The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-07-01

they have been during the past years. MOI
only were the members of the class entitled
10 credit for the preparation Of their able adj
dresses, but also for the manner in which they
were spoken. Every one spoke in voice
that wus plainly audible in all parts of the
large hall and, as natural consequence, the
audience was interested and attentive to what
they had to say. This feature was marked
improvement over what we have sometimes
witnessed on similar occasions.
As the several graduates stood successfully
under the arch that bore in gilt letters the
motto of the class, "At the Portal. we could
but hope that they would be as successful in
future years, in whatever calling, trade or
profession they might adopt, as they had
been during their connection with our pub
lie schools, and that when they should grad
uate from their work in this world, they
might stand lat the portal" of that better
world prepared to receive well earned and
merited diploma from the great Superin-
tendent of the Universe.
After the close of the exercises the alumni
held meeting and elected officers for the
ensuing year as follows: Pres, Anna Dillon;
LIST Vice Pres, Marion Rowland; I'd Vice
Pres, Amanda Andrews; 3D. Vice Pres, Clara
Anderson Sec, Mary Bryar; Treas, Belle
Harvey.
CLOSING EXERCISES.
ON Friday morning all the schools were
assembled in the chapel where the closing
exercises of the year were held. They were
very simple in character and consisted almost
solely of comforting certificates of advance
ment on such as had successfully passed their
examinations, and this, with few exceptions,
included the entire membership of all the
schools. Snpt. Russell gave the several
classes some words of good advice and, after
few remarks from the moderator of the
board, the school year for 1SS6-the most
successful year in the history of the Paw
Paw Public Schools-was numbered among
the things of the past.
rHY ALUMNI BANQUET.
The 18th meeting of the Paw Paw High
School Alumni was held in the Peninsuar
House at -Four Mile Lake on Friday evening
last and, although not so largely attended as
| some of the former meetings, was very sue
cessful and extremely interesting.
A special train was chartered. leaving
Paw Paw at six o'clock p. m, and conveying
most OF the party to the lake, although a
few preferred the pleasure of pleasant
drive.
Immediately on their arrival the rowd
INDUCED itself in an hours steamboat ride
on the lake after which the party repaired
to the "Peninsuar which was placed at
their disposal by Mr.. Scoville, the proprietor.
At half past eight-the supper hour-all
repaired to the spacious dining room where
a most elegant repast was awaiting them and
to which they did ample Justice. Between
forty and fifty people, members of the asso-
citation and invited guests occupied the tables.
After the conclusion of the first course.
Supt. Russell assumed control and the first
part of the literary programme was had as
follows:
A brief, but interesting and appropriate
address by the president pro tenn, Mr.. James
Dunning, followed by the "cass history"
prepared and read by Miss Mary Bryar, sec
rotary. This history showed that there had
been one hundred and five members of the
alumni &nd that they are widely scattered
throughout the country from Massachusetts
to California. Eight of the number have
passed from time into eternity.
The reading of the history was followed
by poem read by the essayist, Miss Ada
Simpson. This was one of the best things
of the evening and by special request we
publish the same in full az follows:
Once more around the festal board
We clasp the Friendly, greeting hand;
Once more with gladstone welcoming words,
We meet, re uNnted band.
Once more from out the chosen paths
We daily tread an different ways,
We step aside to tell the tale
And sing the song of by-gone days.
IT'S pleasant thus to lay aside
All thought of daily toll and care,
And with our classmates, schoolmates. friends
a merry greeting here to share.
To talk of ba ppy days gone by,
OF youthful sports and youthful dreams,
And bring the old times back again,
In sweet remembrance catching CLEANS
OF school day scenes stiH brightly tinged
With varied hues of youthful hope,
As clearly they are brought to view
Through memory's trusty telescope.
How gladly dad we greet the day.
The wide old world had many charms,
When eagerly We fastened forth
From our dear Alma Matters arms.
We had no thoughts of storms Clouds
We knew no bitter with the sweet;
We only dreamed of heights beyond,
And sunny pathways for our feet.
And though we find In life's great school,
Some lessons hard to understand,
And sometimes smart beneath the blow
From the Great Masters Christening hand;
And though we learn that rocks and thorns
Are in some paths that must tread,
That many days are dark and drear
And cherished hopes and dreams are dead;
Yet, were it well through grief and pain,
If DER our hearts there still held sway,
Ihe hope and courage, faith and trust
That crowned our glad commencement day.
For who can tell but IL is best
When joyous love shall take 10 wings,
Perhaps the things miss the most,
May help us gain still higher things.
A lttle hurt, little pain,
May save us from far greater loss:
Aud sometimes what we deem LIES gold
We find to be its poorest dross.
Fen 0nr failures oftimes prove
But stepping stones to greater deeds;
To win success, small defeat
Il sometimes what the soldier needs.
SO let us con our lessons DER,
And strive with skill each task TO do,
Trusting Cur Master knoweth best
The course of study to pursue.
SO let us each, with willing heart,
Submit ourselves to his control,
And ever brsvely answer " Here"
Whenever Duty calls the roll.
And should We fail to win the prize
II may our progress not retard
No honest effort Is in VAIN
The doing brings its own reward.
As gladly we obey the call,
Ashort vacation here to spend,
We grieve to note the vacant chairs,
The silent voice, the absent friend.
For some whose hand we long to grasp,
Must now obey a sterner rule,
And stay to finish some hard task,
Or learn lesson after school.