New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1866-07-09

" Labor Omn!n Tinct.
Ladies and Gen,lenen-You have to-day be-
held what to an intelligent mind must ever be
source of qualification, The brightest flowers of
our past knowledge and experience we have
gathered into garland and presented to you,
Your appreciation, and d sense OF duty done, will
be our best reward.
In contemplating the results of our studies, it
must at once strike the mind how infinitely wider
is their scope than that of those pursued by men
of the past. With steps, slow and feeble at first,
but now gigantic, science has been advancing.
Long ago, when shepherds watched their focks
by night" upon the plains of Chadea, as each sue
cessive eve they beheld successive stars appear
above the horizon, they gave to each cluster
name illustrative of their daily life. Beyond this
they knew nothing cared nothing. And now the
heavens are mapped with an accuracy far ex-
ceedng that of any delineaton we have OF our
terrestrial globe The astronomer can predict the
appearance and departure of every star, and,
above ALL now we know, but can never compre-
bend, the principle which binds the universe to-
gether in one great planetary systematic sun of
which is, perhaps beautiful idea , the throne Of
0mnipotence.
Two thousand years ago. Roman soldier, by
oLlSlG DlOh VI us sWOLus ASSklpJbu t1LS SlLpOul'
ment of the philosophy of the world. To-day,
every school boy knows more than Arehimedes
in his widest speculations ever dreamed.
In the middle ages, a few learned men, posses
sing aspirations above the common herd or melted
by desire for wealth, immuring themselves in con
vent cells or obscure chambers, remote from
friends and kindred, devoted their lives to one
great purpose. Spurning all society but that of
their retort and cruoible, contending against dis
appointment and failure oft repeated they worked
on and on in the hope of discovering the elixir Of
life-the withdrawing stone, and all in vain.
But who shall say that the abors of the alche-
mists were wasted? No! They gave birth to that
most beautiful OF the sciences, which tells US of
the unseen agencies now everywhere at work
around US; which shows to US, link by link, the in
visible chain which binds creation to its Creator
Newton, the solver of the profoundest problem
astronomy has yet presented could not penetrate
the mystery envel0ping the physical cause of
Heavens artillery" A century ago, Franklin,
clearing away the mists which till then had en-
veloped electricity, founded a new science, but
died before he beheld its perfection.
And so we find it in every science. Owing its
birth to accident or, perhaps, to the attentive
observation, by large mind, of an every day
phenomenon, possessing no interest to others, but
by him made the subject of speculation and ex-
pertinent, it has steadily progressed, each student
handing down more to posterity than he received
from his predecessor-each laying his pebble upon
the pile-until now it seems almost to touch the
clouds-it almost appears that there is no more to
learn. But there is much veto know. There are
wonders yet to be developed as great any of the
past. And the discovery of these truths is our
work. 1t is for this generation to press onward
until we have explored every nook and recess of
the temple Of Science. 1t is great and glorious
work, worthy of the dedication of our best intel
lectual powers.
In reviewing the past we find the secret of all
inventions, the open sesame 2 to wealth and dis
tinction, the talisman of success, is work. No
truth is stronger or more practical than the hOmey
adage "labor onaaia cincH' Schoolmates l en-
treat you, make this the motto of your lives. The
past is dark behind many Of u.s. Let motifs dismal
shadow throw pail over the present. The future
is bright before us all, but let not its evanescent
phantoms Of hope and pleasure allure US from
present duty. The work is there for US to do. 1t
is God-giyen, because it is there. And when we
learn that all we can desire of wealth or fame
awaits our grasp five but put forth our hand to
take it, where is the suggard who will, supinely
folding his arms, declare g l cannot do it," No!
"There is no such word as fain History teaches
US labor onaia ytnca y experience confirms
the lesson, and the plapdts Of posteriy await him
who will act upon its dictates. There is another
motive. There are dark clouds upon the political
horizon. It may be that they will be dispelled in
mist; but they may, spreading over the whole
heavens, finally obscure the bright beams of the
sun of liberty from our land. If such should be
the South will need not only every stout arm, but
every strong intellect. Let us then so improve
the advantages now surrounding US, that when
our country shall demand our services we may
lay upon her altar sacrifice worthy Of her ac-
ceptance.
And now come to speak the word t0reageH
1t is one linked with many sad, though endearing
associations. How many OF us uttered it five
years ago to beloved relative, or friend, whose
hand we were destined never again to clasp
Many were the gallant hearts that lay down to die
with that last oord still ringing in their ears All!
since then, how many noble soul has gone to
join that band
" Whose shivered swords red with rust,
Whose pinned heads bowed,
Whose mighty banner, traied in dust,
Is now their martial shrOuI-
On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their tlent tents spread;
And Glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac Of the dead"
And the wind sings their eternal requiem through
the branches of the pine, and the willows which
bend over their graves
From such contemplations, let us turn to the
happier present.
Some of us leave these walls never to return.
Having obtained here their weapons, they are
going into the world to take their part in its strife.
The world is wide before you; go forth, brothers;
do your deVoir therein manfully and remember
that whatever of its best goods you desire are
within your grasp. Success will surely crown the
labors of him who deserves it. Whatever your
position is on the battlefield, let excelsior be
your motto and victory" your goal. School
mates, the march of intellect is onward. Let us
not be left behind in its progress, but rather seek
to be of the number of those who direct its courses
never forgetting that such pre-eminence is only
acquired by those who are willing to pay its
price-la5or. To him who wills it, 1sottj1q is i'm
possible. Obstacles but increase his ardor DELAY
but augments his energy Oh, then
"--Be up and doing, .-.
With aheart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pushing