Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-17
Astonishing obituary and Philo-
sOphicaI Poem.

The tragical event In the pond of South
Gibson
Strikes us with horror. when we think
of the case
or the five little lads who were shut in
And deprived of their lives in its frozen
embrace.
BY presuming on the strength OF the ice
or its thickness,
They ventured their all for the sport
TO pursue,
Their presumption. alas! turned out to
When they, the poor victims. disappear
ed from view.
No adult. as eyewitness, was to render
assistance.
The mirthful young regiment went
down in a group,
And with the surroundings that present.
ed resistance
For their living deliverance, there could
be no hope.
They had been admonished by their pa
rents and teachers
But their blind. childish urgency prompt
ed them on
To the tempting smooth Ice, with tneir
sled as the bearer
Till the death-traD was sprung and the
fatal work done.
for the pressure
They doubtless thought not OF the dan
gers concealed,
How older ones of indulge in vain plea
sure.
As thoughtless as they were. in regard
to the yield. -
Though the physical laws are rigid, I'M
They are modified greatly by the force
OF mans mind.
In q sense. under rational insight, con-
trOllable.
But the requisite conditions he must
search for and ma.
Rv this most sad instance we are clearly
admonished .,,.
To beware of presumption and thought
lessness in life. 49,
A regard for obedience anu 'oiN'a"'
IN tha mart of our dear ones-would
have Summed this death strife.
A group NAV be impelled, by mutual
To dare what alone one would not even
attempt; ,,-, -
By presuming on ihsri' """ u'''''Oi "
Each one win conclude that he. only
is exempt.
This incident was sad beyond human
Parental heartstrings were torn from
their roots; .,.....
And not only these' Dul '"o 'e"'e'''
Throughout the whole regions, were
NOT massive. deaf mutes.
The scene in the church VIII ne ct DC luz
r,,,e iittle white caskets with crystal
lized forms inside ,,.
4 souI-thrilIing spectacle, the real can't
We viii leave it, abruptly, the chasm is
too wide.
PINT behold what a change, the young
limbs that were active
rwn hours antecedently. now rigid In
death! ,...,,,., Nth
health and so spOrtive,
Insensible. now, to mothers warm
The factor that movei the organism so
Itself had entity as a manifest cause;
For the being of the soul we claim con-
As energy is conserved and we refiec-
lively pause.
The absence of life seems to add to the
az the cherubic tint on the faces there,
calm; ,, 4.
But a moments renection whispered u
Thai all that confronted them was
merely the frame,
Tho Inmates had left their material man.
sion: ., .ho
Giver of life, ,,
| Each one respectively, with his personal
distinction,
To expand in realm above Deaths cold
strife.
nv the light OF a ray from the world that
is higher,
I We can see. In measure, through INC
darkness of this,
What contributes TO support us in periods
To the faithful believer it's fore
taste OF bliss.
! This nsht we observe In us doesn't origi-
nate =. 4.
only we Will.
| Our ethical status We really determine.
AS we are disposed to and their condl-
ton to I'LL --,----.--
! HEx1x. a-s>S
! A SUMMARY DEDUCTION.
To struggle for happiness, in the abstract,
Ii TO lose IL,
Endeavoring for worthiness We may II
attain.
+ This rational alternative, whatever may
| appoint 1t,
I'm itself. ever forms an infinite gain.
| Self-made appreciation, In the light OF
/ true recutude,
Has no factor in common with the hap
| piness choice;
The former Is ultimate. needs no other
! certitudc.
I While the latter. a virtue. has not even
| CLEAN. THOMAS EVANS.
| Tr,ion Hill Gibson Pa