The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-07-09


VIM. M. Watkins, in clear loud
voice, gave an Grafton on History, a
Source of Power" He showed that
a nation must take as its guide the
history Of the past in order to launch
safely ahead into the future. He
cited cases where history repeated
itself, and clearly showed that a
knowledge Of the philosophy of events
would have obviated it.
He was followed by Miss Lena
Cudney, who, in a we'll read essay,
ably discussed the subject of "Wom-
ans Sphere end Qualifications" She
showed that while woman's sphere
was more that of helper than pro-
jector, yet her success at whatever
she undertook plainly demonstrated
her towering ability. Woman pre-
pared man for the voyage of life, and
every effectual man leaving his mark
in the world is but another Columbus
for whom some Isabella, in the way of
his mother, has laid down her crown
jewels. "The Heroism of Scholar
ship" was next presented by Gustavus
Frlegel, the outline Of whose logic
was that it took pluck to obtain it,
it required perseverance to use it,
aud it showed righteousness in giving
its results to mankind. Each OF the
points was illustrated by fine examples
and the entire article did great credit
to its author.
Edward Mason then came forward
with"Man: Past, Present and Future"
as his text. Geology and history were
used to discuss the man of the East,
realities for him of the present, and
speculations, scientifically advanced,
for the man of the future. "The
Workings of Nature" was then pre-
sented by Miss Maytie Morrice,
whose fine essay clearly showed that
its author was not only an admirer
but rapturous student of her sub
ject. This was followed by al essay
entitled, "Great Men of History" by
Byron Peck. AS it would be impos-
sible at best to mention but a small
number of the worlds great men, the
essayist wisely confined his remarks
to the source of greatness, taking as
examples but enough shining lights
from ancient, medieval and modern
times, to make continuous thing.
Carrie Alexander, in master style
of delivery, next read an essay on
"The Love of Fame" The produc-
ton was equal to its delivery, and
showed that desire for the worlds
praise was all right, provided it was
sought through proper channels; it
also denounced the desire for fame
from selfish standpoints. Following
this, Fred Walker advanced many
pointed reflections on "The Uses Of
Adversely" Despite the paradoxical
title of his subject, he clearly carried
his point and made us look upon
stern adversely as a needed friend
after all.
Edith Brown, with Oliver Cromwell
as her subject, next entertained the
vast audience. The mere title Of her
subject would suggest to the ordinary
reader nothing but a dry detail of
history, but Miss Brown clothed the
dry bones of history with living sinews
and closed with a moral lesson Of
golden worth, but not without first
paying worthy tribute to the brave
old hero. "The World in the Final
Era," by Will Calkins, was next
brought to our hearing. The article
was full of interest and logic, and
summed up the result of future time;
aside from the wonderful invention,
and improvements, as bringing abou:
a citizen of the world, unity in th-
christian denominationalism, o unit
of language (the English), thorough
scholarship, high social standing,
and consequently sin reduced to a
minimum.
Following this, Stanley Olcott read
in wide awake, earnest tone, an
essay entitled "The Successful Man"
Energy, he claimed, was the key to
success; will power, decision, etc.,
were happily discussed as attributes.
He denounced mere money making
as the criterion of ability. His essay
was master article and must be
heard TO be fully appreciated. Next
and last on the program was an essay
on "Talents," and followed immed-
lately with the valedictory. Miss
Bessie Calkins, the essayist, while
giving due weight to talent and its
cultivation, spoke emphatically OF the
need Of energy to drive it. Her val
edictory, to say the least, would hav.
done highest credit to our proudest
colleges. Any synopsis Of ours woloi
far from do it justice;the vast audienc-
was held spell bound by it.
The address to the class, by Rev.
John Hamilton, was given in the
speakers usual earnest, able style.
and was full of interest and able sug-
gestions. In the absence of the