The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-06-27
RUTLAND IurGIn SCHOOL
CLOSING Exercises.

crossing Exercises.
The closing exercises of the Rutland
high school took place at the Opera house
before a crowded audience composed of
patrons of the school and other citizens.
1t was an eminent success in every regard,
and must have fully satisfied the people
that the institution tanks high among the
leading schools of the state. The elevation
of the character of instruction and general
tone of the school within the past two years
was evident This result is due to Mr..
Dana, the principal, Miss Burnham and
their associates, who have so faithfully
labored in the direction of ceyating and
raising the standard of culture and scholar
ship among the pupils The principal,
Judah Dana, AM, is well known as one
! of the oldest, most successful and thor
ough teachers in Vermont. To him Rut-
land is mainly indebted for its now perma-
nent and excellent system of graded
schools. Let us pay the honor to whom
the honor is due.
The exercises of last evening could not
fail to impress all our people, especially
those having children in attendance upon
the public schools of their Improvement
and VI q.
The exercises were opened with music
upon the piano by Prof. George A Meitzkc
and Miss lnez Joyce Hon Walter c.
Dunton then delivered an earnest and for
chile address on the proper training of
children and their own efforts of which
the following abstract is given:
ADDRESS By JUDGE DuNroN.
The honorable speaker based his remarks
upon 'self-made men, and in illusions TO
those who had arisen from humble origin
to stations of honor and trust through their
own unaided efforts, BENJAMIN Franklin
was cited as n remarkable instance. The
son of poor tradcsman, and Il printer
himself, he ero long arose to n position of
honor second to no other American. OF
whom Chatham once said was an honor to
Europe and the age in which hc lived.
George Stephenson was another instance.
At the age of eighteen he could neither
read nor write, yet by unceasing applica-
ton and toll he became famed rs 4 me
chanc and engineer, tested the originating
OF the safety lamp with Sir Hum
phrcy Davy, and was soon known ~ the
most distinguished engineer Of his time.
His son became also DISTINGUISHED in The
same calling and the grand Victoria bridge
stands as monument Of the genius and
skill of Robert Stephenson. Elihl Burritt
is known far and wide rs a lnguist Of rare
abilities. lie possessed himself OF what
knowledge he had while ut work at his
backsmith's forge. Abraham Lincoln was
prominently known as Il seli-madc man.
His knowledge and education were acquired
only through persistent perseverance and
through great struggles with circum-
stances, but when he died he was known
as the saviour Of his country and equal in
fame to Washington
These were but a few OF the men which
the speaker might mention who have risen
by their own perseverance. He would not
have any infer that he undervalued know
ledge and education as acquired by
the growth of :hc present day He only
wished to bring mp these marked instances
AS showing that any one, no matter under
what adverse circumstances they may be
placed, could attain the highest rank among
their fellowmcn by perseverance, temper
ancc and frugality. They could Lot be Sc
cured in their highest sense, only by per-
sisient effort and severe toll. All depended
on oneself, whether under God he would
be the maker Of his own mind.
That teacher was the best, not who
taught the scholar the most. but who
Strives to create within him an Unsuitable
desire for learning and a craving after
knowledge. Then would success be as
sured Would you have every student who
graduates from the school become Il lawyer,
doctor or minister? Nay, said the speaker.
sooner discard them entirely. Education
was as necessary to the farmer, the me-
chanic, the laborer as with the profess
seinal man. Every laborer should strive
to better his condition, improve his mind
and thereby make his labor more remuncr-
alive. By education and knowledge men
kindle their understanding to conscious
ness Of its own powers. TO feed it there is
no better field than the machine shop or
the farm. Better to be q good farmer,
mechanic or laborer than a poor lawyer, q
weak minister or an indifferent doctor.
Your mother and sisters might not like the
appearance of your greasy clothes and the
young ladies might turn up their nose ut
your greasy condition. but the same young
lady may sometime live to find thel pro-
fessional husband in your employ and
dependent on your labor and brains
for support. There is always plenty
of room for skilled mechanics.
People might say they could
not get the means TO enter the field, but all
could devote one hour each day in useful
reading, and before they were aware of il
they would become by this process learned
men.
All who practiced temperance and econ
omy could 90 through life with the highest
honors The majority of those who have
graduated at Mlddlcbury college had beer
t boys of poor circumstances, and the SAINT
was undoubtedly true of the University o
Vermont. There is tidein the affairs o
man, which, taken at the flood, leads on e
, victory" Boys, the tide in your affairs i
{ now. Resolve TO be frugal and perseve
ring, to make the most of yourself and b
J., man, and you will win
"Bc not like dumb driven cattle,
u BE a hero In the strife,
y Trust no future, hOwe'er pleasant,
Let the dead past bury its dead
e Act, act in the living present,
Heart within and God oerhead,'
T. After the Grafton the proceedings wer
in accordance with the following