The record-union., 1897-02-21

entertain his views on these subjects,
being guided alone by the dictation OF
his conscience. In line with that policy
the public schools are kept str sctly free
from their intrusion.
1t Is proper to advise you to care
fully note current history so far as it
relates to the great events of the world,
and particularly that which concerns
our country. The proceedings and de-
bates in the houses Of Congress and of
the Legislature, the State papers elnan-
aIting from the Executive Departments,
the actions Of great political bodies and
the conduct of National and State cam
paiGns With the comments of the
press, are matters that should engage
the earnest and intelligent attention of
every one. You will be called upon to
exercise the highest duty and preroga-
tive of citizens; that of the franchise,
and you should then be prepared TO act
with intelligence and without preju-
dice.
In the consideration of public matters
it will be we'll to dispassionately con-
slider both sides of all questions, for IN
their determination the electors are the
jurors, and individual responsibility
should not be shirked or regarded as
tritling. 1t is gratifying that the ten
dency of our legislation and the senti-
ment of our people is toward higher
standard of intelligence on the part of
the voter Therefore, when the time
comes when you will assume the impor-
tant duties of citizenship you should be
as fully prepared as possible to exercise
t1ni,s itN
and with justice to yourselves and your
country.
You cannot excuse yourselves that
you will lack in education. The adVan-
tages afforded by our public schools for
the requirement of practical knowledge
are greater in this day than ever before.
From the plane of broad equality on
which each of us stands, honor and sta
tion is within the reach of rich and poor
alike. | am not so sure but that the his
tory of our republic Will show that the
children of obscurity have gained the
more and the better laurels. Perhaps
the spirit of self-dependence has had
much to do with their successes. In the
lines of craftsmanship, war, invention,
art, literature, mechanics and commerce
life of Lincoln furnishes a striking ex-
ample. With the most limited oppor-
tunity for education he rose to rank
with the most prominent characters in
general history by his unaided exer-
tions
| make these observations not to inti-
mate that a higher education is not of
decided advantage but to impress on
you that studfous application and de-
termination will overcome all difficult
ties, and that the key that will unlock
the golden stores of knowledge and sue
cess hangs within the grasp of each of
us.
The department of government which
l represent will afford you every oppor-
tunity and advantage possible for the
requirement of education. We will fully
discharge the legal and moral obligation
imposed on us. With your earnest CO.
operation we trust there will be added
to the elements Of strength of the Amer
lean republic in each one of you a valu-
able, intelligent and patriotic citizen
one who will be ever respectful and loyal
to the Government bequeathed US by our
fathers; one who Will at all times stead
fastly obey and uphold the laws and
one who will be determined to be of
service to himself, his people and his
country, through the fullest exercise of
his talents and his strength.