Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1898-12-21
SUPT. FLAVlN'S JUBILEE.

In response to the many glowing
encomiums heaped upon Superintend-
ent John I. Flavin at the reception
recently rendered him at Juneau, he
delivered the following address:
WORTHY ToAsTMAsTER AND DEAR FRIENDS:
To earn the commentator of a class of teach
erS, such are found In Dodge county, Is an
ambition l am not ashamed to own. In the
many eloquent and impressive words of APP
prevail, that ambition is amply gratltied,
that may be pardoned for not stopping at
this time to inquire whether [ really deserve
all of the honor you are paying me. lmay in
deed, in good conscience accept the compH-
ment that [ have earnestly tried to do my duty,
and II you are 1ndulgent enough TO hOnOr the
intention we'll as the performance, can on
ly thank you sincerely and assure you OF my
heartfelt gratitude and Appreciation
To me there is no reward of honest endeavOr,
no qualification in the realization of the OBJ
jects of human ambition, which can be COM
pared to the atfectionate approval of the
friends, the associates the fellOw-laborers OF
years. Treatment so kind, so thoughtful, so
comp limentary at the hands of those with
whom l have been so long associated in the
noble work of education, is indeed an honor
never to be forgotten.
The educational progress and advancement
in our county are due to the ready response on
the part of the patrons of our schools, and to
the faithful, intelligent efforts of ever loyal
and progressive corps OF teachers. There is
nothing sensational or romantically attractive
about the work of teaching, but great writer
has said that there is no Office higher than that
of teacher of youth, TOR there is nothing on
earth so precious as the mind, soul and char
acter of child.
ancient Athens, was at the point of death his
friends and principal public of the state,
who were gathered about his bedside, suppos-
ing him to be ObllVlOuS to all that was trans
plrlng about him, engaged in speculation as
upon what particular line in his many men,
orable achievements his fame would most Sc
curely rest. They recounted his superior wis
dom as statesman, his grand and resistless
elOqueuce IN the forum, his matchlesS skill as
general and dauntless valor on the field of
BATTLE Tor his life had been most eventfui
one. PerlcleS, while seemingly unconscious,
had been most attentive listener to all that
had been said, and his last words were an ex-
preston OF surprise, saying-"what you praise
IN my life belongs partly to good fortune and
IS, at best, common to me with many others;
but that of which am proudest it that no An
thenlan has ever put on mourning on account
OF any act of mine"
Thus did one of the greatest men of any age
exalt the works Of peace and thereby teach US
that peace hath its heroes and its victories
no less renowned than war" Measured by
this standard, the faithful, devoted, conscien-
t1OuS teacher holds high place in the ranks
OF llfe'S civil heroes.
Teachers of Dodge county, let me say to you
IN all candOr and sincerity, that life has af-
fOrded me no greater pleasure, no higher hon
on than association with you. for if there be
p worthler no0ler more Inspiring class ofteach-
wealth OF Wisconsin, the fact has never come
to my knowledge.
FuIly Conscious and keenly sensitive of the
fact that no other person ever been treated
with greater kindness and/consideration than
L have been tonight; thus publicly. desire TO
make &C acknowledgements to the teachers and TO
the good people OF Dodge county of my pro-
found gratitude and appreciation.
And now, my dearest friends, let me thank
you once more for ting great honor you have
done me, and assure you that [ see in it
solemn obligation better to deserve your ap-
proval, and never by any act of mine to prove
unworthy of your cherished friendship.