
King Coal, as it is often called, is a very important fuel for heating purposes as well as in industry. Many of our people are still engaged in coal mining especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.
(Source: Article)
DONNA NAGODE, 14, lodge 231 R. D: 4, Primrose, Pa.
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TANKS IN WAR
The name tank was given to a formidable war weapon which proved very successful in World War I. Tank is a bullet proof, armed vehicle, driven by mechanical power and capable of crossing rough country and obstacles by the use of caterpillar tracks.
To the British goes the credit for first introducing the tank.
On Sept. 15, 1916, the first tank attack took place, but it was not successful. The tank was then improved and it proved its worth in combat against the Germans. In fact, this weapon was so successful that it turned the tide of the war.
The great French victory of Soissons on July 18, 1918, marked the turning point of the war. The victory was largely due to the use of French tanks. From that date until the Armistice, tanks were used greatly in that war.
The Americans were quick to grasp the great possibilities of tank action on the Western Front during World War I.
Tanks are a great weapon in this war also. It was largely due to tanks that made the British victorious at El Alemain in Egypt, and many of those tanks were American tanks called the Shermans. It was this victory of the Allies that made it possible to drive the Axis back across the African desert to Tunisia and finally from Tunisia, also. Then followed the victories of Pan-tellaria and Sicily as well as other victories on the Italian mainland.
Of course, tanks alone would not have been able to achieve a decisive victory. It was due to the complete coordination of tanks and airplanes as well as battleships that brought victory for the Allies.
Nevertheless, tanks are playing an important part in this war. On the Russian front tanks helped a great deal the Nazis during the first two years of war, and tanks helped the Russians to drive the Nazis back.
(Source: Article)
FLORENCE ALICH, 16, lodge 111 Box 607, Aurora, Minnesota.
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the S. N. P. J.
| Send all your questions and requests for your Juvenile Circles to Bro. Michael Vr-! hovnik, Director of the SNPJ Juvenile Dept., 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, III. | He has been elected the Director of Juvenile Circles and your Advisers should keep
in touch with him.
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 38 REPORTING
CLEVELAND, O.—Every year the members of Circle No. 38 plan to go to Metropolitan Park. There is something about that park we are attracted to. It may be the high mountains or the swimming hole. Despite all the attractions and all the fun, someone always has the misfortune to fall into the creek while wading.
Two years ago, Betty Novak fell into the creek. Last year it was myself. This time fate was against us, and our own President Dorothy Feda fell into the water flat on her face. (People might have thought her very silly to be swimming with her clothes on.) So we wrapped Dorothy in a blanket while her clothes were set to dry. At first she was content to just sit, but after a while that became tiresome.
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around. We managed to snap several pictures of Dorothy much against her will. With blanket and all, she looked just like an Indian squaw. From now on, we were warned to bring along some extra clothes. This year we used a blanket, last year I was left with nothing to change to, and the year before we used a tablecloth.
Although we always have casualties, we do have a lot of fun. So we are loking forward to next year. I remain, a proud member of SNPJ.
SALLY MOSTER, Vice President, Cleveland, Ohio. (Circle 38)
VERONA JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 15
VERONA, PA.—Our Circle meetings continue to be the same: interesting and educational. Much more members are attending meetings, which shows progress.
On September 3, the younger juveniles had a corn roast and, also, surprise party given by Mr. and Mrs. Martin for their daughter, Mary Kay Martin, who was three years old. Mr. and Mrs. Martin had sent down to the Veronian Club a birthday cake, which was decorated very nicely, and also ice cream. The happy juveniles sang songs, ate roast corn and potatoes. The following older juveniles helped to put the corn roast party over: Dolly Youk, Stanley Doles, Henry Krulac, Mary Tomazic, Richard Papp, Margie Li-pesky, Manager Chubby Gosky, and Matilda Doles.
The older juveniles had gone roller skating at the Lexington Skating Rink in East Liberty, and after roller skating they had gone back to the Veronian Club and had a corn roast, played games, danced and sang songs. At first they had planned on going on a hayride, but no date was open for such a party.
Juvenile Circle 15 had a dance on August 7, which was a success. They are planning to have more dances in the future. For October 29 they were planning a Halloween party. Prizes were given to the prettiest and funniest dressed persons.
The monthly meetings are held each second Thursday of the month. The next meeting is to be held on November 11, and the next one on December 9. In addition, we will hold two business meetings this year, on November 25 and December 23. These meetings are held to discuss old and new business.
Guess Who: The guess who quiz for this month is as follows: He is one of the football players of our school, attends meetings, is rather tall for his age, and is a good mixer. In order to know him, you will have to unscramble the following: Maintillwericic.
MATILDA DOLES, Secretary 213 Penn St., Verona, Pa.
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JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 25
HELPER, UTAH.—I belong to Circle No. 25 in Delagua, Colorado. Although I am not close to the Circle now, I am still a member. I never see any letters from Circle 25 in the Mladinski List.
It will soon be a year since I have come to Utah from Colorado. We live in Helper, which is a railroad division. Our house is close to the railroad track. It is interesting living so close to the track. We see many troop trains and war supply trains.
