Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1885-06-18
FsOm the Stanford Ky Interior journal.
T1LEDICTORTA ADDRESS
By Miss Jennie Crane at the CIosi,ig
Erercises Of Stanford Female College.

low. \ becoming, cream colored Ramie
cloth dress, with handsomely embroidered
front and satin lined vandykes, formed
very stylish and pretty toilet and lent ad-
ditional charm TO her appearance. Her
manner was unaffected, her reading splen-
did and her effort most praiseworthy. 1t is
as follows:
" \ tiny seed, fresh from the vine-clad
hills of France, was borne to Florida by the
restless, rolling waves of the mighty Atlsn-
tic aud thrown upon its warm soil. Soon
4 tender shoot was seen pushing itself up
ward to the fair sky and beaming light
The law of gravitation, the foot of man,
the hungry insect all conspired to bind the
aspiring thing to the ground upon which 1t
had been cast. Slowly, quietly, slowly it
persisted until was able to claspa stalwart
tree, where safe and strong it sent out
branches, which in time were beautified by
clusters OF purple grapes. Admirable per-
severance, wonderful success marked the be-
ginnings, the progress, the end of the tiny
thing. rs no effect is possible without an
adequate cause, let US look for the cause.
Though we search carefully, think deeply,
talk learnedly the graceful vine with its lus-
cious fruit defcs our efforts. The little
plant held it, way, achieved its destiny, and
the wisest philosopher cannot solve the
mystery True he may say the principle of
life caused this effect, but what is life? In
frigid lands and torrid climes, beneath the
broad expanse of the ocean, on the desert
sands life abounds. The soil beneath us so
teens with it that each step crushes some
life Within each drop of water this mys-
terous principle may be found. Each gol-
den sunbeam bears it upon its gentle breath.
The delicate wild flower that dots the dark
forests with its fragran. beauty possesses the
same strange power How glibly we talk Of
life. How proudly we announce that the
vital principle gives form TO vegetation,
grace to vine, blushing beauty to the rose.
How wise we feel when we dive into the
deep and explore its broad domain, tell Of
the wonders there and say that itc is the
mighty, moving powe. What is life?
again we ask. Note if you can the form,
the substance, the color, if substance, form
and color are parts thereof The modest
violet uniolds, enjoys, then closes It's sweet
eyes in death but leaves no reply The
sturdy oak with high head and defiant pres
ence, receiving all the sweets OF breeze and
sun, measures up its century, then quietly
yields its vital power, drops upon the bosom
out of which it sprang and leaves no hint
even that will lead TO the solution Of this
question. Leaving the realm Of vegetable
life we enter the animal kingdom, but here
impenetrable darkness meets us. Voluntary
motion is added to the catalogue of wonders
and life here displays grander powers, but
is As silent AZ the grave when we ask the
how. Turn now to the highest form OF life
man. Ereet in form and majesty how
like God The intricate machinery OF
brain and nerve, artery and vein, all in per-
fection. ready to obey the power that gave.
strengthened and developed. And this rs
not all. for wind without form, or substance,
mind without It's memory, will and aifec-
tions in some mysterious way combines
with this principle wecal life. In vain we
ask for the mighty secret in vain we search
for its hidden meaning. While this life
principle may battle all our efforts TO un-
derstand, Ecing IS q grand reality. 10
live we'll" demands all our powers Of mind
and heart My classmates, as stand before
YOU on the eve Of separation would I'M
press this thought upon you: Live we'll
Dare to do right, if death is the penalty.
Let the record of your lives be Of deeds pure
and unselfsh, of thoughts potent to shape
the whole purpose Of life and lead it into
/ channels Of truth. ] can desire no blessing
! for you 20 grand as this. No time so for
cibly brings sweet memories Of loving deeds,
| tender words and wise cOunsels as the part
ing hour. As linger hesitating 10 say the
parting word, the years Of our school-life
classmates pass in slow procession, bearing
a thousand deeds of kindness from teachers,
parents and friends. Fair and beautiful
Kentucky, though her youth was bathed In
blood long since the crimson stain was COW
cred and the sword exchanged for the arts
OF peace. Upon her bosom rest securely
lovely daughters lovely in mind and heart,
sheltered by fathers and brothers whose
strong right arms are pledged 10 defend.
Kentucky-second only to her grand old
mother, Virginia is dear to met my school
mates and teachers. Far hence some of US
NAV fiji up the measure of our days denied
the pleasure Of ever again seeing these green
feld.. but not one memory will perish, not
one act Of kindness or deed Of love will die.
Have we not explored these lovely fields to-
gether nv schoolmates, and together have
stood upon the green hilltoPs that cast their
shadows upon the little city we have 80 long
calied home? Oh no, we do not wish 70
soroet these happy scenes, nor viii we.
Tb9se. with the kind deeds, cheering words
and loving thoughts will go with US, whether
10Y or sorrow be our portion. ii we thus
lIove the State. the town, the kind citizens,
how much dearer, sweeter i our College
home2 Why linger over these tender DE.
tall The cruel parting must come. Oid
time heeds neither sighs nor tears, out
sternly moyes onward, carrying us with him,