Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-06-12
EIGHTH GRADERS
ENTER new LIFE.
SOME WILL GO TO HIGH SCHOOL
AND SOME BEGIN BATTLE
OF WORLD.
MONTGOMERY GIVES ADVICE
Excellent Program Given Yesterday
Shows Unusual Ability on Part
Of Students in Singing and
in Eocution.

From Thursdays Daily
Beginning life anew. some going to
high school and others going out in
to the world to begin the battle of life
Immediately, one hundred and eigh-
teen boys and girls passed out of the
eighth grade yesterday afternoon at
the Grand opera house when they
We're presented with their diplomas by
Supt. A. w. Stuart. Previous to the
presentation of diplomas most eX-
cellent program was given by the
members of the graduating class,
showing unusual talent, both in sing
ing and in elocution. The graduates
seated on the stage in tiers of seats,
! presented pretty picture. Mrs.
| Theodosia Harrison, instructor of
| music in the Ottumwa public schools,
directed all the splendid chorus songs,
all the parts blending in perfect
harmony.
Immediately following the rendition
of the program, Rev r. Ames Mont
gomery D. D., pastor of the First
Presbyterian church was introduced
| by Superintendent Stuart DR.. Mont
gomery gave an eloquent address of
advice to the students.
Congratulates Teacher.
What | want to do first" he said,
rs to congratulate the teachers Of the
young boys and girls. for if l can take
| this afternoons exercises as an ey-
ample of their efficiency, they are GER
tainly worthy of much praise. A
prominent Englishman after short
stay in this country returned to his
| home in England, and there expressed
the. belief that the men who would
shape the future of the United States
were the boys now living in the mid
die states. It would be we'll then, to
develop all the power you possess,
that the future may be greater and
grander than the past
you have finished the first stage of
education, the eigh. grades of the
grammer school, all l would plead
with you this afternoon to take the
next stage of education. Not to stop
at the grade schools, but go at least
you if possible through College Ii you
are to realize what this Enelishman
said, you must be master Of your
4 selves. You must be. master in the
work Of the hand, the use of the brain,
| ttltu lNS lllOQe'EOL -SS-DISSSlilt.9 III OIuSl
to do this, you viii appreciate that we
must go to a place of learning where
these faculties are developed
Deplores Use of Slang.
ssIf I had time | would like to tell
you how important it is to be q mas
ter of the work of the hand, the use
of the brain, and the manner of ex-
pressing your thoughts both by word
of mouth and by the pen. Flow often
are we tempted to use the slang of
the street, which think is one of the
most unfortunate things than can hap
pen to boys and girls. Sometimes
these expressions of the street are
very fitting and voice exactly the
sentiment which we wish to convey,
| but before we are ware of it we be-
gin to use the slang always and the
true English language slips away from
| us.
"The greatest satisfaction comes in
consciousness that you have mastered
your work and aware of the fact that
it is well done. How great it is to do
something that will stand the test OF
years, and of wisdom and knowledge
remaining still intact The love OF
your work and the fact that you do il
well is most satisfying. l bid you all
God speed"