Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-09-02

deSpeSe0 their tfeQS0D Would that the constitution
Of our fathers upon which alone we can rely fol
safety, were beyond the reach Of :regious hands,
What language can sufficiently stignatize-w
code can sufficiently punish the traitor, who would
by invading that sacred instrument, DESTROY this
happy government, which is "the fairest fabric Of
mans creation who would discover this Union
cemented by the blood of so many martyrs in the
cause Of liberty, and consummated by the patriotic
efforts Of the best and purest men that ever lived?
men whose names should not be mentioned by an
american citizen, except with feelings of the pro.
foundest reverence and veReratioR! Nearly al! Of
those great and'good men have passed from earth
but their deeds are immortal their names will live
forever.
These shall resist the empire of decay, Is
When time is Ger and worlds have passed away"
In this connection, should feel that was doing
injustice not only to the mothers Of the revolution,
but to those Of their daughters who have honored
us with their presence this occasion, did l not
pay passing tribute to their patriotism, devotion
to civil and religious liberty, and the eectual SER
vices which they rendered in those times that tried
mems souls" Nothing great or good often be
accomplished without the hearty cooperation Of
woman Her smiles and her cheers never fail to
lend a charm to every cause, and an interest to
every occasion.
"'Tis woman's smiles that lull our cares to rest"
Dear woman's charms, that give to life its zest."
should feel that had but poorly performed my
duty and had failed to complete my task, did not,
before concluding, address a lew remarks more d.
rectly to the young gentlemen connected with this
institution, and in obedience to whose invitation
appear here on this occasion.
1t is hardly to be expected that you, my young
friends, can now fully appreciate the privileges you
here enjoy, and the heavy responsibilities resting
upon you. 1t may be difficult to impress upon you,
in all their reality, the important parts that each
one of you will soon have to perform in the great
drama of life. These things you should bear in
mind, and enGeavor to improve each moment as it
flies. The time wasted here in idleness can never
be recalled but it is lost to you forever The
committed here can never be entirely obliterated,
and the habits formed, whether fo- good or for evil
exert a controlling influence on your future lives
Yours is the bloom-time of life, and the rich bios
SONS that shed their sweet fragrance around your
school boy days but foreshadow the fruits of your
future usefulness and your future greatness just
the weeds, which are permitted to spring up and
overgrow your mental path, portend troubles and
darkness in the future.
Let me urge you to improve the golden opportu-
nifty which it is your good fortune here to enjoy
persevere in the strict performance of your duties:
never despair, but remember labor Omnia rincit..
Let your associations be pure and noble; avoid the
communicating effects of bad associates, for evil
communications corrupt good manners" and your
Character will he judged by the company you keep.
Let your ambition be laudable and unsefsh, remem-
bering that sel6shness has been the rock on which
many nave lOuHUeIeu Let not your laOOTS DC spent
in wild and visionary pursuits but aim at something
substantial. Profit by the sad experience of Others
whose defeats and disappontments only contribute
to your good by pointing out the stumbling blocks
which they encountered, and serving lighthouses
to warn you of the shoals aud quicksands which lie
in your way. Remember that you live in country
in which the road to eminence and distinction is
alike open to ala country whose destiny will soon
be placed in the hands of yourselves and your CO.
temporaries, and which will call upon all your pat
riotism and wisdom to protect It. Remember that
here in the free land Of America those of the hum
best origin have often risen to the highest position
within the gift of their countrymen, thereby clearly
demonstrating that,
"Honor AMI shame from no condition rise
Act well your part, there all the honor lies"
Ever and gratefully bear in mind that the liberty
you enjoy is unknown to the people of other coun-
tries. 1t is an inestimable prize-one which reason
and instinct teach all animated nature to dcsre-a
blessing the love of which inspired our forefathers
when they so glorousy responded to the noble SEN
timent, give me liberty or give me DEATH" Read
the history of those great and good men who have
been benefactors to mankind study we'll their char
acter emulate their example; strive to make your
end like theirs
" To win the wreath of fame
And write on memorys scroll deathless name."
Make the effort, and if you fail in your laudable
undertaking, you fail like Pheton, who attempted
to direct the chariot of the sun-you no6ly fail
Remember that science and high attainments do
not fall to any chance, but to be acquired only
by patient industry and perseverance. No matter
how highly you may be gifted by nature with tai
ent. without application it will avail you but little.
Nature only furnishes the capital; you, yourselves,
must do the business.
Learning by study must be won,
Twas ne'er enailed from sire to son."
The youth Of Urinary talents, by study and ap.
plication soon surpasses him Of superior genius who
is indolent and neglects his duties. Hercules un-
trained, with all his natural powers, is no match for
the skful and well trained gladiator. You must
not expect to acquire anything great without great
exertion. He who builds his hopes upon any other
foundation, is doomed to disappointment
Worship at the shrine of wisdom, for her ways
are ways of pieasantness, and all her paths are
peace" But whilst learning and science are so
acquisition alone; for with all the learning which
you may acquire, your education will not be proper
ly completed until your heart shall be thoroughly
imbued with the principles Of virtue and honor
Let these be your guides through life. They alone
will point the way to happiness and success. 1t is
from the impulses of the heart that the mind acts
Hence, the importance of its proper training Gull
tivate, my young friends, cheerful and happy dis
position. Be generous and kind, polite and courte-
Gus in your intercourse with others. Let candor
truth and honesty ever be uppermost in your
thoughts for all your acquire ments will avail you
nothing without an honorable name.
The purest treasure mortal times afford,
Is spotless reputation; that away,
Men are but gilded loan OF painted clay"
May your conduct be such, and your time so spent
here, to prepare you to bnffet with success the
rude waves the ocean of life, and to meet, with
becoming fortitnde, the clouds of adversely, which
none Of US expect at all times to escape. From
the time the serpent entered the garden Of Eden
man has been entirely free from sorrow and disap-
pointment; therefore, you canno. expect yours to
be life of continued sunshine. I would not will
lingiy or unnecessarily mar single happy antici.
patton that You may indulge. l wish only to pre-
M dot,hf reOord vonr ,pont baro dull and