Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1879-06-19
SLAMS OF THE AGE.
Grafton by Mr.. Joe WeoIsssnholme, ss the
Lancaster High echeol commencement.
: june IA, 1879.

1t is an encouraging thought that human
progress is possible, that mankind as a whole
is wiser, better and happier to-day than five
hundred wears ago. II is pleasing reflection
to every well-wisher OF his race.
This is an age of enterprise, thought and
expression In these days, standing as we do
at the close of a century which We may fair
ly consider without parallel in the history
OF the world, century in which has been
made SO many improvements, discoveries,
inventions and mistakes. with knowledge so
widely difused. We have not yet attained
the height of our civilization. for people will
still esteem popularity above all things. They
will sacrifice everything for policy, and that
in my opinion is the sham Of shams.
We all wish TO stand well in society, to be
accredited model men and women. We should
do good for goods sake and not for policy,
we want men with moral courage to speak
and write their thoughts whether popular or
not. Above all, sacrifice not your principles
for the sake of being popular
This government of ours has been the
growth of ages, framed by men of honor, truth,
and integrity. Standing as it has for over a
hundred years, growing gradually in influence
and power, can anyone imagine it will sink
in ruin II it shall the fault lies with the
people. 1t is not only necessary that people
pay their taxes and keep the peace, they
should possess love of country and rejoice
in its prosperity. They should attend pri.
mary meetings, and every American citizen
should attend to the ballot box, on every
election day.
The man who does not vote has no bust
ness to hold Office. There are great many
people among US, the rich especially, who
live as il they had nothing to do but to &C.
quire wealth and enjoy themselves, and let
Others manage the government. The man
who scorns the ballot box and accepts po-
ltical honor is q sham.
Speak, act and do what you think is right
give the wrong its proper name. If 1t is not
on the winning side, be as sure as possible
that you are right and then live up to it.
Let your motto be, "Do right and fear
not"
It is not necessary that we should be all
alike, there are no two persons in the whole
universe, nc two trees no two leaves alike.
To be like others is to be unlike ourselves.
Let not even responsibility tempt you to bar
ter away your individuality.
BY all means be yourself.
There has not been person great or dis
tinguished IN well doing who did not attain
to distinction through his own personal indi-
vidualitY. Be what you seem to be. Tfyou
desire TO be useful don't be sham.
Every day of our lives we meet persons
who think they have acquired character.
and all they have TO do is to bear il. Moth.
ing is so important to them. They make il
the object of their lives.
Character is thing that win take care Of
t.nlf bx fgfxaa r. g =
much time thrown away. Do right and your
character viii take care of itself.
How many young men start in their career
to acquire character and make il Che object
of life. They are likely to take the wrong
course and make wreck Of themselves.
Be not afraid TO change your opinion II
you think you are wrong For q character
is easily changed and good name easily lost,
but neither Is preserved BY making Il the
supreme object of your attention.
The qualities necessary for character are
energy, courage and action. No matter how
well you may be equipped in life IL you lack
these you are lacking in the principal ele-
ments of character.
IL was sham idea that woman must be
pale and delicate to be interesting that she
must be ignorant Of all practical knowledge
to be refined or welI-bred. This idea is
passing away and the rosy faced girl who is
acquainted with the current events, and
knows how to work ]. the girl that wins, these
days
Young man Of today, start forth in life
with the determination to do good FIND
your station in life, and there deyelope yonr
natural talent Do good to others and help
yourself. Educate yonr hart. Widen out
your views of life Cultivate kindness, ten
derness and generosity, do net Gespiss or
look down upon the poor for you know not
under what difficulties they labor, nor the
trials they have endured Lend helping
hand, and you win receive yoar due reward.