Besides the railroad, Carbon county is also a mining district.
My hobby is sewing. That is what I have been doing all through the summer vacation. I have made many things already. I hope members of Circle 25 would write to the M. L. Regards to all.
EMMA UDOVICH, Circle 25 Box 662, Helper, Utah.
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GOWANDA JUVENILE CIRCLE 40
GOWANDA, N. Y.—First of all I would like to thank the SNPJ for the war stamps I received. At our last meeting’s drawing of war stamps, I was the lucky one to win them.
I didn’t write to the ML for a long time, but from now on I promise to write every month.
Our Circle No. 40 went on a wiener roast on Aug. 8 and all had a good time. We hiked up to Valentine’s Flatt; that was the second time our Circle went on a hike up there. It is a nice place to go to.
I’d like to say hello to all my pen pals. Best regards to all.
LOTTIE LIGIECKI, Circle 40 23 Beech St., Gowanda, N. Y.
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WARREN CIRCLE NO. 31
WARREN, O.—The regular monthly meeting of the Warren Juvenile Circle, No. 31, was held on Sunday, Oct. 3, at the home of our Manager, Josephine Smuke. The meeting was called to order by the president. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.
One of the topics of discussion at this meeting was to select our Circle colors, also Circle flower, motto and pledge. The Circle colors are brown and yellow, Circle flower is the yellow carnation, our
motto is “Always Prompt,” and the pledge is “I pledge to do my part and cooperate with officers and members of this organization.”
Frances Smuke was appointed to buy the Circle Scrap Book and to keep it up to date.
We also got two new members, namely, Mary Ann Gabor and Dolores Recer.
We were planning to attend the October meeting of the Girard Circle, to which we were invited, to see the pictures taken at their August outing by their manager, Frank Rezek.
The Warren Circle would like to thank the Girard Circle for attending our wiener roast held Sept. 26.
Our Circle meets each first Sunday of the month. The next meeting will be on November 7. All members are urged to attend.
DOROTHY TOMAZIN, president 2285 Barton St. S. E., Warren, O.
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ROUNDUP CIRCLE NO. 28
ROUNDUP, MONT.—Our Circle meetings continue to be interesting. At the previous meeting, Edward Hilderman and Frank Bedey each received $2 in war stamps for bringing in members during the Victory campaign.
The report of the treasurer showed we had $21 in our treasury. The adult lodge promised to give us $10 towards our bingo party. Admission to the party was 15c. The party was held Oct. 10. We had a food committee and bingo committee.
We are having a contest between boys and girls in gaining new juvenile for our Circle and Lodge. Willie Mesirovich is chairman of the boys and Rose Marie Loucas of the girls.
Our last meeting was scheduled for Oct. 10, and our next meeting will be on Nov. 14 at the Moose Hall.
MARIE MASTOROVICH, Circle 28 Box 501, Roundup, Montana.
AT THE PICNIC
A group of members of Circle No. 28, Roundup, Mont.
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 22
McDONALD, PA.—Our Circle No. 22 presented a short program on Sept. 25 in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of SNPJ lodge 89 of Midway, Pa. The program included a few songs and recitations as well as a playlet entitled “Not a Man in the House.” We were very honored to have as guest speaker Mr. Michael Vrhovnik, Juvenile Director. Following the program, a dance was held with music furnished by the Swing King orchestra. This was one affair which we won’t forget a long time.
Again our Circle is planning to present a play at a nearby community. This time we are going to the 8th annual Penna SNPJ Day at Sygan Oct. 17. We always look forward to these occasions because we have so much fun and meet so many new people. (By the time this letter is printed, this affair will be over.)
Our Juvenile Circle holds its regular monthly meetings on the last Friday of each month at the SNPJ hall. All members are urged to attend the next meeting.
VIOLET MACHEK, Rec. Sec’y R. D. 4, McDonald, Pa.
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Juvenile Circle No. 1 Section
By Members of Circle No. 1, Walsenburg, Colo.
Mrs. Edw. Tomsic, Manager
Circle No. 1, Walsenburg, Colo., holds its regular monthly meetings each third Sunday of the month. The meetings are interesting as well as entertaining and educational. More of the juveniles are attending regularly, which helps to make a good business meeting and helps to get new ideas.
As an inducement, each month someone present receives a 10c war stamp. Also, we have various activities after each meeting. We play cards, bingo, and other games. All in all, our meetings are always interesting. All juvenile members are urged to attend as many meetings as they can.
Now we are all back in school studying and doing our school and homework, daily. The school I go to hasn’t very many students this year. Some of the boys joined Uncle Sam’s armed forces and some graduated during the summer vacation.
Our next meeting will be on November 21 at Mack’s hall. Be sure to be present.
VERNA MAE DUZENACK, President 709 West Sixth Street.
This is my farewell letter to the Mladinski List, as I am now in the adult department and am going away to school. (By the time this letter appears in the ML, I’ll be in school.)
I have enjoyed my membership in Circle No. 1 and hate to leave the good times that it has been my privilege to enjoy. The members were all very agreeable and easy to get along with, and I do hope that they will carry on the good work in our Circle and our Lodge. I shall also miss my
other friends and Mr. Stiglich and Eddie Zupančič, with whom I have been working.
