The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-06-05
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS AT
PROMINENT ATTORNEY.
HAVE BEST RECORD YET
Seniors Who Are Awarded Diplomas
by Board Of Trustees Are Better in
Numbers and in Matter Of Grades
Than Any Of Their Predecessors,
Says Principal Thomas.

In the 10 young people who received
their diplomas in the high school as
sembly room last night there grad
uated from the school the largest, and
avoWedly the BEST class in point of
grades and averages which has ever
been sent from the Missoula county
high school. The feature of the pro-
gram incidental to the graduating of
the seniors was tho commencement
address, which was delivered by At
torney John Fl. Toan. Mr.. Tolan
spoke briefly but impressively, giving
the graduates a few good words of
advice and congratulating them on the
work which they have accomplished
during their four-year course. Rev.
Henry Van Engelen delivered the in
vocation and was followed by Mr..
Tolan. After the address of the even
ing Principal j. f. Thomas spoke q
few words in behalf Of the faculty,
expressing his appreciation of the work
which has been done by the school,
and stating that the class had made
a better record than any which had
ever graduated from the school. The
diplomas We're then presented by e.
Il. Hershey, as chairman of the board
of trustees, following which the bene-
dietion was given by Rev. Mr.. Van
Engelen. The music for the evening
was furnished by the high school or
chestra, this being their last public
appearance for the year. Mr.. Tolan's
speech is given below
1 feel deeply sensible of the high
honor of being invited to deliver the
commencement address to the grad
yates of the Mssoula high school,
and would l had the brain to think
and the tongue to utter the thoughts
which would do justice to this occa-
sion. But realizing it's Importance, |
also appreciate the fact that you are
extremely anxious after four years of
labor and toll to feel within your
grasp the most important document
Of your life, I shall be brief in my
remarks to you this evening.
7 am not going to attempt a learned
discourse on educational principles,
for such problems are more fittingly
treated by your teachers. What
wish to do is to tell you in simple
words what I as a busy man in this
WOFk-L-udy WOIlQ COIlSlocI " DS ollS
gestive helps in getting along with
your fellow men and women. The
cultivation of the intellect is some
thing we all admire, but likewise we
must appreciate the advice-'Be good,
my child; let who will be clever" The
emotional side of our nature cannot
be ignored; the fondness which we
feel for the home affections must be
nurtured, else our souls Will remain
narrow and our vision restricted.
The Home.
Most of you girls are destined to
decorate and adorn happy homes. The
struggle for daily bread is SO intense
that we necessarily need something to
counteract it's continuous cares. And
surely what joy more serene than
that which a good woman gives to
those with whom she comes in con-
tact. And indeed as the woman is,
so is the home, and as the home, so
is the nation. When forbearance,
courage, and kindness are cultivated,
you are fostering and furthering what
in reality are national assets. You
are contributing to the patriotism of
the country, in sense, just as much
as did your revolutionary sires at
Lexington and Bunker hill The
weapons of patriotism change with
changing conditions and Peace hath
her victories not less renowned than
war" And we should be grateful that
this is SO, for thus it is that woman
can share with man in the honors of
an advancing civilization. The home
is the sphere Of her activities. The
reflnements of life are the heritage
she hands down to the generations
which she lovingly enlightens with the
riches of her love. Thus it is that
woman is every bit as much of a
factor in the elements which make
for success as is man himself. No
wonder that a great writer declares,
MEN are what their mothers made
them"
Success Is Sure.
My young friends. cultivate with as
slduous care and constantly encourage
the simple virtues. Do not fear the
future, for ample are the reasons
which should bid you hope. This
mighty land of marvellous opportunity
has bread and work for all. II you
are Industrious, honest, courageous
and hopeful. with the mental equip
ment you possess there is no such
thing as failure. Have confidence in
your own strength and individuality
for the kingdom of God is within
you" Let no man make you shudder
with the so-called terrors of the out
side world and the dark and myster-
snnf Do