Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-06-02
MUM Der l..
but in my weakness of speech,
dare not attempt.


While this present is one OF
value, let me say to you, an d
through you to the citizens of Ma
rion, it is far more sacred to me
than valuable. Its dial plate is a
circle about which will radiate the
memories of trust of a strong
people, faith more than requited,
endeavor oonsumated and period
of time marked by the sweetest
associations, in short by the rich
est blessings God in his goodness
has thas far lent me.
Pardon me, Sir, if accent those
radiating lines. l ssid the trust
of strong people," and it is true.
Possessing all the virtues of
rural people, yet catching the
spirit of this great commercial
day, with no luxury nor beggarli-
ness, with such pure strain of
anglo-saxon blood pouring through
their veins, that it has excited
more than a passing tribute to
their fair children-surely it is
but scant justice to call Marion's
people strong. And l remember
how, in spite of boyish errors,
they gave me confidence; how, if
any struggles for education were
made, they stood by my eide; how,
through ten years through six
representative citizens, they gave
their childrens' school life into
my care-yes, even at times hal
lowing my teacher life with trib-
, ute and service belonging to the
blessed ministers of God, truly it
is trust" of which l am wholly
unworthy.
With what few gifts gracious
Providence has seen fit to brighten
my life, / have always been thank
full for a spirit of optimism, based
upon faith in humanity. And
upon no occasion do / remember
to have wavsred from the beliefs
that any people are good enough
for me to serve. The work of
teaching is higher and holier than
| | can estimate, but let mo be true
to myself, this people and my toll
and / shall be requited. And |
have been from the first in such
glorious ways that time and again
hsve cried out, too much"
| Among the bases upon which l
rested my educational work in
Marion, there was no one to which
| attached more significance than
making the school social center.
Social not in the sense of gayety of
throng, or number OF meetings,
but in that stronger sense of an
Influence upon the body polite
for better morality, a higher in
telLgenoe, greater civic progress.
all characterized by a feeding of
the business interests of the CON-
munity And when / was assured
that this gift was originated by
the business men of Marion, it
spoke of a oonsuEated hope that
will prove an inspiration to all my
future educational planning, be-
sides enhancing the meaning of
the gift many fold.
| 1t is wholly impossible for me
to expand the thought embodied
in the idea of this momento stand
ing for "sweet associations. The
warmth of tender friendship, the
tribute of a splendid pupillage,
the assistance of refined and loyal
teachers, the heavenly joys of
happy home-all. and more shall
be mirrored forever to me in the
face of this watch.
And, in conclusion of this let
/ ter, which gratitude may have
heightened beyond proper bounds,
| let me say to you. Sir. the leader
| in this movement of kindness
toward me, that, in days to come,
should / be called upon to tell the
history of this gift, it will be with
especial Joy that l shall finger at
the point where it will be dis
| closed that my poor efforts caught
the eye and moved the will of
gentlemen of parts, cosmopolite,
I scholarly and noble of soul,
Through him it shall be said this
gift came.
! Thanking you and the citizens
| of Marion again for this testimon-
| ial, and praying that such Joy as
you have brought to me and mine
| may always attend you, am,
Your friend,
NuApIrS EVANS