I hope that the juvenile campaign will be a success and that many new members will be secured, for is it not the younger ones who will follow in the footsteps of the older ones?
I am leaving to enter the School of Mines at Golden, Colorado, where I shall study engineering.
I want to thank the SNPJ very much for the war stamps which I received, and my only hope is that Circle 1 will keep up the good work.
WILLIAM TOMSIC, Vice President 823 West Sixth Street.
Circle No. 1 is still on the map and its members are determined to keep it there. We regret to see Vice President William Tomsic leave us but realize that there is no other way. We wish him lots of success at school and hope that he will continue to be a supporter of the SNPJ in the future- as he has been in the past. Good luck to you, Willie.
We are all back in school again. I am a freshman in high school. I take social science, algebra, English and Spanish. The Huerfano County High School’s colors are purple and white. I also take band which I enjoy very much.
On Sept. 23, the band motored to three different mining camps, which have gone over the top in the bond drive. The camps are Tioga, Cameron and Turner. The miners of these three camps have done a wonderful job in buying war bonds and supporting the drive. There was also a free show held for those who bought extra bonds.
I will close now and will write more next time. And members, don’t forget to come to the next Circle meeting on Nov. 21.
ELIZABETH DUZENACK, Secretary 709 West Sixth Street.
Here I am for the fifth time writing to the M. L. You all know that we are back in school again. I like school very much, and I also like our Circle meetings and activities. Only the other day I received my SNPJ victory pin, and I am very proud of it.
I have three pen pals and am in hopes of receiving more. They are Joan Finco from Roundup, Mont., John Reichel from New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and Dorothy Martinčič from Strabane, Pa. I thank them very much for writing to me.
The third War Loan drive surely made a hit here in Walsenburg. Everyone was busy buying bonds to speed our victory.
DONNA LOZINSKY, Circle No. 1.
I am writing again to this fine magazine which I enjoy reading so much. I am 15 years of age and am in the tenth grade. I am taking health science, algebra, history and English at Huerfano County High School. I like school very much. My sister is in the ninth grade and another sister is in the 12th grade.
(Continued on inside back cover)
Our Pen Pals Write
(Naši čilaieljčki pišejo)
MUSIC CLUB MEMBER
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to the Mladinski List. I’m sorry I haven’t written sooner. I’ve enjoyed reading the ML very much and think it is a very fine magazine, especially because all SNPJ juvenile members have a chance to contribute to it. That makes it that much more interesting.
I am seventeen and a senior at West Liberty high school where I am taking the commercial course. I am a member of the Music Club and Press Club. A group of us highschool students have organized an orchestra and have already played for two very successful dances. One was a benefit dance for the Red Cross and the other was in behalf of the Boy Scouts. We received our graduation rings this summer so that we could wear them air our senior year.
I would like tc have some pen pals, both girls and boys. I promise to answer all letters promptly. I remain a faithful reader of the M. L.—Helen Škedel (17), Box 97, R.D. 2, West Alexander, Pa. (Lodge 425)
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"IT'S SO INTERESTING"
Dear Editor:—I found the ML so interesting that I just had to drop you a line. Although I have been getting this magazine for a long time, this is only my first letter to it. I feel ashamed of myself for not writing to it sooner.
I have looked in the ML for pen pals and I have found these two, Florence Kern and Rose Hervet. I do wish someone else would please drop me a line. I promise to answer all letters promptly.
I am 13 years old and I go to the Gallup Junior High School. We have lots of fun. That was one reason why I wanted school to hurry and start. Best regards to all.—Rose Mary Racki (13), 132 E. Terrace Ave., Gallup, New Mexico.
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COLD AND WINDY
Dear Editor:—While reading the September issue of the ML, I decided it was about time I wrote a letter. I hardly ever see a letter from Wyoming, so maybe I’d better try and write more often.
This year school started a week later because so many of the children were still working in the fields. I am in the eleventh grade this year. And about a week before school started, the Russell Brothers Circus came to Kemmerer for one day, Sept. 2. The sideshow tent was the only one that was up. The rest of the tents couldn’t be put up because the weather was too cold and windy. Even though I didn’t get to see anything in the main tent, I got to see all the animals.
I would like to say hello to the following pen pals: Marilyn Dohner, Ethel Switko, Catherine Gerovac, Frances Klimp, Louise Jakshe, Lorraine
Borich, Theresa Stradjat, Frances Mihelič and Mildred Derzich. I would like to ask Catherine Gerovac and Theresa Stradjat why they don’t write. I would like to have pen pals from any state or place. I promise to answer all the letters I receive. I also collect postcards, so if any one would like to exchange postcards with me I’d appreciate it very much. Best regards to one and all.—Theresa Turley (16), Box 545, Kemmerer, Wyo.
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GREETINGS TO ALL
Dear Editor:—I’ll start off my second letter with a greeting to all members. First of all I’d like to say hello to Louise Briselli. I’d like to have more pen pals. So come on, girls and boys, write to me. I also write to a few boys in Uncle Sam’s Armed Forces.
