The Portland daily press., 1899-08-17
MONMOUTH ACADEMY.
Its Graduates Hold Their Third
Reunion.
s>ration by r'on. A. A. Perry of somer-
willie, Mnss.

Monmouth, August 16-1he graduates
of Monmouth Academy held their third
annual reunion today. The exsrcises con-
sisted OF an address by President Spear,
vocal duo by Misses Gots and Leadbstter,
poem by Mrs. Salina Reed, vocal solo.
Margaret McIlroy, oration by Hon. A.
A. Perry. * Mayor OF Somerviiie, Mass,
reading by Bertha Blake. extracts from
the OH Clloniar read by Hattie Clifford.
At noon there was picnio dinner.
The subject of Mr.. perry's oratlon was
"Unconqusred foes and uusolved p.ob-
lens. /" he spoke in part as follows:
The conviction is strong IN MY mind
that our beloved country is today beset
with powerful and dangerous foes, that
in these closing years of the 10Th century
VIC are brought face to face with SONS of
the most peFplexing problems ever pre-
seated TO people for solution. The time
allotted to me is too snort for q careful
portrayal of the republics unoonquered
10 ss or an exhaustive discussion of It's
Unsolved problems. 1 shall merely touch
upon few of the most conspicuous perils
now confronting the American people.
This i should not do were 1t not for the
citizsns appear to be resting today in
pleasant optimism, obiivtous to the dark
clouds that are gathering in the nations
sky. Even President Mckinley has given
as reason for the interference OF the
United States with the affairs of other
nations, tkat we bare solved all our homo
problems and are therefore free TO go
forth TO distant lands as heralde of good
governments and high civilization. Gladly
We Nd view the present situation In ths
rosy stxht that CLEANS In the eyes of our
honoreos saief magistrate II 1t were po ISL
Ia f,r MA, Sn fln 60 I ho h,n fsrl
signs. bit seS also the evil portsn;s,
and at a time when 60 mitch 10 bsing
said about the grandeur of our country
AMI i.s duty as ''wori1 puwer,i 1t may
bs profitable to taxa eognizsnce cf certain
symptoms and tendencies which may well
excite the solicitude of him who has the
Highest welfare cf his countiy as heart.
/. In the first place 1T me say that q
terrible menaos to the peaoo and stability
of the republic is found in the growing
discomfort Jf the masses with industrial
aud social conditions. Our present in.
dustr'al system Is depriying thousands of
capable, energetic, and prudent men Of
the opportunity even to gain livelihood
not TO mention tine killing of all hope Of
advancement to higher planes OF llfs and
larger spheres Of influence. They see
nothing ahead but poorly paid drudgery,
alternating with long periods of enforced
idleness. Confronted by a di nal pros
haters Of society, and dangerous and
disturbing force in the community. 10
say that better methods can not be de-
vised is not only to offer an insult to God
who has ! cen SO bountful in providing
for his children. but it is also an impeach.
ment Of the intelligence and integrity of
mankind.
In orr days the human brain has de-
viscd cunning machines to spin and
weave, plant and harvest, ana run On
errands over sea and lard The intelIi-
genoe and skill OF man are conquering
realm after realm OF the material uni
verse, and Nature yields ready obedience
to the wizard biped who searcheS out
every corner OF her trackless wastes. The
earth has been taught marvellous lessons
In fertility. We go far up into Ihe hills,
tmprison the mountain streams, and
bring down their W aters In new channels
to fp.iDkie upon the sandy. arid plains.
At the fi-st touch of the refreshing drops,
the dreary desert begins to smile, ana
cactus and saga-bush give way to vine
yards and orange groves. The parohed
and sterile soil had waited through the
centuries for the magic touch of the hand
OF man. All these mechanical Inventions
and triumphs over the forces of nature
have resulted in the partial elimination
CT the factor of human labor, and man is
faEt becoming slave to the machine.
How sad 1t is that in proportion was
mans mastery over nature becomes more
complete. ns the yield of the earth's boun-
ty and the products of human labor grow