The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-06-28
Mr.. Knowles Farewell Address.

Ooulbcous AbneutoduSi hihu hhN N'~N''S
Friends:-
Man comes into the world with his
mind full of Interrogation points lie is
ever aiming 10 produce effects, and when
he reaches. or finds them, he is never Mt
rest until he is acquainted with the causes
that have produced them. 1t is said OF
one of our greatest writer's, chat his LIES
desire was to be able TO waste even one
of the thousand subjects that are con-
stantly perplexing the mind Of man. In
the endless chain of subjects that are
ever presenting themselves to US, that u
Society in its concrete form, is among the
simplest. Yet, to take it in its abstract
sense, it fills us with wonder and amaze
ment, aud none but master mind can
dare attempt To exhaust it. Even to our
unframed minds Society presents many
interesting and peculiar features. II is
interesting because it deeply concerns us,
and peculiar because of its composition
apparently so unstable. Society is doubt
less the natural state and tendency Of
man. 1t is not good for man to be alone.
Yet, the laws which govern man are not
as clearly defined, though they are not as
certain as the laws of nature. That is
from our freedom of action we violate
them to greater extent. AS society, and
the American society in which we move
is 80 STEPPED with selfishness, false prin-
ciples and sin, that there must certainly
be some renovating and regenerating
forces at work to save us from repeti-
ton of the sad fate of the once proud and
naughty Rome. The societies of science
and art ase best defined by their name, as
they are composed of thinkers, scientists
and artists who are constantly seeking
into the depths of the unknown, that they
may accumulate the facts and principles
oil those departments Of human knowl-
edge to which they have devoted their
lives. Among the preservative societies,
il may so call them, the Literary Socie-
ty holds most prominent place. 1t is
one of the noblest institutions we have.
Its dealings are with the mind. It's sphere
of action is boundless, and it gifts of
attachments unlimited. The prophets
were ever found in each others society.
The learned of Rome and Greece were
men of any age and 1 can point out to
you facts that they were, nay, have been
most intimate friends as we'll as fellow
workers IN their department of letters.
Yes, history proves to us that men OF
intellect ever seek each others society,
and through it they have done much to
supply the fountain of reason, intell-
gence and knowledge, and at the same
time have drank deeply from its pierian
fount. The grand position of Literary
Society lies in the one fact that its doors
are ever open TO the intelligent of the
world. The mind is what is sought, and
If God has given to the poorest and
meanest born thought, reason and
noble mind, these are ever his pass ports
among men of letters. What n grand
thing has this been to the world ! Some
of the brightest literary goniuses the
world has ever produced have been men
of lowest birth, known for wretchedness,
restitution and poverty, but who have
compelled from others recognition of
their abilities. 1t is from our Literary
Societies that the greatest men are ex-
pected, and in but few instances have
they failed to occupy the highest posi-
lions of honor, and trust that are within
the gift of the people. The College Lit
erary Society of to-day is a powerful
agent in equipping young men for the
battles, strifes and contentious that must
necessarily fall in their path of life. And
in this respect alone the Delta Phi Liter
airy Society of Delaware College takes
her place in the front rank. To the great
number of graduates which our Society
has given TO the world, who can question
how much they owe their Society? They
owe to her, what the rough diamond
owes to the skillful workman who by
patient work makes the little rough
stone, rare pTeClOus anu HlOSt DeduJllul
gem. We may learn many beautiful
truths and be instructed In many princi.
pies in our class rooms but if we can
make no practical application of them,
what good are they to usP What advan-
tage to us would be the inestimable
wealth Of education if it is to lie unused
In the mind? 1t would indeed become
stale, flat and Improbable. To help us
make a profitable use of what our Alma
Mater teaches us, our society works
patiently and successfully. We do not
meet in that dear old hall as matter OF
form, OF for any trivial purpose, but to
train ourselves and grow up in the sane
tity of brotherly love. One Of the many
beautiful principles our Society possesses
is that of tender love and brotherly kind
ness. When one enter the bond of Delta
Phi, it seems to him like a new life. He
is astonished at the sparkling truths, al
purifying spray, that are ever gushing
forth from her fountain of knowledge
, and experience. He is dazzled by the
, glistening gems of morality and kindnes,
that so plenteously beset her enhancing
shrine. He is captivated. Under the
| banner of Delta Phi it is impossible foi