Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-04-15
FATHERS OR MOTHERS.

Who read the TRANSCRIPT, put your
hand upon your boys shoulder to- night,
and ask him to wait bit. while you read
him this excellent advice gathered from
fathers experience. You will shed
tears, no doubt, but it will do you both
good, and, oh how near it will bring back
the babyboy to you again:
Well. my boy, your voice is not as
sweet as it used to be when l kissed your
laughing lips and trotted you on my knee.
can remember the first time l saw you.
Your eyes were big and blue, you had the
cunningest little pug nose, and such club
by hands and feet all covered with dim
plcs-and how those old women did act!
And mamma, (she is dead now cried and
laughed at the same time because she was
so proud Of you. l seem to see the very
pillow on which carried you about the
room, dancing and whistling to keep from
crying myself. We were all so thankful
so proud and happy. for you would be
such mate for bouncing Bob that the
angels had sent us three years before. 0,
but he vas u noble lad-great high fore
head, long curly hair-there, you are cry
ing nowl Yes, put your arm around my
neck and kiss me as you both used to
then. Our hearts broke when he died,
but it may be he IS waiting for us in Hea.
ven. hope mamma and all of US will
meet there some time. But it is hard!
In the first place. want to give you
some golden rules of life that | have writ
ten down-that is headings. 1t is faith:
cr's blessing mixed up with advice. and
know (although you are a rollicking chap
Just as once wasD you won't laugh
at me.
To even be successful you have got to
have good health, the same as you have
now, and you never can have that If you
disobey Natures laws. You must eat
like a gentleman. drink like gentleman,
be gentleman, body and soul. and that
covers the ground.
OF course it is best to study physiology
and all that; but above pickles or boiled
dinners, meat or vegetables, hot baths or
cold ones, is beino a gentleman. Keep
pure and noble IN thought and body. In
this respect take example from innocent
girls and good women rather than rough
boys and rougher men.
You must have pluck and go-a.head-
itiveness. Learn to swim and skate,
stand on your head and turn sOmersaults
IN the play ground, jump the pony over
ten-rail fence or race him-except on
Sunday; lead or follow in athletic sports
or whatever else you do. but be gentle
man. Take off your. hat to the ladies.
learn to talk properly, never touch to-
bacco or bad drinks, don't swear or lie, or
be course and vulgar. but grow ND hearty
and straight like a young maple.
Always respect old age. Respect purity
and religion. Stand by the weaker boys
and the girls-if need be fight for them!
Yes, would pitch in if the other chap
were twice my size, fur somehow God
tells YOU to help the under bow in the
fight, and little hero can always whip a
big bully.
Then, my boy, you must study. You
will soon be man-even now you are
almost up to my shoulder. OF the glory
and the wonder of years! But what will
you be ut twcnty1 Either wreck or a
man-that is gentleman. Your head
will be full of knowledge or Of ignorance.
You will be up in the world or-Ol boy,
let it not be in the gutter!
Have ambition, pride, courage. faith,
hope and determination. Always stand
by the right and defy wrong. Dress we'll,
be upright. truthful, gallant and jolly.
Cheer the Respondent, help the unfortu-
nate, lift up the lowly, and never be
naughty, arrogant or vain. You want to
always act so you will be proud of your
self, That is a first class rule for every
body.
OF course your old dad don't expect to
live forever, aud he wants to sec you take
the right start and then 70 ahead. 1t
don't much matter whether you go into
the professions, become farmer, or learn
a trade, only if you grow into true man
"A gentleman.