I am in the eighth grade and I like school. I have a brother who works in the mines. He is “toplander.” He was 18 on October 9, so he’ll be in the army soon. Let’s hope that he and other boys like him will do their duty and come home safely.
Goodby until next time. I remain a proud SNPJ member and ML reader—Betiy Furlan (13), 514 Third Ave. N. W., Chisholm, Minn. (Lodge 322)
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ROSALIE'S "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to the ML which I think is a very fine magazine. My brother Richard and I have been members of the SNPJ for three years, and we are proud of it. I am 13 years old and am in the eighth grade.
I have three distant cousins in the armed forces. One is in North Africa, one is in Sicily and one in Hawaii. This past summer I helped mother can many vegetables and fruit. I will write again soon.—Rosalie Ruzich (13), Box 752, Ironton, Mich. (Lodge 197)
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"JUST PLAIN LAZY"
Dear Editor:—I finally am writing to the ML again. My reason for not writing regularly is that I was just plain lazy.
On Aug. 28, the club I belong to, the Mladinski Pevski zbor (Juvenile Chorus), had a party. Good refreshments were served, and there also was good music.
At the school where I go, we are going to have a library. The money needed was raised by the paper sale, and the popcorn sale. That is all I can think of now. So long.—Alice Pike, 448 E. 156th St., Cleveland 10, Ohio. (Lodge 53)
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HAS SIX PEN PALS
Dear Editor:—I was very glad to see my first letter published; this is my second. I have six pen pals since I wrote my first letter. I would like to have more pen pals between the ages of 13 and 16. School started in September and I am ridin-14 miles to high school. I remain a proud SNPJ member—Lillian Palcher, Butte Valley, Colo.
"JUST NEVER DID"
Dear Editor j—I have finally decided to write again to the M. L. During the summer I had meant to write, but somehow I just never did.
In my other letters I forgot to mention that one of my hobbies is colleting postcards. I have quite a few already, but I would appreciate it if other pen pals would send me some. In return, I will send them some of Cleveland.
The last time I wrote to this magazine, I asked for more pen pals. But I then received so many, that I just couldn’t answer all of them. But I thank all of the people who did write to me. You see, our school here in Collinwood started Sept. 7, and already we have had a lot of homework. Best regards to all.—Doris Pike, 448 E. 156th St., Cleveland 10, Ohio. (Lodge 53)
EXCELLENT MAGAZINE
Dear Editor:—I have no reasonable excuse that I can give for not writing sooner to such an excellent magazine, the Mladinski List. However, seeing how often some of the girls and boys write has encouraged me to do so, and more often.
Here is a little idea of how I look. I have brown hair, green eyes, am 5 ft. 5 in. tall and am 15 years old.
My plea is for pen pals. So come on, girls and boys between 15 and 17, get a good “grip” on your pen or pencil and drop me a line. I want pen pals “from all over the world.” Regards to one and all. —Pauline A. Ruparcic (15), Box 77, Tire Hill, Pa. (Lodge 289)
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FARM CADET CORPS
Dear Editor:—I am very sorry that I haven’t written sooner to the M. L. I promised to write every month, but I broke my promise. I hope that never has to happen again. Before I go any further I want to thank the SNPJ for sending me $1 in war stamps. I appreciate it very much.
This summer I joined the Farm Cadet Victory Corps. I went to work on two large farms picking beans. We not only earned a little money, but each one of us did our share towards winning this war.
I proudly remain—Rose Lipar (15), R. D. 1, Hyndsville, N. Y. (Lodge 393)
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I WAS VERY GLAD
Dear Editor:—This is my third letter to the M. L. Now I have four pen pals and surely am glad. I was also very glad when our school opened Aug. 30, mainly for two reasons: I want to get to high school and I want to be a patrol girl in the eighth grade.
There was a carnival here from Aug. 9 to 13. I went to see it and I enjoyed it very, very much. I also went on swings, played bingo, and had popcorn and other things to eat.
I want to say hello to Albena Finco, Anna Phillips, Evelyn Koklich and Donnie Urbas. I remain a proud SNPJ member—Anna M. Siilinger (13), Box 15, Merritstown, Pa.
WANTED: PEN PALS
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to this fifne magazine, and I am sure it isn’t my last. So far I’ve gained one pen pal, Dorothy Visnikar, and I’ve written to a few more. In my first letter I made a request for pen pals and repeat it in this one. Recently, quite a few letters have been written by Minnesotans. Keep up the' good work. I remain a proud SNPJ member—Bertha Borich (14), 1420 102nd Ave. W., Duluth, Minn. (Lodge 205)
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MY VISIT IN PENNA
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to the ML but not my last. This summer I visited my relatives in Johnstown, Pa. And did I have the fun of my life visiting with my cousin Tommy Culkar.
While I was in Johnstown, we walked every day. We climbed hills until I got about six blisters. Here in Detroit there aren’t many hills and I don’t have to walk so much, but Tommy gave me enough walking for a while.
