Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1889-06-27

solved. lntemperance and passion often
defy us. Gold stands in the way of our
highest development. Doubt is sphinx
that stands in the way and beckons us
into the chasm of infidelity. We should
be of good cheer and put our trust in
God. Then we shall advance to the city
of our Lord as victor and king.
Miss Alice jackson at this point rem
dered Il piano solo which was followed by
an essay by Miss Abbie l.. Carpenter of
South Charlestown, n. f., entitled +" In
fluence of Little Things" Miss Carpen-
ter was very self-possessed and her essay
was well received. There are eagle
points in life, she said, which can be
reached only by observing small things.
Character is an eagle point in our spirit
ual life and little things leave their print,
and mould our characters. How much
different would be our conduct if we
could see when we act what we can
further on. We must draw lessons from
nature which furnishes compressed
Knowledge Pride must not stop up the
avenues of learning. 1t is attending to
little things that makes us God-like.
Every faithful work and every honestact
will link itself with the Almighty strength,
and endure forever.
very acceptable and candid Grafton
was that of Mr.. james O'Bricn on ''Firm
ness of Purpose" Firmness is not shown
alone on the battle field. A silent battle
won with self is the most God-like.
Courage is not a matter of "noise and
bombast." Moral courage characterizes
the strength of manhood and woman
hood. A man who is honest is a man of
courage. A man should rely upon his
own resources, should make use of the
motto, Have courage" He should
avoid irresolution, for that is the greatest
sign of IA weak mind. Always speak the
truth for the love of il and it is manhood
to speak. This may cause the hatred of
one generation but the next will learn to
bless the man who tells the truth. Very
loud and prolonged applause followed Mr..
O'Brien's effort.
Miss Minnie A. Austin of North SPRING
field delivered the valedictory address
and also spoke from the subject, ''Eccen-
tricities of Genius" Her essay was a
very finished and elaborate production
and showed much care of arrangement.
Genius is born in the man, talent is ac-
quired. But hard work is one of the
necessary elements of genius. Work is
genius. Miss Austin gave many illustra
tions of the eccentricities of illustrious
men, including several leading English
poets. One of these, Pope, from his
figure was called the interrogation point,
and was so weak that he had to be bound
in bandages; another daily counted the
pickets of a certain fence on his way to
town and if he missed one commenced
the count over; another never wrote un-
til the frost had tinted the autumaa
leaves, and another always dictated to an
amanuensis. Miss Austin's valedictory
remarks were fitting and touching.
Following Miss Austin's essay was the
closing number on the programme, IA
song by Miss Ruth Simpson, sister of
Principal Simpson, with violin obligato
by Edward j. Fluett of this place, Miss
Nettie George playing the accompani-
ment. Miss Simpson has rich and well
cultivated voice, her high notes being
exceptionally fine, and her singing was
well received. A perfect storm of ap-
plause followed her effort, but she refused
to respond to the encore, simply acknowl-
edging the compliment by a bow. Mr..
Fluett's playing was very fine.
At this point the principal addressed
the class, which he has had the manage
ment of during the present year. At the
close of his remarks occurred the presen-
tation of diplomas, the exercises of the
evening closing with the benediction by
the Rev. j. f. Rhoades.