The American patriot., 1855-06-23
THE AMERICAN PATRIOT
[For the American Patriot
The Students Vow.
By " ALA"

The founts Of Joy, where pilgrims rest from toll
Are few and distant on the desert soil;
The souls pure fame the breath of storms must fan
And pain and sorrow claim their nursling !"
1t was the anniversary Of our national indepen-
dencc--that day sacred to every American heart,
when the laborer turns from his pursuits the mer-
chant from the alengrossing Of the counting
house, the student from his tasks, and the scholar
from his literary researches. The lawyer closes
his cofns of human intellect and forgets this is a
world of wrongs, and that man doeth evil contin-
ually. All distinctions are disregarded, the car
rage of Dives throws its glittering dust upon the
tattered garments of Lazarus yet he hecds it not,
for all have met on the same broad platform-that
all men are horn free and equal"
Morning had been ushered in, with the of
cannon and voice of merriment; the shouts of
freedom proclaimed by every lisping tongue was
FREEDOM FOREVER! The banner Of the stripes
: and the stars waved proudly in the breeze, while
assembling multitndes crowding the vast thorough
fares proclaimed the festal day. Glad day through
out this happy republic!
There were orators, too, in temple, grove and
bower. There the aged man, whose locks
we're svered by the frosts of many winters, re-
posing on the laurels long since won, and man.
hoods might, firm in purpose, triumphing in the
heaven-favored right; and there were also, youth
full candidates, with faltering voice and modest
courage who advanced as advocates and represen-
tatives Of the common cause
Every pulse quickened to the memory of the
past, while the scene of the revolutionary struggle,
its triumph and results moved like camera oJse,,-
ra before their excited imaginations
1t was the noontide hour, the beams Of meri-
dian sun poured their varied influence upon the
world, lingering with subdued geneality upon a
point away from the thronging caravansary in a
far off northern wild. Widely contrasted were the
events there transpirng with the preceding.
There was gathered beneath leafy arches, trem-
bling expectancy, hope, joy, disappointment, and
similar emotions that agitate the human heart
"1t was commencement day at Notre Dame {!
Parents and friends were convened to note the
honors" bestowed on the objects of their pride and
love. The bell chimed the hour of one! unds.
turbed silence rested the listening throng; then
music, soul invigorating, tuned to the theme of
Hail Columbia" rose with its voluptuous swell
again silence reigned supreme.
venerable father, clothed in priestly robes, ad-
dressed the audience, announcing the order of ex.
ercisas.
The scene was worthy the attention of the physi-
ognomist to note the varying countenances as each
advanced to perform the duties assigned him.
Essaysts appeared upon the stage. There were
those who had rarely occupied place before the
public, whose knees trembled and voices altered,
as they thought of the eyes resting on them, the
hopes concentrated in them and the possibility of
failure. And there orphans, too, objects of
charity bestowed by the Holy Order" feeling
weghty responsibilities resting upon them, to ably
sustain their position.
Each had performed his part creditably to HIM
self and his "Ama Mater" and retired from the
stage to listen to the vaedictory addresses and the
oration for the day. Music occupied an interval
and ceased
manly form, with modest dignity and blush
ing confidence, stood upon the rostruln. His
voice clear, rich and vocferous; while he most
| eloquently expatiated upon the sublime topic of
"our country" Most faithfully he delineated its
history, and portrayed its future destiny, while the
l enthusiasm which inspired him extended its cleo
trio influence, until murmur of applause burst
from the excited audience. A crimson flush suf-
fused his cheek-then died in paleness there. His
glance centered on single object he had not seen
before-it was all unperceived-and bolder, more
eloquently he advanced to the conclusion. Again
the voice of laudatory acclamation reverberated on
his ears, while whisper of "who is he?" rang
along the aisles.
Among that multitude was one whose check
changed from the carnation glow to ashy paleness,
whose pulse quickened and heart throbbed wildly,
until with its own excess of happiness, it poured
forth tears-feelngs bright embodied form.
She was the widowed mother of that gifted
youth
fair girl of eighteen summers, occupied a
place by her side; unconscously she sat soul alb
sorbed in the aengrossing theme, unheeding the
bursting emotions of her highly valued protector,
until deep drawn sigh arrested her attention
then she found opportunity to analyze her own
thoughts, and answer if the long anticipated vision
was fully realized.
She spoke at length "And that is Harrie, Mrs.
aeden Of whom you have told me so often; no
wonder he is the pride of your heart, the idol Of
your affections"
had formed a Is beau ideal' from your descrp
tons, which I thought like him, but the faults in
mine appear garng indeed, when compared with
the original. One has only to look upon him. tc
trace the nobility of his soul, and become con
IVmced OF the purity of his character
You are always wild enthusiast, Eta, but yor
DO not overrate the virtues of my son." said thu
widow. "How his father would have blessed th
day could it have been opened before him! l car
not believe he would have resigned him to tn,
Church, as must do, if he still insists that dnt,