I noticed Jimmie Spendal writes to this fine magazine also. Since my name is also Spendal, maybe we are related. I wish he would write to me. My mother is the secretary of the Young American lodge in Detroit. I also want to mention our visit to Chicago quite sometime ago. We saw where the ML and Prosveta are printed and edited. It was all very interesting. I met all the editors and other officials at the Main Office. We also visited the Proletarec offices.—Elaine Spendal, 81 Arizona E., Detroit, Mich. (Circle 29)
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OUR CROP CORPS
Dear Editor:—Vacation has come and gone since I last wrote to the good ole M. L. This was an enjoyable summer for me because we went to Chicago to see my cousin, Pvt. Fred Zavašnik, who was on furlough from Camp Roberts, Calif. We also visited with Pvt. Tony Podbevsek of Chicago who was also on leave from Camp Roberts. At present they are both stationed at a camp in Alaska
I stayed in Chicago with my aunt and uncle for five weeks and came home just in time to go corn detasseling for a week. Corn detasseling is fun if the company you work for has machines to work with part of the time. Many “kids” around here were members of the Crop Corps just as I was, and worked on farms nearby.
Just after our detasseling jobs were over, my uncle, Pvt. Adolph Ferjančič came home on a furlough from Camp Maxey, Texas. And soon after that school started. I am a sophomore at the La Salle-Peru high school in La Salle, Illinois. I wish Mary Tonkovich and Mildred Levar would write to me. Regards to all. (P. S.: The last 2 weeks previous to the opening of school I went mornings to attend chorus. Then the chorus and the high-school band and grade school bands combined gave a concert in the stadium at high school.)—Dolores Udovic (14), Rte. 1, Box 90, La Salle, 111. (Lodge 573)
THANKSGIVING'S HERE
Dear Editor:—School is once again on its way. My subjects include English, science, mathematics, home economy, physical education, history and literature. I am in the eighth grade.
Thanksgiving will be around soon now. I suppose everyone will be glad to see it come. The weather is getting cooler here and I am glad. The leaves are vry beautiful now. I believe I have never seen a more beautiful sight.
Best regards to one and all.—George Močivnik (12), Box 47, Kingston, W. Va.
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FALL HOLLIDAYS
Dear Editor:—At first I thought I wouldn’t write to the ML this month, but I always find time to write to this fine magazine of ours. Another school term has started and I am glad.
I see that our Circle 47 is not forgetting to write to the ML, and I know they will keep it up by writing each month.
The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. It gets dark very early now. Soon Thanksgiving will be here and Halloween will be a thing of the past. Members, buy bonds and stamps to help lick the Nazis and the Japs.-— Christine Kolar (13), 421 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 684)
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PEN PALS WANTED
Dear Editor:—I’ve made up my mind to write again to the M. L. I would like Margaret Turley to write to me. I’ve written ’her two letters since she has written the last one to me.
My little brother has a little wild brown rabbit. It is about six inches long, and we have trained it now. It drinks milk and eats clover.
I would like to have more pen pals, both boys and girls. Also, I would like to see more letters from West Virginia. Best regards to all.—Donnie Francis Urbas, Camden-on-Gauley, W. Va.
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POSTCARD COLLECTION
Dear Editor:—This being my second letter to the ML, I am glad to report that since my first letter was published I gained six pen pals, and through this one I hope to gain more. I want to say “hi” to all of them. But what happened to Anna Bukovich, Theresa Stradjat and Theresa Turley?
My postcard collection has increased. I now have postcards from Montana, Washington, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Wisconsin and New Mexico. I hope to get more and in return I will send one of Duluth. If the people who live in the states I have mentioned want to send one, it’s all right, I’ll send one in return.
I agree with Rosemary Panyan. There should be more letters from Minnesota. I have already mentioned that I want more pen pals, so I’ll be waiting for your letters. Until next time, I remain a proud SNPJ member—Lorraine Borich (15), 1420 102nd Ave. W., Duluth, Minn. (Lodge 205)
"IT'S A BIG TIME"
Dear Editor:—I am again writing to this wonderful magazine. It is a busy and big time here at our house. My daddy is running for county treasurer and this explains why we are so busy. Naturally, we are all hoping that he’ll be elected. His name is Francis G. McKinley. He is also our burgess here in Lorrain Borough. When I say I have a good Dad, I mean it. I can’t think of much more to say. I wish everyone the best of luck and health.—Phyllis McKinley, 402 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa. (Circle 47)
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COME ON, CHICAGOANS!
Dear Editor:—This is my third letter to the M. L. I haven’t written to this fine magazine for such a long time. School is in full swing now and I am in the seventh grade. I have more than one teacher. My homeroom teacher’s name is Miss Noffz. I’m glad that school is here. I want to say hello to my pen pal Elizabeth Sterle. I would like to have some pen pals my age. Come on, Chicagoans, let’s see some of your letters. Best regards to all.—Grace Ann Gerdanc (12), 4933 W. 24th St., Cicero, 111. (Lodge 559)
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FALL AND WINTER
Dear Editor:—Our school started Sept. 7 and is now well on the way. My brother Johnny is at Fort Knox, Ky., and likes army life. He lacked one year to finish school when he was inducted. My other brother, Leo, is still in Berkley, Calif. Seems as though all my friends and neighbors are going to California.
