Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-04-02

ter and actions needed for-iheia illustra-
ton neither office nor title. Insensibly /
imbibed the idea that title was sign OF
imbecility or vanity; that a strong man
needed no such crutch or bolster; that it
was useless if it conferred on one nothing
but what he had in himself, and dishon-
est If it gave to man something more
than really existed. These were boy
hood whims and notions.
They were strengthened by the inhu-
ence which was derived from my first
teacher in mathematics / had no fond
ness for this study. Yet became pro-
licient in its elementary branches, in my
school days, under the teaching of w. p.
n. Fitzgerald. which in full is. William
Pitt Nelson Fitzgerald. When Prof.
Davies of West Point. was once travel
ing in Canada, he was served By hos
tiers boy, and in putting some questions
to him he proved SO sharp at figures,
that the Professor took him along rs n
servant. He was waiter and boy of all
work. But he developed such gifts and
graccs that he was put to his books and
became cadet, and stood second to
none. until an unfortunate Christmas
spree delivered him from the thrall of
West Point, and sent him To finish his
career in the great academy of the world.
found him, in 1923, teaching mathemat-
les at Mount Pleasant Classical Institute,
in Amherst, Mass. He taught me TO
conquer in studying. There is very
hour in which young nature, tugging,
discouraged aud weary with books, rises
with the consciousness ofyictorious pow
er into masterhood. Forever after, he
knows that he can learn anything If he
pleascs. 1t is distinct intellectual
conversion"
first went to the blackboard, uncer.
tain, soft, full of whimpering. That
lesson must be learned" he said in a
very quiet tone, but with terrible in
tensity, and with the certainty of fate.
All explanations and excuses he trod un-
der foot with utter scorniulness. al
want that problem; l don't want any
reasons why don't get it,"
Il did study it two hours"
That's nothing 10 me; want the les
son. You need not study it at all, oryou
may study it ten hours-just to suit your
self. want the lesson. Underwood,
go to the blackboard
"Oh, yes, but Underwood got some
body TO shoto him his lesson"
What do ! care how YOU get it? That's
your business. But YOU must have IT.
1t was tough Tor a green boy, but II
seasoned him. In less than n month
had the most intense sense OF intellectu-
al independence and courage 10 defend
nv rectations. In the midst of lesson
his cold and calm voice would fall upon
me in the midst OF demonstration
Nor | hcsitated, stopped, and then
went back to the beginning; and, on
reaching the same spot again-"No' ut
tered with the tone of perfect conviction,
barred my progress. The next" and
sat down in red confusion. He, too,
WAS stopped with 'Nom but went right
on. finished, and rs he sat down was re-
warded with Very well"
Why" whimpered !, Il recited ii
just rs he did, and you said no"
why didn't you say ycs, and stick to
il? 1t is not enough to know your lesson
You must kHO,c that YOU know it! You
have learned nothing till you are sure.
If the world says no, your business is to
say yeS, and to prore IL
The inward confidence acquired by
such drill, joined to the chiyalric no.
tons of independent manhood already
existing, tended to fix and fasten the
feeling that man is what he is IN him
SELF. and the loving of doing and the
power to do, are all the honors he needs
that no man deserves title who has not
the power to make his own simple name
title, and that then he needs no other
and that mans own life is the true uni
versity that should confer honors upon
him! These were the impulses of youth.
| had not quite got over them when 4
doctorate was proffered to me, and in a
moment Of haste it was declined, al
though the good will of my Alma Ma
ter gave me genuine pleasure.
"But-would you take one now? Like
a prodigal beauty who has for forty
years refused suitors, have YOU not come
to time of life when round, plump,
companionable Doctor, would be an a
grceable prefix or appendage to your
name?'
Far be it from me to depreciate the
value of titles on other men. Wiser
men than | am or ever shall be, wear
them, and play with them, rs old fash
ioned gentlemen do with bunch OF
seals to their watch. The chronometer
performs no better for the rattling seals
and charms, yet men like to fuss with
them. Why not, if they like it9 Every
man to his own taste, in trifles!
am older, but not old. My mother
had name waiting tor ME when was
born. Two brothers, very dear to her,
had died early.-She joined their names
Henry and Ward-giving to me a
name that to her was sacred memorial