Page 14 - 1947

12 C. C. I. GLEANER
the death of many millions of people. Have you ever tned to reason with a person you dislike? If you have you will probobly have found that it is not really too hard to agree on certain points.
On what points do the countries of the world agree? Since the revolu- iwn in Russia, the Christian Church in that country has made very little progress; but in later years it has been allowed to expand to a certain extent. The Jews do not believe in Christ, nevertheless they do believe in God. It can be said therefore, that all countries, excepting a few small ones, believe in God. Then there is the un- iversal wish for peace. I am certain no country is, at the present time, so barbarous as to try to wage another war. Next is the system of govern- ment. Opposing each other are the democratic and communistic systems. But they do not really oppose each other. They both agree on certain points such as self-government by the masses and rights of the individual as long as they are not injurious to other people. There are of course dis- agreements, such as free enterprise opposed by state ownership.
Now how about taking a look at the points on which people disagree. One of the most serious problems is the territorial settlement. By doing away with greed and by satisfying the feelings in the districts concerned a solution can be worked out. Next there is the apparent conflict between the commtmistic and democratic views. Some imperialistic powers seem to feel that the Communists are trying to seize the world, and at the same time the communists countries feel that the democracies are trying to wipe them out. True, there is antag- onism on both sides. As I pointed out before, both systems of government are really close to each other. Well then. what is all the antagonism about? Finally. there is nationalism. At one time this seemed to be a wonderful system, but it is quickly being out dated. The greatest breeder of greed, fear and hate is nationalism. Im- possible at the present time is a world community; but by complete under-
standing that people have to live harmoniously together, and by break- ing down national barrie,rs, the sooner a better world this will be.
Donald Dique -X III
1st Priz.e (Middle School) MAN'S INHUMANITY
It began with the pin-at least Lannie thought that it had begun with the pin. Someone older and more per- ceptive might have traced it back to In::> first day at school; but Lannie was only nine years old, and although a sensit1ve ch1ld, he was scarcely capable of recalling the incidents in his life, rearranging them in · a pattern, and analyzing them in adult fashion. In consequence he believed that his hopes and expectations had originated in the pin given him by an itinerant salesman.
Merely a round metal button it was-a button of the type worn by representatives at conventions or given away by cereal companies upon receipt of their trademarks. On the front, however, replacing the usual com- mercial crest was a playground scene pictured in startling colours. Brilliant- ly-hued children against a background of violent blues and greens were en- gaged in games of marbles, baseball, and tag. Around the edge of the badge, printed in firm black type, was the word "Kinot". There was nothing more. It was simply one method of advertising employed by the Kinot municipal committee of public health in its campaign for playground space. Nevertheless to Lannie this garish little button, absently bestowed upon him by a pre-occupied salesman, per- sonnified tangibly his misty, half- formed dreams of happiness.
Although Lannie h imself attached little significance to his first day at school, he well remembeted it. Indeed the entire incident gave rise to a ter- rible memory, which filled a closed room in his mind. At intervals the memory became too large for its as- signed space and burst out afresh in all its horror. Then Lannie had dreams, frightful dreams, and he cried out in the night. In his sleep he saw himself just as he had been wnen he started to school for the first time ou that memorable day. Filled with the childish enthusiasm which had always characterized his greeting of new ex- perience, he straightened his poorly- nourished little body and tried to pre- vent his left foot's dragging. In his eyes there glowed an odd light of ex- TAoctancy like the concentrated heat oi burning coal; yet this dark radiance mingled with the duller gleam of un- certainty. His was a look of intensity and eagerness checked by hesitant diffidence. A pathetic figure he made,