Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-06-24
GRANT COUNTY AT THE
UNIVERSITY.
Closing Exercises of the State
University at Madison.
Sketches of the Grant County
Orations.
The Fall Term General Remarks.

1t is becoming a matter of state
pride that our University, at Madison,
is in such a fourishing condition.
Each recurring Commencement gives
evidence of it's vigorous growth, and
that the day star of its prosperity
has not yet reached the zenith. We
learn from the State Journal that the
closing exercises, last week, of the
class of u.s. were usually interesting
and witnessed by larger number of
auditors than ever assembled on o
like occasion. We also take pleasure
in noting that Lancaster was largely
represented in the graduating class
but regret that We cannot give due
mention of their efforts on the ros.
trum. We CLEAN condensed report
form the columns of the Journal of
their Essays and Orations, together
with it's criticisms:
Mr.. ]. W. Mills delivered an Grafton
upon GA Plea for Character" with
clear and measured delivery, and
spoke like a finished orator, giving
freshness and force to his treatment
Of somewhat trite subject eek
tracO:
Stability of character is the quality Of firmly ad-
herring to the convictions Of conscience of obeying
the sanctions OF law and of bursting the shackes of
tyrsnnical social pressure This stability of charac-
ter is not endowment, but acquisition; not
something given, but something that Is to be got.
and as all have moral nature, can all get it.
We must cultivate determination and decision, we
must gain by exercise the power to resist whom we
ought to resist and the grace to yield when we ought
to yield Stability of character is essential to true
manhood it maintains conscience with hrmness.
and honor with grace it encourages valor with
prudence, ana action with thought. 1t brings its
possessor respect and the confidence of friends 1t
gives him influence that shapes the sentim emit OF
men, and invests hin with power to mould their
character. The world needs this noble manhood,
and to the formation of such manhood stability Of
character is essential.
Miss Juliet D. Meyer clearly and
finely read thoughtful, spicy and
independent essay. Subject, "Social
Barriers"
Society is governed by an rtihcisl code laid down
by its leaders-laws imposed by few and obsyed by
many. Custom is the oracle that pronounoes this
law: This social influence retsrds the progress of
the Individual. 1t divides into classes, and
assigns each his position It checks intellectual de-
velopment by imposing conditions under which the
mind cannot act freely. We need society as we
need government but aristocracy based on wealth
repels and binders true man. What is called fash
ionase society is called into being by wealth Its
influence retards the typical development Of men.
Either extreme is injurious Wealth leads TO physi-
cal indulgence while poverty prevents protrscted in
ellectual labor Fashionable foies rob society of Its
brains. To secure the most rapid progress we must
have the incentives to action offered by an intelligent
cultured community. The desire for knowledge 10
to some degree inherited. The ideal society is a
golden mean between the extremes Of wealth and
pOverty-a society whose discipline shall result in a
complete development. Possessed neither of so
much wealth as to enervats nor of little de-
mand incessant toll. wealth will be esteemed from
the pure enjoyment it gives, and wisdom be valued
above great riches--a society which shall call
together thinkers not takers. workers not iders-
society which shall ain to the healthy inter-
course of sympathy aud thought where social iniu-
enee shall be extended to teach man that he has
powers worthy of being developed into full maturity
of action.
Miss Carrie A. Barber read her
suggestive and beautiful ESSAY with a
tinge of sadness in her voice, suited
% her subject, which was entitled
"Mysteries:"
Life is full of mysteries. There is much mystery
in the growth ofa single flower in this more start
ling and unusual manifestations of natural forces
Each year has the earth been covered as by magic
with its green carpet bat who tell what power
from the chill frosts Of winter has brought forth life
aud beauty to transform the earth The mysterious
fascnates us. AMI drawn on to seek the solu.
ton Of the problems tn at challenge u.s. We are al
ways seeking out causes for unexplained phenomena.
This desire to penetrate into natures secrets was
given to lift us up to greater heights. Much that
was once insxpliC able understood, but there
are countless mysteries yet unsolved. Mind is the
agent by which these grand results ha been reach.
ed We can realize the grandeur and capabilities of
man only when think of what the mind has ac-
complished. how from few data it has given us
priceless treasures of truth Great truths have been
established by great labor. We who enjoy the bene.
is of the treess devotion Of those who have spent
their lives III working out natures problems little
think at what cost they secured. The greatest
mystery to must always be the mystery Of our
selves. Mind. the great reveaer OF MYSTERIES is the
II
we know not the future. We could not live If Se
knew what to be the result Of our labor-the
failures aud trials awaiting us. Life dsappoints u.s.
II is so different from our ideal. Youth paints the
future In glowing colors. One by one fade these
bright hopes; the ose.tints change to sombre hues
and fe-the stern reality-is before us tits in our
power to make 1t success-the enduring success of
a life well lived. We cannot understand Iifes mys
tories and 1t is not strange that sometimes tire
Of all its and suffering and long for the SAGE
and rest promised US In that land where I'VE shall
know known"
Miss Kate D. Dewey had short
but admirable essay, worthy of her
high standing among her associates,
and read it effectively. Subject,
"Originalities:"
The difference between lies in certain individ.
usl peculiarities, and these distinctions should be
preserved We owe 1t to ourselves az a duty. TO
M maintain independence in thought We do not
manifest originality in what do. There 10 nothing
under the Under similar circumstances
men tend to do much the same thing. Originality,
then must be exhibited not ia what we do but ia
the way we do it. In the method Of doing wha. we
do lies the opportunity for the EXCISE of individuality
There certain limits within which every one must
sct-certain general laws must DO obeyed Beyond
this let look TO others for his rule in life,
but rather let him appeal to his and to his
Independent thought. The complete development Of
individual tendencies alone can give social har.
mony. Harmony is not unison, but there can be
perfect harmony only when saeh voice and instru-
ment plays its own peculiar part This, then, is the
originality to be sought for-not q studied novelty
in action, but thought that bears the stamp of its
owner and thus to the world the benefit Of
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