All the leaves are falling off the trees, grass is getting dry, which all means that fall is here and winter is not far behind. I’ll close with my best regards to one and all.—Annie Čretnik (16), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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ALL ALONE
Dear Editor:—I am all alone in our house and I am able to concentrate on my writing when no one is around to disturb me. I have received some requests from persons for postcards, but I can’t find any with Minnesota spelled across the card.
My hobby of collecting pictures of orchestra leaders and singers is increasing. Recently I have received a nice picture of Frank Sinatra. I miss the little accordion I sent to my brother Rudy in the South Pacific. Accordions are hard to get now. I will close for this month, wishing everyone a happy school year.—Florence Alic (16), Box 607, Aurora, Minn. (Lodge 111)
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OUR TEACHERS
Dear Editor:—Our school started earlier this year. We ’have woman-teachers because man-teachers are in the army. I like school very much. Last summer it was very hot and dry here, but now it’s getting cooler. I will try to write more next month. Best regards to one and all.—Mildred Čretnik (11), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
MILLIE LIKES SCHOOL
Dear Editor:—Here I am again writing to this wonderful magazine. I want to thank you for printing my last letter in the M. L. My brother Johnny is still in Camp Roberts, Calif. He is an issue clerk in a bakery and he likes it very much. Some of his pals from Walsenburg are also with him.
Our school started Sept. 7. I like school very much. I want to say hello to Catherine Gerovac and Mildred Padar, both my pen pals, but I would like to have more pen pals. I will answer all letters promptly. Best regards to all.—Millie Zorman, Walsenburg, Colo. (Lodge 299)
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HELLO TO PEN PALS
Dear Editor;—I am writing again to this fine magazine. I am 15 years of age and am in the tenth grade. School started Sept. 7.
We have a regular meeting of our Circle No. 1 each third week of the month. Our meetings are interesting. We also have many victory gardens. My favorite sports are swimming, hunting and skating. I have one sister that will graduate from the twelfth grade and one that is a freshman in high school.
I want to say hello to all of my pen pals. I am sorry that I never answered their letters but hope to do so soon. Regards to all.—David Zorman, Walsenburg, Colo. (Circle No. 1)
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"IT WAS VERY HOT"
Dear Editor:—I am writing to the ML for November. School started Sept. 7. The weather in August was very hot. One day it was 106°, and on Aug. 21 it was 96°. I will write more next time. Best regards to one and all.—Willie Creinik (13), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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SHE'S STUDYING
Dear Editor:—Here I am again writing for the month of November. I have three articles for this month. By the time this little letter is published I will be sitting in school studying. I guess I will close for this time. Best regards to all.—Amelia Čretnik (10), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Arkansas. (Lodge 24)
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SWELL VACATION
Dear Editor:—Over the Labor day weekend we took a trip to Cedar Lake and stayed there nine days, swimming, fishing and canoeing. The worst part of it was that I came back in time for school. But we should be thankful for being able to go to school. I surely am thankful, but it is just the thought of staying in nights doing homework.
I spent a swell vacation at home. I went swimming and bicycling and played tennis. I hope everyone had a pleasant vacation, and I hope you didn’t forget the purchase of bonds and stamps.— Caroline Tavzelj (14), 1425 McKinstry, Detroit 9, Mich.
MARY'S "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to this fine magazine. I’ve enjoyed reading it so I know I’ll enjoy writing to it. I am 15 years of age and am 5 feet tall and have brown hair and brown eyes.
I have a brother and sister besides my mother; my father has been dead for almost 14 years. My brother is 13 years old; he never saw his father because he was born a few months after his death.
I would like to have many pen pals, girls and boys. Best regards to all.—Mary Robich (15), Box 17, Presto, Pa.
JUNE'S AMBITION
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to this excellent magazine. I am 16 years of age, am 5 ft. 8V2 in. tlal, weigh 120 lbs., a brunette and medium complexion. My greatest ambition is to be a good dressmaker. I attend Jane Addams vocational high school and am majoring in sewing. I was a Student Council representative from my Home Room for one year. I also belong to senior Glee Club. My next ambition is to be a good skater.
I also like to write and receive letters. So far I have received letters from Georgia, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, California, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, D. C., and from England and Canada.
I hope that my next letter will be more interesting. Best regards to all, hoping to hear from some one soon.—June Kent (16), 19802 Arrowhead Ave., Cleveland, O. (Lodge 614)
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JOAN'S AWS WINGS
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to the M. L. I wish to say hello to my pen pals. Since my last letter three of my relatives have joined the service. A cousin in the Navy, another cousin in the Air Force and another in the Marines. Before I only had an uncle in the Army.
Last August I went to 4-H camp for a week. We learned how to repair and take care of things. We made skirts at camp. My cousin and I gave a team demonstration on repairing a light plug and got first on it. I got a pair of observer wings from, the AWS.
