The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-08-18


greatly. Besides the regular instruction
given by Watkins and Bennett Mr.. 81
ders lectured upon "Specific Gravity
and performed some experiments. Mis-
Laura H. Mitchell closed the exercise
of the day by reading an excellent essay
She is one of the best lady writer's in tn
county. In the evening Prof. Watkins
entertained a large and intelligent audi
ence by lecturing upon "Names," thei
meaning and derivation. Mr.. and Mis-
Barkeloo obtained the help of some o
the best musical talent of Eaton, and the
evening was spent pleasantly and profit
ably.
FRIDAY, AUGUsT 18th.
Devotional exercises by o. P. Conley
and Supt. Bennett. Professor Bennett
delivered his farewell address in a very
affective and impressive manner. He
exhorted the teachers to place their trust
in a Higher Power. An earnest vote O
thanks was given him. After which Mr.
Watkins delivered an address and de
claimed some interesting poetic selec'
tions. Mr.. Sheppard conducted an ex'
ercise in Grammar.
AFTERNOON PROCEEDINGS.
The following officers for the next yeal
were elected: President, F. M. Denote
Vice-Presidents, A. J. Lesh and R. E,
Lowry; Secretary, E. Campbell; Assist.
ant Secretary, F. S. Alley; Treasurer, S.
More Surface. Executive Committee
o. F. Corson. Chairman G. Orr and NJ,
D. Tyrrell. The members decided that
during the next year they would hold
meetings of the Association in other vii
lagos besides Eaton.
On motion of supt. Lowry a cordial
vote of thanks was given to President
Morgan, for the able and impartial man.
ner in which he had discharged his du-
ties during the past year. The Superin.
tendent conveyed the impression that all
the teachers were satisfied with Mr.,
Morgan's administration.
The closing address of the Institute
was delivered by L. G.. ABBOTT, Esq, oI
Richmond, Ind, his subject being"Hob
bies," which was replete with 'tspark'
ling gems of thought and. showed evi.
dence of profound scholarship. 1t was
well and favorably received by a vote Of
thanks to the speaker. We. are permit.
ted to make the following extracts from
it:
"Hobby has in its common acceptation
become synonymous with whimsical &c.
eentricity. To the old Norman mind il
had a grand significance. 1t meantthat
calling which a man pursued with zeal
anu ioin tho ;shtas 4h;sall.
time significance l present it to you.
n \
l would illustrate my subject as well
with the successes of the living as with
the glories of lives that are gone, and
open before you pages glowing with the
Illuminated type set by the busy ener-
gieS of men among us. Rather upon iv-
ing brows which deserve it would / tor
a wreath, than place whitening flowers
upon the tombs of the departed, and
while | both respect and admire the an.
cient maxim of "speak nothing unless
good of the Dead" L almost feel like
bending my knee in reverence to him
who would apply the same sentiment tc
the living.
In every community there are men fol
whom are waiting, when their lives shall
have closed, the hollow pageantry Of
great funerals, the chill mockery of tow.
ering monuments. Why in the very re-
finement of cruelty, should we be ever
silent while they perform their herculear
labors? Has not Life more significance
than Death.
In the neighboring city where l live, ]
recognize one of these heroes on life's
stern battle field. More than a third of q
century ago he commenced a struggle TO,
life's prizes. From that day to this
without cessation, and with steady un'
waTering devotion he has performed the
duties and borne the responsibilities
which have devolved upon him. In 6
conversation with him a short time since
he said that for twenty-seven years his
1name had stood upon the roll call of the
employees of one of the greatest railway
corporations in our country. Step by
step he has climbed the rounds of pro
motion until from the brakes, where ht
commenced, he has at this hour hun
dreds of miles of the railway under hi
immediate supervision. Why he, rathe,
than some other one of the hundreds whc
stood with him shoulder to shoulder
with the dew of youth upon their brow
and hope in their hearts in the radien
light of life's morning? Had he create
advantages? A widowed mothers bless
ing was his only wealth, as he went GU
to life's stern contest-a blessing which
has grown in favor, as filial affection will
generous hand has ever since blessed he
pathway. Calm, cool and collected, witt
every fiber of mind and body compacte,
Thy his life of active toll he stands to-da,
like an athlete beneath his load of cares
duties and responsibilities. What is tn
L~secret of all this? He has had his Hob
by. 1t has been to excel in every static
to which he has been called. l hav
vestured to say this much of n of m
fellow citizens, because [ think his life
a grand lesson to all young men, and be
cause we of the city of Richmond ar
proud of u public-spirited, generou:
hearted, successful fe~llow-citizen, Co
John F. Miller.
In the constant change of teachers ur
der our free school system, there
brought to each pupil of our commo
schools, some thought impelling him OF
ward in the line which nature seems I
have marked out for him. This is on
great compensation, which in spite of il
defects, makes an educational syster
dear to every well-wisher of our country
To the different hobbies Of changin
teachers the children and youth are il
debted for the various culture whic
meets the special demands OF their di
ferent tastes and desires. AS in tn
broad field of Nature, diversity is un
formity." So in the educational worl
the diversities of culture and taste anon
teachers, their various specialities-hol
? bies, if you please-are the simple ell
| ments of the grandest combination tt
, world ever saw.
y
r You, ladies and gentlemen, whose n
/ BILE mission it is to hold to the eager liz
q OF youth Truths pure waters, to lea
! them by the hand in "meditation's sh;
u ded paths" to inspire youthful hop,
4 and uuickan hiph ambition do not fn