The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-27

Commencement day comes as startling
reminder that the best half Of the year
has passed away-that half of anticipation
and promise The longest day is not far
off, and then comes the period of frultion
and the shadows of winter. The day will
carry with 1t into the world bevy OF
nuttering young lives, leaving the nest OF
learning to ~ out into the open to make
a living for themselves. 1t does not seem
so to them TO their plucky young hearts
they do not seem 1edglings. but knights
fully armed and equipped for the crusade
against failure. The longer they preserve
that spirit the longer will they be young.
But while they stand SO bravely in their
suit Of armor, sword in hand and with the
plume OF hope flying from their helmets.
It is not amiss to have gentle prudence
at their side warning them that the foe
is not to be despised.
Last year, and for many years be-
fore. commencement day sent forth its
contingent TO join those already in the
field. They know something now OF the
struggle life is. although but twelve
changing and the picture is not as II looks
when the gates of school are closed be-
hind them.
This need not daunt the young men or
the young women who are now joining
the forces The world is owned by none.
all success has not been pre-empted. the
future belongs 10 all. The lesson Is much
the same. though he who learns most
readily from the book of fate. and COM
mits most thoroughly to memory the les
sons of the past. will find himself most
ready 10 graduate from each succeeding
class.
The future is very promising for those
who enter into activity now. The whole
country-the whole world Is recovering
from the darkest period known for very
many years, 1t is returning to condi-
ton OF prosperity never before eQaaled.
Those who take advantage OF the oppor-
sunitles OF the next few years need have
no fear of their after life But the task
will be hard one. harder than that OF
the majority of gTaeuates whose COM
meneement day has been any one a. the
past Ave years. II necessity teaches the
ingenuity of living upon small means and
devising plans for occupation in hard
tin.s in the earlier years OF experience
the lessons come easier. That experience
serves as warning, and when good
times come the pupil knows how TO profit
by them II young man start out In life
with resdy occupation and easy recon-
pense he is apt to form exaggerated views
of the plenteousness OF money and the
s0slness ~ the path 20 success. and pru-
donce Is not listened TO.
self.aenial and habits Of thrift can sa
practiccd mach more cheerfuily when
thsrs is something 20 be thrifty upon: but
youth seldom thinks Of this and the first
golden fruit Is frittered away. II rarely
comes so easy afterward especially II new
responsibilities zre assumed.
To Those for whom the gates of school
open. we wish good luck and success, The
| world should welcome the hopofuiness Of
youth Into its life. u needs the fresh
au9ek-cogrsing blood at the young; II
rees,s the SUPPLE <irew and the eacyant
determination ~ take ny and continue TIRE
tasks az the veteran whose step e lag
rinr and whose eyes are becoming dim.
There fe plerty az room and no gradus.e
uesa e.e told thai there is always room
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