School started Sept. 15 and I am in the first year of Junior High (7th grade). Best wishes to all.—Joan C. Benedict (11), Rte. 1, Box 120, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. (Lodge 603)
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SECOND WAR BOND
Dear Editor:—By now everyone is back in school again, starting a new term. Two of my sisters have been home on their vactaions this summer. Florence is working in Lorain, Ohio. My other sister had her vacation before.
I am starting on my second War Bond. I buy two quarter stamps weekly. It isn’t much, but I know I am helping little by little to win this war.
Having nothing else to say, I will sign off and write next month again.—Frances Strozar (14), R. D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa. (Circle 47)
LOOKING FOR PEN PALS
Dear Editor:—Here I am writing again. I hope everyone had a nice vacation. I didn’t go anywhere this summer but I am enjoying myself at home. My best girl friend Catherine Miller and I are spending our summer vacation the victory way by staying home and saving on gas and war material.
Also, I am looking for more pen pals. I promise to answer their letters. I guess I am running out of news, so I’ll close with the best wishes to all.—Phyllis McKinley, 402 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 82)
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RUDY IS ONLY FIVE
Dear Editor:—I am five years old and with my mother’s help, this is my first letter to the M. L.
I belong to SNPJ lodge 589 and Circle 27. I like our Circle very much. We have a good time after every meeting. Last month we had a picnic at Town Park and a good time was had by all the girls and boys. I’ll try to get my mother to help me write every month.—Rudy Oklesson (5), Stra-bane, Pa. (Circle 27)
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MARY LOU'S "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to the M. L.
I enjoy reading this magazine very much. I am a member of SNPJ lodge 232. I am, 14 years old and a freshman in high school. I have blonde hair and blue eyes. I will be 15 on Feb. 5. My favorite sports are skating and swimming; my hobbies are collecting picture postcards and photography. I would like to have pen pals very much. I will write more next time. Best regards to Sophie Hrast, William Kroper and his sister Frances Jean, John Stular and Frank Lekse, as well as to all SNPJ juveniles.-—Mary Lou Primožič (14), 503 Sixth St., Trafford, Pa.
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REINTRODUCTION
Dear Editor:—rSince I haven’t written to the ML for a long time, I will tell a little about myself. I am 15 years old, have brown hair, brown eyes, and am 5 ft. 5 in. tall. I am a junior in Luzerne High School. My hobby is writing letters. Another hobby is collecting stamps of which I have over three thousand. I want to congratulate all those regular writers of the M. L. Keep up the good work.
I also want to say hello to all my pen pals. If anyone else would care to write to me, I will gladly answer. I will also send my picture to anyone who writes. I’d like to hear from Ruth Ann Aidich. Helen Mance, Zita Bozanic, Zora Gostovich and anyone else who is interested. I want to thank Johnny Prelc for his letter in the September issue. After reading his letter I felt ashamed of myself for not writing sooner. If Mildred Derzich would write to me, I will send her many postcards.
Until next time, best regards to all.—Violetta Topic (15), 275 Kelly St., Luzerne, Pa.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Dear Editor:—We went back to sqhool Sept. 10. My brother is in the Army Air Force at Denver, Colo. We are expecting him home on a furlough soon. I wish to say hello to my pen pals Dorothy Urbas, Dorothy Martinčič, Zita Mileta. Catherine Briski, and all of my other pen pals. I would be glad to receive postcards of different states. Best regards to all.—Ruth Chagenovich (11), 984 Santa Cruz, San Pedro, Calif. (Lodge 416)
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WILL ANSWER LETTERS
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to this wonderful magazine. Although I have been a member of the SNPJ for a number of years, I have never written to the ML before. I am 5 ft. 2 in. tall, have blonde hair and brown eyes. I would like to have some boys and girls for pen pals, promising to answer all letters promptly. I am 15 years old and am a sophomore in high school. My best regards to all.—Laverne Alt (15), Box 457, Aguilar, Colo. (Circle 20)
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ANOTHER "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—Although I have been a member of the SNPJ for quite some time, this is my first letter to this fine magazine. I would like to have some pen pals, girls and boys. I am 14 years old and a freshman in high school. I am 5 ft. 3 in. tall and have brown eyes and brown hair. Pen pals, write to me and I’ll answer promptly. Regards to all.—Catherine Elouise Biyacich (14), Box 248, Aguilar, Colo. (Circle 20)
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ALSO A "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—I have been reading this magazine for a long time. This is my first letter. I am 11 years of age and 4 ft. 6 in. tall. I have medium brown hair and 'have light-brown eyes. I am in the sixth grade at the Kippenhan School. I would like to have pen pals, girls and boys, from all over the country. All letters will be answered promptly. My favorite hobbies are bicycle riding, swimming and playing games. Best regards to all.—Betty Luzover (11), R.R. 2, Greenwood, Wis. (Lodge 198)
WHERE THE FUEL GOES
A PURSUIT PLANE, at a cruising speed of 200 m.p.h. requires one gallon of gasoline for every four miles of flight.
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON JUST FOR FUN PAGE:
Brain Teasers: 1—Capitals of States; 2—Luzon; 3—Captain; 4—Adams; 5—True.
Thanksgiving Quizzer: 1—Turkey; 2—Thursday;
3—300 years ago; 4—Both B and C probably; 5—A.
