The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-06-21
COMMENCEMENT
HOPKINS
Continued from Ninth Page)
long as possible in the morning.

right.
 Rome, at one time the foremost na' tion of Europe, gradually ceased to be of importance because she began toe fast an existence. For many centuries as mistress of the world, she held hei high position; then came the reaction and Roman soldiers and Roman states men became Roman Sybarites. Next foreign mercenaries were hired to dc the work which the Roman soldiers had done so nobly, and soon the nation fell into decay.
 In our own country we have lost many brilliant men almost in the prime of life,S Ought not Webster and Cal houn to have lived to the age of Glad stone and Bismarck? How many times since the death of these men has this nation needed their opinion, their ad- vice. on matters of state? To be sure other men seem to step in and fill their places and the world moves on just the same; but in grave public crises the ad- vice of such men Is invaluable.
 England will find some one to fill Gladstone's place; Germany can carry on her affairs without Bismarck and her army without Won Moltke; but in time of war there are no men in these countries upon whom the people could or would rely as upon these veterans Rome after she had banished one of her commanders, Cincinnatus, was in vaded by the enemy and was obliged to send for this old man who was almost forgotten and to place him in command of her troops He is said to have left the blow in it's furrow and to have has tened to Rome, where he won new tri- umphs for his native land; and this he accomplished when he had passed the limit of the years allotted to man.
 If we were to fight again-as we hope we never shall-where is the man to take the place of Ulysses s. Grant? Where is the man who like him has both the talents of the soldier and the leader--the power to persevere and to plan-to direct and to fight?
 When we calmly think of it, we won der when this hurry is to stop. Is the fate of Greece and Rome to be our fate? Is our glorious country, exhaustless in resources, the envy of nations and the pride of it's people, to give way to some othee nation and become thing of his tory? We all answer "No" But there are many truths staring us in the face and We must meet them fearlessly and with judgment Let some of our great Thinkers, instead of estimating the number or people this country can sup port or the greatness of the possibili- ties of South America, or the resources of Africa, devise for us code of living, a simple ideal life which shall make us look forward with pleasure to old age, not as time of weakness but of srength, 9 time when we may enjoy to "A |. G..TI T body" T. WILLIE ROCKINGHAM. MISS FLORENCE JESSIE BRIGHTs
 ESSAY ON BENEDICT ARNOLD.
 Miss Florence Jessie Bright then read her essay. Benedict Arnold" which was of great interest. She told of Ar holds desperate encounter with the British oh Lake Champlain and his gall lant conduct in rescuing his men under most adverse circumstances She them told of his public reprinand by General Washington in the Morristown court house. She then continued as follows
 It is midnight! Wrapped in the thick darkness lies West Point. Slowly and silently the great Hudson flows by breaking only with a low ripple the dead stiffness of the night. The dark noun tains cast their weird shadows over the silent river. A cold, chilly air rises from the valley. Only the black clouds above and the dark earth beneath. An awful hfeless gloom.
 But see! the figure of a mari It moves! It is lost in the shadow of the mountain. Another! The moon slowly rises; it's light falls on the face of one! Benedict Arnold! But listen! He Is speaking! Tt is treason, Andre! hate myself for itl I am betraying the land have bled for"
 What does your country care for your services" comes the quick retort. You may lead the army to battle while Gates, sitting coolly in his tent, gets the medal You get a reprimand. The hot color mounts to Arnold's forehead. Fierce passion blazes in his eyes. q hate them,'' he cries. 'I would give the last drop of blood in my veins to injure them, They have driven me to it and made me the villain am"
 The cold moon shines down, bringing out every line of his face with awful distinctness. And such face! At times it is fairly livid with rage! Every fibre and muscle trembles with pas- sion
 "England knows how to appreciate l bravery" Andre continues alluringly. | "She never forgets her heroes! Think | what she did for Marlborough, and he | was a double traitor tell you, Ar mold she will give you wealth and honor 1 and a title instead of a reprimand and | disgrace.''
 "But Washington, oh Andrel It is the | treachery to him that I cannot endure. | He has been a brother to me. I would | almost rather die than deceive him." | There is an intensity in his voice | amounting almost to agony.
 "But you are serving your country. 1 You know she cannot gain her inde- l pendence, and if she does it will simply | be to become vassal of France. Eng | land stands ready to give her every ! thing except independence! It is your | duty and privilege to reconcile mother | and daughter. It is grand opportu- nity. You will be a hero a second | Give! Deliver up West Point, end the I war, and your country will bless you"
 "But, Andre, my wife and children! They will hate me if I leave to them name black with dishonor."
 May, Arnold, the wives and mothers 41,l, s-fa T -.,1I q