The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1907-07-04
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Its name and became the first normal
school of the state in 1868. There
are two schools preparatory to the
University, located at Montgomery
and Keyser, 46 high schools, ISL
graded schools, the schools for the
| deaf and the blind at Romney, the
girls Industrial school at Salem, and
the boys reform school at Prunty-
| town. For the higher education Of
the colored youth there are two ex-
cellent colleges, besides state aid is
given to other colored schools This
year the state will expend about
three and one-half million dollars
In the support Of her public schools
The solicitude with which the state
| regards the liberal education of her
youth is demonstrated by the fact
that for the last five or six years 81
! cents Of every dollar paid into the
state treasury has been expended for
teducation. ~ >' - '''.' 49, :;
Time fails me to c;'s speak 6f the many
hospitals, private and charitable; Of
the great and good work Of the
| tons; Of the work of the Young
! Mems Christian Association, and the
numerous benevolent and fraternal
societies and orders; of the many
| public libraries, scattered all over
| the state, and especially those con-
nected with the public schools; of
| the newspapers Of the state. or OF
! those West Virginians who have
! written books or otherwise done
honor to the state. n
Though as separate government
| al organization West Virginia is
young in years, yet the territory Of
the state has long been known, and
it's history dates back more than two
centuries. Her soil was the scene
Of the opening conflict Of the Rev
olutionaFy War and Of the Civil War,
and the last battle Of the Revolution
was fought on her territory. Proud.
of the history Of the state both be-
fore and since it's creation, and OF
the accomplishments of her sons, yet
We know that past deeds will not
suffice for future duties. Gathering
courage from the past, we look con-
fidently to the future. West Vir-
ginians, 1t is of vital Importance that
there be an enlightened, healthy, and
moral sentiment among the mem
bers Of the body polite, for public
opinion is but the aggregate of in
diVidual thought. The moral condi-
ton of the commonwealth is what
we shall make it. The greatness Of
| state Is measured by the greatness
Of it's men. There are higher and
better aspirations than the mere
| making Of money and the accumula-
ton of wealth. Enlightened sense
Of public duty and integrity, appre-
citation Of relative rights and civic
virtue Is better to the government
than silver and gold. Wealth is not
| a corollary Of worth, and success"
| Is not an index Of character. The
problems that confront us are many
and weighty. The continuace of our
free institutions depends on their
wise solution. But we have hope,
for we do not put our trust in our
great wealth Of material things We
| know that character and righteous
purpose will conquer all things
| Making this the new era Of better
| us go forward.
Our fathers Cod from out whose
hand ."'.
The centuries fall like grains Of sand ,
| We meet today, united, free,
| And loyal to our Land and Thee,
| TO thank Thee for the era done,
And trust Thee for the opening one.
Oh make Thou us, through centur-
les long,
In peace secure, in justice strong;
Around our gift Of freedom draw
The safeguards Of thy righteous law;
And, cast in some diviner mould,
Let the new cycle shame the old!