Hobbies: Roosevelt—Stamps; Churchill—Painting; Kettering—Clocks; Kaltenborn—Tennis; Ford —Reading.
Word Mystery: 1—lawyer; 2—aviator; 3—doctor; 4—engineer; 5—miner; 6—nurse; 7—teacher; 8—butcher.
Zany Zoo Names: 1—giraffe; 2—tiger; 3—bear;
4—snake; 5—kangaroo; 6—squirrel; 7—leopard; 8—zebra.
Problem of the Month: 209.3'; 788.9'
Filmville:	1—For Whom the Bell Tolls; 2—
Cabin in the Sky; 3—This is the Army; 4—Watch on the Rhine; 5—My Friend Flicka; 6—Stage Door Canteen.
Learn to Smile
Learn to smile. Smiles ennoble your countenance. They remove wrinkles and add sparkle to the eyes. They advertise good nature and win friendly responses. Smiles are man-made sunshine.
FURLOUGH
Juvenile Circle No. 1 Section
(Continued from page 27)
I want to thank the SNPJ for the nice Victory pin which I received, and also for the dollar in war stamps. I have a pen pal that belongs to the SNPJ but	never writes to	the M. L. I	have	a
brother in	the Army; he is	21 years old.
DAVID ZORMAN, Circle No. 1.
I am still attending the Circle meetings and enjoy them much. One of our most active members, Billy Tomsic, is leaving to enter college. We will miss him very much.
We are all back in school again, and I like school this year. We have some new teachers. The boys in the seventh grade take manual training. I am	making a magazine rack. We	have	a
good shop	teacher. I have	a new band	teacher
this year. I will write more next time.
ALBERT DUZENACK, Circle No. 1.
Here I am again writing to this wonderful magazine. I want to thank the SNPJ for the beautiful Victory pin that I received recently. I want to say hello to Catherine Gerovac and Milly Padar, and I will write soon.
I am taking Latin, English, mathematics and social science. I like school very much and also my teachers. I have so much fun for my freshman year that the time flies like lightning.
The other day we went pinion picking and I got 23 pounds, and once before, 15 pounds. We might send some to my brother Johnny in the Army. We sent him a big package for his birthday, and was he happy to receive it!
MILLIE ZORMAN, Circle 1.
The Peanut
In Europe peanuts—in some countries in peacetime—are fed to hogs to fatten them up before slaughtering but here in America we consider them good to eat when they are roasted.
The peanut plant, known also as the “goober,” “groundnut” or “earthnut” plant, has a hairy stem, the leaves on which grow in pairs. The full grown nut weighs down the stem until it reaches the earth and the nut will then push itself into the ground to serve as a seed for another plant unless it is picked first. Peanut oil is used as a substitute for olive oil. Peanut butter is made by grinding the nuts and mixing them with oil.
Plenty to Eat?
Hostess:	“Did	you	have	plenty	to	eat,	little
boy?”
Little Boy: “Sure. Didn’t you see my mother looking at me?”
“You should have been here an hour ago,” said the boss to the late employee.
“Why, what happened?”
There is no darkness but ignorance.
SHAKESPEARE.
SNPJ JUVENILE 30th ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN1
• The Juvenile Department of the SNPJ is in its thirtieth year of successful progress. The Society honors this important anniversary with a special three months juvenile membership campaign, beginning September 1 and ending November 30, 1943.
• This campaign is open to any adult or juvenile member in good standing. To qualify as a contestant, one must first enroll a new juvenile member.
• In order that competition between contestants will be more equal, all lodges are grouped into four classes designated by the letters A, B, C and I), and each lodge is assigned a quota based on the official adult membership as of last June 30.
• Attractive cash awards are offered:—There will be two special prizes in each class, one for $50 and another for $25 and, over these, tour All-Classes combined prizes, one each for $75, $50, $35 and $25.
• As an inducement for promising juvenile members to participate as contestants, four EXTRA All-Classes combined prizes are offered to the four highest juveniles finishing out of the special prizes described above, these as follows:—$25, $20, $15 and $10. Each, however, must secure at least five new members.
• In addition to the special prizes, the Society shall also pay the following:—$1 for each juvenile insured under Plan 1 or 2, and $2 for each one insured under Plan 3.
• All new juvenile members shall be considered for awards on condition that they have paid at least six monthly assessments.
• No medical examination is required unless insurability is doubtful or questioned. In all such cases, the Society shall pay up to 50 cents for each juvenile examined.
• An attractive CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, signifying that one has done his part in the SNPJ Juvenile 30th Anniversary Membership Campaign, will be awarded to every contestant who enrolls the required quota of new members.
• During the Victory Campaign our lodges and members responded wonderfully. Many of them obtained excellent results. Won’t you do the same in this campaign?
• A golden opportunity to build a stronger foundation for the future is here. Let our goal be an UNLIMITED VICTORY, and our slogan: REJUVENATE THE SNPJ WITH JUVENILES!
VINCENT CAINKAR, Campaign Chairman
MICHAEL VRHOVNIK, Campaign Director