Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-06-26
Close Of Rochester High School.

The graduating exercises of the Roches-
ter High school were held at g. A. r. hall
on Tuesday evening, June Il. Prayer was
offered by Rev. Frank +. Adams, after
which orations were delivered by the two
graduates-James Willard Chaffee and
Clifton LeBarron Adams.
Mr.. Chaffee took for mis- subject, "What
Our Modern Education Means A more
or less extended acquaintance with knowl-
edge handed down from the past consti-
tutes an education. A practical education
enables one to provide for temporal and
bodily wants. II embraces such knowl-
edge as is useful in actual money getting.
But money is not the chief thing in life.
There is higher education which helps
men to obtain nobler and better things.
Its purpose is to enable its possessor to
make the most of his different abilities.
1t creates standard Of justice, and inn
parts broader view of topics Of universal
interest. Education does not insure sue
cess TO the individual, but helps him to
make the most OF himself. This education
accrues to the benefit OF the state. The
hope Of the republic lies in the education
OF the common people. Our modern ed
ucation means the uplifting of the human
race. Its effect win be felt for ages to
come.
Mr. Adams spoke on Socialism, the
Hope of the Race The word ''social-
ism conveys different impressions to diff
ferent individuals. 1t is not scheme for
obtaining food and raiment without labor,
but a system of equality before God and
man, IN which each will enjoy the fun
fruits of his labor conformity with all his
fellowmen. Socialism is not a product Of
our modern civilization. II is as old as
Plato, who, in his "Republic," pictured
state Of society which is essentially social
istic. Some socialistic form of govern
meut will be the inevitable outcome of the
present condition of economic society.
In the history of the race we find success
siyely the hunting, the pastoral, the agri-
cultural, the commercial and the indus
trial ages. In the latter age heartless
competition has given place TO still more
heartless combination. Small aggrega-
tons have been combined into great ones.
When the exploitation Of labor by capital
becomes unbearable, the people, by the
ballot or by the strong arm, will take
possession of the agencies Of production.
The address was by Rev. Effie X. Nj.
Jones OF Barre on 'The Passing and the
Permanent in Education" She said that
during the last few years great change
had taken place, not so much IN the
methods as in the content of education.
Formerly the opportunity for education
was open only to rich mems sons; now II
is for everyone.
What is it that makes education worth
while? The one ground which iustities
the state in taxing the people for educa-
tion is that the nation depends Tor Its
safety on the intelligence OF its citizens.
The people are the rulers, and general in
telligence is absolutely imperative in
such a country as ours.
What does the pupil carry away from
the school that win be Of value TO him
Very many OF the lessons which he learns
..tk - ~ 20 him in after life
The lessons, many of them, are taught,
not for themselves, but for the large gem
eral effect Ii is said that practical educa-
ton is the only education that is worth
while. This cuts the very nerve OF
education. A firm mental grasp is re-
uuired. Practical education never teaches
the deeper feeling. In a republic all
questions depend for their solution upon
the thinking men Of the nation.
The school training should make the
pupil patriotic. The study of his coun-
try's history will show him what our
liberty has cost. Having learned its cost,
he will desire to preserve il.
The youth is not finished citizen until
be is a conscientious citizen. His educa-
tion must make him such a citizen. Inc
country is menaced unless every citizen
realizes his duty to his town, his state, his
country. We are confronted with prob
lens such as never confronted people
before. We must use the agencies that
have been put into our hands. nation
win rise no higher than the average OF its
intelligence. We must raise the average
OF intelligence. The destiny OF the ma
ton is in the hands of the men and
women who teach its youth.
Mr.. Scribner, in presenting the diplo-
mas, said that the Rochester High school
does well i'm numbering the members OF
this class among its alumni. He hoped
that their further studies would show
them that their work here has not been IN
vain. and urged them to hold fast to the
principles that mske for truth and honor.
Both young men graduate from the tull
classical course. Their orations were the
subject of many concentrations. The
address OF Mrs. Jones was highly appre-
ciated.
The exercises were enlivened with in
strumental music by Mrs. II. II. Cushman
and Mrs. James Henry and a solo by Rev.
Mr.. Yerkes. with Miss Viola Yerkes as
accompanist. The hall was tastefully
trimmed and the graduates were the
recipients Of beautiful floral tokens. The
benediction was pronounced by Rev. II.
w. Hildreth.