Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1902-05-28
al oratlon Of Hlah Deeree.


The following Grafton entitled,
Monuments Imperishable, was de-
liyeredby Miss Stella Baker ct the
graduating exercises which we're held
ut Marvin recently, and it being Of
a very high degree of literary art, ne
deem it worthy of publication
MONUMENTS IMPERIsHABLE.
Monuments are erected as d con-
slant reminder OF those whose life
work is ended. The monuments
erected by human hands, as those
buiIded by the Egyptian masters on
which they expended the time and
toll of their lives, have lasted for
centuries. But the ravageS OF time
will eventually show forth it's work.
Consider the Egyptian pyramids,
some of which cover extensive areas,
even from thirteen to fourteen acres,
and are three and four hundred feet
in height, requiring one hundred
thousand men twenty years to build,
but these count naught when compared
with those erected by their deeds and
influence their lives exerted on the
world.
Perishable monuments, are builded
Of stone and destroyable, as the one a
sorrowing nation builded to Washing
ton. But the monument his character
left as a legacy to them is far more
precious and induring.
The Bunker Hill monument, which
is visible to three hundred citizens in
their homes, stands not only to COM
memOrate that great battle, but the
noble men who gave their lives for
their country. That monument has
purpose and that purpose gives it
character.
Think for a moment OF that massive
monument erected by Abraham
Lincoln in the hearts of one and
half million slaves and in the hearts
of numberless noble patriots. Let US
study for a moment the life of that
martyred president who rose from
humbleSt station of life to the highest
place of honor and trust which the
nation could tender him. And con-
slider the largeness of that heart,
depth of thought, appreciation of the
lofty. tact and energy in action, love
of truth, honesty and aim ability-yet
ali of these may be wanting in a man
yet be very learned.
In contrast think Of the monument
Of the murderer of this noble man,
which stands as an overshadowing
mountain OF sin and disgrace to our
country.
Think again of our beloved presi-
dent, who fell by a cowardly anarch-
lists hand. Whose noble. and pure
life, even unto death, was resigned
to Gods will.
His every act has personal Signif1-
canoe Indicating Yigor, indepen dence,
and self-reliance. And ANONYMOUSLY
commands respect. admiration and
homage thus forming a monument
imperiShable. Character is one Of
the greatest motive powers in the
world.
Some one has said: "The prosperity
Of a country depends not only on the
abundance of it's revenues, nor on the
strength of it's Notifications, nor on
the beauty of its public buildings. but
it consists in the number of it's cult
ured citizens, its men of enlighten-
ment, education and character.
Here are to be found It's true interests,
it's chief strength and its real power. 4"
Character forms the imperlShable
monuments. But let US remember
they are not formed in a moment Of
time nor without great and constant
effort. Itneeds the exercise OF con-
slant self-watchfulness self-discipline
and self-cOntrol.
There may be much faltering,