Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-18

ence of Cardinal Gibbons contributed to
make the annual commencement at Holy
Cross College today as successful as any
institution.
The cardinal delivered an address and
presented the diplomas to the graduating
class.
Cardinal Gibbons Remarks.
He said. in part.
Il propose. my dear young friends. to ad-
dress you a few words today on the sub
ject of Christian manhood. Tie question
may be asked, What is the greatest need Of
our times for the betterment of society? Is
1t churches? Temples of worship are in
deed very necessary at all times. They
bea' evidence of the faith and devotion of
the people But they are not the most es
Christians worshiped God in the catacombs
of Rome. and some of our forefathers
adored their Lord in secluded mountains
and in receSSes and caves of the Garth.
And they. we know, were most exemplary
Christians.
us it hospitals and sanitarums that the
times specially call for? Hospitals. indeed.
are the landmarks OF Christian civilization.
and contribute immensely to the alienation
of human misery. But they do not consti
tute the greatest need of the day, for they
relieve only a small fraction of the mem
bers of the commonwealth
rs it schools and colleges that are most
needed? Christian schools. like Worcester
College. are indeed Indispensable for the
moral and mental development OF the riS-
ing generations But what would be the
use of this spacious hall and the adjoining
class rooms, and able corps of learned
and pous professors, if there were no
pupils to frequent the college? This edifice
is the casket: you are the gems that are set
mi he ipWa hal a
to adorn and delight Fair Columbia. the
mother of us ALL.
Sturdy Men the Call Of the Hour.
Il Will tell you what is the greatest need.
What the time calls for is men, sturdy men,
endowed with the courage of their con-
yictions. We need men who are controlled
by conscience rather than by expediency.
who are guided by principle rather than by
popularity, who are influenced by a spirit
of pure patriotism rather than desire for
political preferment. Above all, we need
men of strong Christian faith, who are
prepared to uphold their religious convic-
lions in the face of popular prejudice. In
a word. we need men Of upright char
acter. If you reveal to me your character
as above reproach, I will reveal to you your
destiny. 1t is probable that you will not be
Presidents governors or senator's or
bishops. But the attainment of these high
offices is not the test of genuine success
The true test of success lies In the fulfill
ment OF duty. If you are faithful at the
post to which providence will assign you.
no matter what that post may be. you will
be successful in life; you will merit the es-
TEEN of your felow-citiZens; you will en-
joy the testimony of a good conscience.
and above all you will have the approval
of heaven. Your name may not be en-
blaZoned on the fading pages of earthly
history but. what is infinitely better it
will be inscribed in the imperishable rec
ords of the Book of Life.
Value of Christian Education.
ut is the characteristic of all noble and
ingenious natures to manifest spirit of
gratitude for their preceptors. Indeed, no
emolument can adequately compensate a
teacher for the blessing he imparts in
sound Christian education. If We admire
a Michael Angelo who molds figure like
Moses from the rock Of marble. how much
more should admire the tutor who
molds and fashions the mortals of youth.
Alexander. the greatest Of ancient gener-
ais. had for his preceptor Aristotle, the
greatest of ancient philosophers. Alexan
der had a great affection for his illustrious
teacher. We are told that he made him a
gift of 800 talents, equal to about million
of dollars. Your beloved teachers hardly
expect you to be munificent to them as
Alexander was to Aristotle. But l trust
you Will bestoW on them what they value
more than earthly treasures, that Is, the
pure gold of generous and grateful hearts,
and above all. that you will exhibit in after
life the virtues they have inculcated in
you
mo citizen of the United States should
be drone in the social hive No man
should be Indifferent spectator of the
social economic and political problems
which are presented to his consideration.
And if every citizen should take an inter-
est in public affairs. surely those who en-
JOY the advantages of liberal education
should in special manner have a deep
concern for their countrys moral and ma
terial welfare. Exercise the right of suf-
frage by giving your influence only to can
didates of clean hands and unsullied repu-
tation.
But you will best serve your country by
the integrity of your private lives PoIiti-
cal life is the reflex of domestic life For
the stream does not rise above its source
What would it avail you to be regarded in
the public walks of life as a freeborn citi-
zen, If in the sanctuary of your homes you
were the slaves of intemperance and of an
ungovernable temper"