The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1904-01-14

SIlLLW AIEk, NIL
position of eminence, or even to main
tain him much, if any. above the mean
level Of the life into which he was
ushered at birth; the man without
who wholly lacks the energy
necessary to conceive and execute; who
seems inevitably shackled to his lot by
the tremendous force Of circumstances
real-not infrequently
imaginary-more often self-ereated.
He, too, attracts notice, aud is the sub
ject Of comment, the tenor of which;
however much deserved, is none the
less derogatory.
AS matter of fact this is not a
legitimate cause for wonderment when
it is remembered that such individuals
are so obviously of the one talent stamp
that he who runs may read, and no
chart is needed to proclaim them shift
less uon-aggressives, whose chief occu-
patton consists in inveighing against
the fates claimed to be in league
against them.
In certain sense it is eminently
proper that young manhood should
have its attention directed to the
result of human effort, as recorded in
the respective cases of successful and
unsuccessful men, in order that forma-
tive character may obtain just con-
ception of the rewards accruing to
and conscientious endeavor,
and receive warning against the
unwholesome fate of the individual
who, from a sheer lack of initiative
and stick -to-it-iveness, is compelled to
recede within the narrow confines of
an indolent, eventlees existence. But
it is my purpose to direct attention to
that large intermediate class-more
numerous than either Of the afore-
mentioned, and overshadowing both
the Two Talent Men. Men who are
constituted of the right kind Of metal
and ring absolutely true, regardless Of
circumstances or environments; men
who believe in themselves and, acting
on that belief, court destiny in the
development of their latent possibilities;
men who may not have been the
creatures Of -propitious circumstances,
who, while perhaps lacking the native
ability necessary to the elevation of
themselves to positions of preferment,
are, nevertheless, far removed by sta
bility of character and innate integrity
of purpose from the ne'er-do-well who
always would have made q success if
things had only been 9 little different;
who is more generally thesslave ssbau
the master of circumstances.
Analytical thought will tend to con.
vince anyone endowed with average
intelligence that the destiny of the
| work rests and abides with the two
talent man, who demands recognition
only in the language of actual achieve
ment. He inhabits place practically
his own, and, while abler minds may
conceive, execution is impossible with.
out his consent and cooperation. He
is the keystone of industrial life, the
intricate inner cog, without which the
institutions of commerce, mechanics
agriculture, mining and innumerable
kindred industries could not have
reached their present high state OF
development. That his national sen.
thusiasm and devotion to duty, togethe,
with discipline, mechanical ingenuity
and energetic initiative, have planted
American methods and products at the
forefront among industrial peoples il
evidenced by the present foreign CRY
against "American invasion"
Tn his various capacities as duly
[qualified public guardian, life and
property are absolutely dependent upor
his fidelity, foresight and fearlessness
Not only is he the mainstay of tn,
nation in time of peace, but is its safe
4 guard and refuge in moments of strif,
-'the man behind the gum" who ha
been.tried and not found wanting.
# He it was who withstood the priya
tion and suffering at Valley Forge, ant
anointed with his life blood the pathwa.
: that led to Americas liberty. In th
late cos he carried with his musket th
J future of civilization and gave back {,
: doubling world reunited country
, A reunion ratified beyond peradyentur
} in y8, when the nations cry, aRemem
: ber the Msinep resounded through th
! land and summoned from North an
81 South alike the two talent men who lai