The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1876-10-27
A CITIZEN
DIR. J. II. wILLIARD's ADDRESS.

DIR. ]. II. wILLIARD's ADDRESS.
Kind Friends, Teachers and Children:
u would seem superHuous for me to
remark that this occasion is one which
should bring with it the greatest de-
gree OF gladness 10 the heart Of each
and every citizen Of this place, from the
fact, that ] very readily anticipate it in
the happy expression which I see
beaming from every feature arrayed be-
fore me to- day.
We welcome this occasion, friends,
because we have so anIiously and SO
earnestly longed for it, because we have
felt the stern and pressing need of il, be-
cause the spirit Of the day demands it;
yes, and because the future of this great
and glorious country, the land which
we have been taught to revere as the
land of the pilgrims pride; yes, more,
the land where our fathers died, makes
it obligatory at our hands, that we con-
tribute our humble part in furtherina
the best and dearest interests, of that
land for which they bled, and for which
they died.
Never before in the history of our
village has it been our happy privilege
to assemble under the very pleasing cir
cumstances, by which to-day we find
ourselves surrounded. And as we con
template this handsome edifce, 80 am
pie, so complete, SO effective in regard tt
all those health giving, and health pre-
serving influences of life, such as ar
abundant supply Of Heavens gloriou
light, and pure, fresh, oxygenated air
natures best food for healthy, an &C
tive, and an energetic mind, what more
need I ask, is necessary to send thrill
of the highest admiration through every
heart that beats in unison with mine to
day? What is it, let me ask, that lend
the highest and the purest comfort to u
all, and makes life with its multitude O
cares and never ending toils, as ligh
and joyous as the music Of the ripplin
streams. You answer and tell me, il
home surrounded by those attractiv
influences which enliven the mint
which fix the affections and win owe
the tenderest endearments of the hear
So here we find, is TO be the futur
home, for the intellectual developmer
Of our children; and 10 we view il, no
cheering, how attractive, how inviting
3 We find il, within, without and a
, around il. So much SO that We woul
fain, dear children, 20 back to our scho'
q days and live them over, were it poss
q bic, in childhood with you again. "
' are proud, fellow citizens, that we live
\ a day Of such vast intellectual proere
= sion, in land of such blessed and abuI
y dant school privileges; yes, in lar
4 which dare bequeath to her children Il
noblest and the purest gift she can b
n s'ow-a choice to attain that degree Of L
o tellection which king upon his .hrou
might justly envy.
Teachers, You have much TO encou
. age and animate you in the resumpsi
Of your accustomed train of duties; d
ties which we know are often wanton
. and ruthlsssly underestim ated by tho
- who have not the least conception Of I
= magnitude of your vexations and .,
~ plexities, but to-day brings with it
new era in your experience which shou
enable you to take mnch comfort
: yourselves and tighten up the dim Wis
that may perchance fit across 20
pathway.
:, You zee before you not only the ski
- cd work of the architect and the W
- executed and mastery stroke Of
y mechanic, bat you see in these oLje
which are material and appeals TO u
ct vision, that which IL immstesial q
er- appsals 70 your consciousness. name
In the pledge Of hearty and faithful CO.
sfasion With yeu In yeus srduous lab