Durango semi-weekly herald. (Durango, Colo.) 1899-1907, 1905-06-12
DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL CON-
MEkCEMENT ExERCiSES.

iSAsI evening was an eNeDt1ul on
| in the lives of at least twenty-five.
of the young men and women OF d.,
| rango--they were TO receive thei
diplomas as having attained the high
est point to be reached along educa
tional lines in the Durango Higl
school. And an education that EN-
braces this is one to be proud of.
leads by far the height attained b,
even small minority OF the youni
girls and boys OF our land.
The Presbyterian church opene,
its doors at 7:45 vito an anxiou.
crowd awaiting admittance. and in
side of ten minutes the edifice was
well filed and the ushers were per
picked to find seats even for those
holding reserved seat tickets, al
though arriving in plenty of time. as
/. was difficult to keep out many who
Were really entitled TO seats, but who
had not received reserved tickets
Those who arrived early nad a fine
opportunity to view the handsome
floral decorations and at the same
time note the handsome costumes OF
the ladies'. When the speaker OF the
evening, Congressman Hogg, walked
down the aisle ne was greeted with
applause. Seats were provided in
rne choir enclosure for about forty
Young people who formed the chorus
which rendered several very pleasing
numbers. On the pulpit platform
were seats for the graduating class
of twenty-three. II was pleasing
sight as the fair young ladies' and
Young men took their allotted seats.
the girls pictures of health and Low.
lhess in their gowns of white, many
OF costly material and make. II must
have taxed the Durango as well as
outside greenhouses TO furnish the
flowers carried by the young ladies',
most OF tnem from admiring friends
After selections by the chorus. Ma.
yor c. Z. Mcconnell in few well.
chosen words, introduced the sneak
er OF the evening, Hon II. NJ. Hogg.
congressman from this district. who
made the trip around BY Salida in or
der TO keep his engagement. Mr..
Hogs remarks were both witty and
grave at times and apparently struck
an echoing chord in the large gather
ing that filled every nook of the
church. In order that those unable
to attend, or gain admission, and that
each OF the graduates may preserve a
copy for future reference, we give Mr..
Hogg's remarks. as follows:
One of the supreme moments in
the life of the individual is when he
escapes the school, OF course there
are other points OF much anticipation
of no inconsiderable concern-when
the girl puts on the first long dress,
with much confusion and a tolerable
degree of bashfulness and anxiety, IL
marks the near approach of woman
hood. And wnen the youth first is
able. with great effort to discern with
The aid of glass the premonition Of
a beard, is an occasion long to be re
The constant effort of the
boy TO do the mans work and the
girl to assume the duties OF woman
hood may evoke smile from one
who has long since commenced the
worlds work In his own place and in
MS own way Yet 1t is a kindly
smile, and enjoyable withal | have
been entertained at times In watch
ing the small girl in her mothers
dress and bonnet. And the small
boy in MS fathers boots and nat
And as we grow much older | am
not sure but that with the amuse-
ment there comes Just tinge of sad
ness with IL all, When | was a child
| spoke as child; understood as a
child; | thought as a child. Wna I
became man put away childish
The eagerness of youth for man
nood il universal. With life ahead
there is hope-witn life behind there
is memory Before the battle all is
excitement; we look for conquest
After the battle there may be de-
feat. there may be victory.
In the joy and strength of youth
"c rear III luluIt we Cuhiitukt "
with the courage OF hope. Wnen the
wears have escaped us we may har-
vest our hopes or we may reap dis
appointmeDt-in any event life will
become tale that Is cold" Wheth-
er good or i'll it must be met, and
there is much To do. 1t is wise to
prepare for what is to come; wise
TO be able, as fully as we may, to
meet things-equipped. believe IT
was Peter said, II go a-fishing." Not
important, probably, that he went
but important that ne get ready, /:
he proposed going. The net and the
boat we're to be had. And II he were
10 fish as We do. there would be the
rod, and fly, and other bait. And
whether the trip were successful
would depend.
There might enter into the prob.
lem the question of air. moving. the
sunlight or shadow, the condition OF
the water, the presence OF fish to be
caught. And the anglers knowledge
of the subject and Its surroundings
whether the catch amounts to any
thing, also depends, or possibly in
a measure. his ability to make 1t ap
near What he NAV saw ahout II Is