The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-05-29
rHoN. G. x. DAVIS, AppRrss.

The most enjoyable intellectual treat
of the week was the address before the
Literary society by Ex-Governor G. X.
DAVIS, at the Opera House on Monday
evening. The audience, consisting Of
several hundred of our best citizens,
were held for over an hour in wrapt at
tention by q course OF reasoning which
made q salutary impression upon the
minds of ali who heard it. It Is utterly
impossible to render just synopsis Of O
speech so closely kint in logic, and ele-
gantly expressed, in the short space we
can devote to this part OF the weeks
exercises. A mere outline Of the course
of his thought will have to suffice. He
aimed in the outset to show the import
ance of the individual in society. He
demonstrated that society is growth
and that its progress depends upon the
growth of each Individual factor of the
same, BY very unique mathematical
reference he showed the relation OF the
leading minds Of the human race to the
masses. He considered these transcend
emit minds to be the numerator and the
masses the common denomination. Then
by a we'll known rule of common frac-
tions he deduced the thought that as
the numerator Is increased so Is the
value of the whole fraction enhanced
j It was q pretty illustration Of the in.
fiuence toward growth and progress
exerted by those who make their lives
lives of study, investigation and general
development. He expressed the opinion
that il were useless to dwell upon the
benefits of liberal education, as the truti
of this is already we'll known to all ano
preferred rather, to pass to the more
, important topic Of study after the year
| hnN
. stated that this is the time Of real, prac
teal and beneficial education. Tit
, student has no teacher, or sympathizinl
, school mate, but must fight the battl,
alone and become his own preceptor
, II is too often however, that the SUDDEN
I takes his diploma and then turns hi
Z back upon all, not following out tn,
gradual development of the whole man
: as nature had intended and made hin
l susceptible of. Whoever does so limit
t himself and is denied the golden age g
+, rlpened years stored and garnered wit
b rich treasures cleaned along the tortu
t Gus path Of his younger life. As exam
e pies worthy Of emulation in this dlreI
Q ton, he cited the eminent scholars {
e many ages. Mr.. Davis laid especls
= -. - .l~ ...;ii-;.., .Fi.:s,..s EUuI'
i he believing that the spare moments {
8 most men properly directed will enabl
9 any one in years time to master som
i branch of learning. He cited case
t where such had been accomplished, an
II spoke forcibly upon the importance I
Q iudicious reflection when the mind
u not fully occupied. He said that know
If edge alone is not sufficient to our propC
3, existense, but that action combined wit
N it will accomplish the objects of lifi
'e From these points he went on to sho
il that all life is school. The civil the con
r mercial and the religious worlds are eaC
is nursery of development, and the col
J. slant importing of young life into actiN
'e a matter of great importance and r
lie quires that the youth should be prope
IS " trained and become a self-governir
I'd person and correct reasoner. The a.
" dress was master piece and the manag
id ment were fortunate indeed in securil
he Mr.. Davis.