The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1896-02-27

The very atmosphere about the public
school building last Friday afternoon
seemed laden with patriotism Old
Glory waved proudly from its staff ovel
the building, while the eight different
rooms were artistically decorated with
flags, bunting and pictures of Washing
ton and Lincoln, in celebration of whose
birthdays the four hundred school chill
dren joined in rendering appropriate
exercises. A feature of the afternoon
deserving of especial mention was the
presentation to the school by Ellsworth
Relief Corps, of a fac-simile of the
Declaration of Independence. The gift
had been neatly framed and was present.
ed by Mrs. ]. B. Horner. iu an interest
ing speech, to which, in behalf of the
recipients, Prof. Pratt happily responded.
AS fast as the farmers find remedy
for one pest another miserable tormentor
makes Its appearance. The latest report
ed is the clover-root borer, aud with
sublime audacity it makes its advent at
the very headquarters of pest extermina-
tors. On recent tour of the college
farm Prof. French noticed that his clo-
yer fields, which last year produced five
tons of hay to the acre, gave evidence of
premature decay. A closer inspection
developed the fact that the clover-borer
had made its appearance upon his clover
plats, and had completely destroyed no
less than two acres. Mr.. French believes
the pest to have been imported along
with the seed which he received from the
east and which was sown on the college
premises. He says the only sure method
of discriminating the borer is by the rota-
ton of crops. He is going to expert
ment with potash salts soon AND is hope
full that it will prove an effective remedy.
The frs appearance of the clover-borer
was noticed in Clackamas coanty two
or three years ago.
Last Friday evening Hon. Thomas H.
Tongue, of Hillsboro, lectured at the
college chapel before large and intelli
gent audience. The speaker had chosen
for his subject, Genius aud Plodding."
and during the forty minutes occupied in
delivering the address he was given the
closest attention, and during its delivery
was frequently applauded to the echo.
He took the ground that the term
genius was not generally rightly
understood; that the proper iaterpreta-
ton of the word is capacity for great
work. III making up roll of honor
of those, he said, who have attained
famc,-those who have been regarded as
geniuses-there would be great diver
sity of opinion as to the names entitled
to be placed thereon as we'll as the rela-
tive position they should occupy. Poets,
musicians, statesmen, warriors, patriots.
would all have their names inscribed on
this roll of honor, but people will ask,
t'Whence came the power to place them
at such dazzling heights? ?' In answer
ing this the speaker said. "Imprint upon
your memory, They plodded there
Nothing allured them from their pur-
pose. Step by step they climbed to their
emiueuce. They were enabled to attain
their goal because they possessed the
faculty which all who succeed must
have-.he capacity for great work. Hu--
manity can produce nothing of value
without it. Few speakers are so apt in
expression as Mr. Tongue. His word
pictures are simply beautiful.