The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1883-06-01

DER the Waves" and in response tu
the round of applause. they sang the
college sOng,."LitOria."
The "Class History" by Miss Julia
M. Goodyear, was an able paper, and
showed the writer to be a clear and
vivaciOus thinker. 1t was well read,
and we think one of the best papers
on the programme.
The ValedictOry, by Mr.. Serumgard.
is pronounced one of the very best
oratiOns ever delivered on the High
School Commencement stage. Mr.. s.
is studiOus. thoughtful young man.
who expresses himself in Il clear and
fOrcible manner. His delivery was
easy and natural. Taking for his
theme "Gradatim," he showed how
nature and history united in proving
a gradual improvement and develop
ment. That great men and marked
ages were but the focusing of the ten
dency of the intellectually of the
times. That seeming disaster To men
and nations was only the .Overturning
of decayed forms, that more vigorous
and fitting ones might replace them.
Mans development lies in the direction
OF his soul culture. Mr.. Serumgard
closed with graceful and fitting val
edictOry address to his schOOlmates,
the authorities of the school and To his
class
The Hon. ID. l.. kiehle then gave an
intensely interesting and thoughtful
address, the following of which is Il
brief synopsis
The culture of Il people is measured by the
interest taken In what belongs to their higher
social ana moral well being. Our age Is
doubtless material one, but not necessarily
that degradcs ones life to the plane Of the
mere animal. We are by means of the skill
fui control of natures forces increasing our
wealth M rate the world never knew be-
fore. IL Is true, too, that many find in this
the end OF all their ambition. But the best
spirit Of the age shows evidence that cannot
be mistaken, that II holds some things Us
with more than riches or pleasure.
The Nation has just stood again around the
graves of its brave sons. who gave their lives
for the life of the Nation, and to-day wrcaths
and fowers mark their hOnOred resting places
In every State where they lie. as If TO remind
the living that they who die nobiy in a great
cause make them great and immortal in the
memories and institutions OF the living. Our
homes, our phiianthropies, our benevOlences,
our churches established, sustained and
loved by men and women In every walk OF
life, with every degree of wealth prove
beyond dispute that the spirit which gives
form and character to our society is Of high
and pure type. 1t Is the spirit which makes
the occupation the servant of u master, u
means to an end. In that spirit the shepherd
while tending his flock at night has given his
movements Of worlds; the printer ut the case,
as Franklin, has carried I'm his mind the pro-
blcms of craftsmanship; the stone cutter, as
Hugh Miller, has inquired concerning the
Nnn .InNs
hills; the smith ut his forge, Us Burritt, has
learned the languages of the world. 1t was
this spirit In merchant, Peter Cooper, whO
while others tOiled and saved with the ideal
OF fortune I'm gold, and palaces i'm which to
live-was inspired with the vision Of great
school OF industrial art. when thousands OF
young men and women might gain the train
ing and information OF their art without cost.
and In that he saw his life work amassed. and
his influence perpetuated. Let me guard
you then against making yourselves the
slaves of your occupation. Whatever your
industry, above all and controlling all to the
accomplishment of worthy ends, be cultured
men and cultured women. Live as true men
and women I'm sympathy with, and identified
with the interests and problems belonging to
your generation.
Finally, congratulate you. the citizens OF
Mankato, in the gratifying results of your ef-
forts i'm establishing this school of high grade.
II speaks well for the culture Of your people,
that men of wealth and men of moderate
means join heartily in bringing within the
reach of every ambitious and deserving youth
the best fruits Of modern bearing, ana all the
facilities of an education. May your work
move on without embarrassment till spirit |
of pure culture intellectual and manual shall |
surround all the youth of our land.
Thus ended the graduating exercis-
es of the MankatO High School, which
has been one of the most prosperous
and fruitful school years in the his
tory of This educational institution |
We only regret that space and time
forbid us from making more extended
Our people feel proud of
their schools, and the pride is justly
merited.