Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-03-11

ooiiiilh' and our names be shrouded in vail of
ooscurlty, are we not endowed with intal1ac,s
caPaoie OF almost Infinite expansion? And arc
we mol blessed, even in this young and orov-ine,
State, wl.h educational resources that will com
pete with almost any of the older ones Then
why despair? The path lies before os-tba
neld is open' and we have only to march straight
forward from one landmark Of distinction 70
another. Let US then unfurl our banner 70 tho
breeze, inscribe upon lis folds the simple device
Perseverance, t and bearing il aloft. march with
ilrm' untaltering step up the rugged hill Of
science
one o1 the choicest of these privileges Of in
teiIectual cultivation has been presented US dur
ing the past winter, and trust has been faith
fulIy improved. Yes, the last three ,,ort1.,
winch have glided by so swiftly, vet tranopil1v
are replete, too, with many fond and endearing
'ecoliectlohs' and, by me at least, will ever be
CHERISHED as one of the brightest spots of nv
history more especially, as it contrasts so forci
oiy with the dark and dismal one precedine i
my soJourn III the mountains of California
iar removed from friends and childbood's homo
ana deprived of the enjoyment of these and
o'nef hapPy associations This life, however.
Ut peSt' presents but motley view Of dark snots
ana bright ones, though their disposition res+s
III great measure with US. Even the sunshine
OF our happiness during the past winter has
oeei greatly dlmmed by the thought of separa-
'loA ana TINS evening brings that time nnon
Us "l1h all the force of stern reality Rrt
though we are about to bid adicu to tboso
school-day scenes, (and some of us. no dorb+
hnal one,) let Us bear in mind that we are s4ir
students IN the great school Of life-tbaf vra ,.e
no" In the Preparatory Department" mould
ing ana shaplng our own destinies, and with
thein' perhaps, the destinies of many who shall
follow after us-that we are CONTRACTING bol,;+,
ana forming characters that will stand bv us =,
,ne ciose OF this eat school, and tell to our
hohof or disgrace U, on the examination dav. TO-
ward which we are fast tending. And NAV We
care we cherish hope that We shall then and
thcre receive the great diploma, that rav,ard IF
merit which Is free alike for all who shall an
pear with right spirit and a clear conscience
Let Us, at all hazard, set cur aim bjcb j, tho
scale OF human action, and ever seek. bv our
influence and example, to elevate mankind TO-
Wafd that perfect state cf civilization in which
he may assume the true dignity with which he
Tas invested by his Creator
To you, my worthy instructor, we owe IN
eyerl2s ing debt Of gratitude, for the uDwaver-
ing interest you have manifested in our weIflro
and the untiring effort with which voY have
ever labored TO preserve the honor and dignity
of thI5 sehooI, and secure the proper advance
ihcnt OF those entrus' ed to your instruction
our mission with US has been a very resr,onsi-
bic one, and your situation critical in the ex-
tTeme. Coming among US a total stranger, de-
PriTed OF the aid and support of tried and val
ued friends, every steb5@which vou have take,
and every action you have put forth, being omen
for inspection, have had to rest upon their own
intrinsic merit
Though YOU are soon 10 leave rs and these
pleasant associations, yet, judging of the feel
'ngs OF others by my own, venture TO assert.
th;'t a deep and fervent prayer for your welfare
and happiness viii meet a responsive chord in
the heart Of every one OF your students. Yes,
though fortune may chance to frown upon YOU
IN after life, yet bear in mind there are those
here who viii ever remember you, with an uu-
waveTing, unfaltcring friendship
And now, with the firm hope that this i bat
tic dawning of a bright and glorious future
which Is IN reserve for each of Us, l bid YOU,
my dear Teacher and beloved Schoo!mates an
aAcctionate FAREWELL!
J. 8. PARkISON.