Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1893-06-23
by RALPH DEAN.

/ CONTINUOUS CQHlu OF progression.
The sapling receiving its food from the mothe
earth, quenchlng its thirst from the bowl o
nature, sends forth its slender branches an,
becomes the sturdy oak; SO the mind of
child as it's field OF view is enlarged. receive
lnew and increasing strength and develops th'
true and noble man.
| AS the beanties and melodies Of nature deep
len, the mind receives On intenser sense O
hearingand, acquires higher polish rs tn,
rough places in humanity are worn away b,
the drift OF time.
AS the mind increases in strength, man find:
in himself vast powers, great ambitions ant
mental visions, that ever look for beyond. so ht
is continually reaching out after the beautiful
the true, and the sublime, which spread out sc
drofusely in the broad fields of nature.
Above him are the wonders Of the starry
universe. and here below the vast depths o.
illimitable, furnishing new food, but never
satisfying the hunger Of the SOUL b
The tree, as 1t increases in size, enlarges Its
base, sending out great roots and little fbers
to supportits swaying branches; so man ad
vancing in life, assuming the trials and duties
that await him, must enlarge and strengthen
his foundation or his works will topple and
decay.
h When we behold upon the pages OF history
the names OF the great leaders Of our race
those who formed the vanguard Of an advanc.
ing army, building bridges across the chasms
leveling the forests Of adversely, constructing
high roads for the coming generations and
accommodating great stores OF knowledge, from
which the following hosts have erected such
noble structures; no wonder We are led to ex'
claim: This Is o universe of continual pro
gression. 5:s "a "A ~ s S.55
The factis corroborated by the records OF the
past, both by experience and observation. that
the human race is endowed with great capacity
for improvement. ,
The records Of antiquity. long before the
Christian era, show considerable advancement
in the useful and ornamental arts; although
the progress Of man has been very slow, yet
the laps Sfcenturies shows great Improvement.
Th1ssiow:and feeble progress Of the nations
Of ancient times is due to the fact that their
princtu ~ occupation was carnage and de-
II ia Table thatno time since the creation
Of ~ AZ; civilization been moro completely
obsc1 ,;l, man after the fall Of the Roman EN-
pire bst man by his intellectual power and
the influence Of Christianity, emerged from the
gloom and began the onward march OF progress.
Does not the rise and fall of nations in
idolatry and barbarism and their improvement
uader the influence Of Christianity substantiate
the fact that. True Progression must be
founded upon christian principles:
To this is due the stability and prosperity Of
our nation, which excites the admiration and
wonder of the known world.
"A nation originating by o struggle of enlight-
ened men for principles Of justice and religious
liberty. whose history is without parallel
since the distinction OF nations existed.
Our age can Justly boast Of the intelligence
OF her peoples the progress in literature.
science and art, and its inventions which form
such a potent factor in the welfare OF her
people; also the rising independence and in
fiuence OF woman, and thegreat modern reforms.
If We study the records Of our race without
prejudice, without q determined adherence to
preconceived opinions, we can not fail to see
that s.True Progression" has been more and
more fully realized as the ages have passed by.
The different periods OF history are not dis
tinct isolated wholes apart from all connection
with the destinies of our race, but may be re-
garded as series Of stepping-stones from
which man has mounted to his present con-
dition.
z What is the aim Of True Progressions" Is 1t
merely to leave name upon the pages OF
history? Is it for honor which we must soon
leave behind or is it for fame that noble
passion given us, not to be extinguished,. but
to be used Alright? No! 1t Is not these alone,
but that nobIer precept the perfection and
unity Of the human race.
n Ladies' and Gentlemen:-By your presence
re this evening you give still another evil
ne of your interest in the success OF our
Efvors AS you have ever been source OF
Rtion and encouragement to us in the past.
ope our efforts will be measured not by
Nlts but by our desire to please,
5ssof the board of education, we wish
appreciation Of your wise and
Ind hope that the coming classes
fortunate.
%yoted Instructor, is due our
Aratitnde for your unceaSlng
IL We hope that the perse
n energy you have exercised
%ome fixed principles in our
IRE you that your memory
Sth the fondest affection.
Er work here is ended; let
nth present attainments, |
ling earnestness, ever to
Adertalle The time has
Apd bye, yet the recollec-
pst year will ever be Q
III May our future lives |
hey and cast no shade
y