The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-12-31
BEGINNING THE NEW YEAR.

about the last OF anythlng-tor the mere
suggestion of finality sobers the finite
mind. Always sense of parting sweeps
over one just before the bells ring as they
will tonight.
Whether as from friend or foe-and
surely no year ever passed without some
friendliness we part thoughtfully and,
looking back, we dwell for at least little
while upon the fullness-or emptiness of
the last mile marked for us on the course.
Always-if We look closely enough-we
can see something to encourage us in the
effort which will be taken up anew to- NOR
row. And this is true even though the
backward glance reveals seemingly un-
interrupted succession of mistakes and
failings.
For "to- morrow we shall have another
chance, and Tomorrow the mistakes
and stumbings OF. yesterday" will serve
as guide and keep US from so faltering in
the progress we long to make.
What fine and helpful thing is this
closing of the old set of books; this open
ing of the new! How hopefully we await
the first ensry-as one long held in the
bondage of pain awaits the departure of
the last twinge-and how fully we intend
to keep these pages cleaner and more neat
Turning the pages of the volume to
which this midnight adds the word ''Finis, -
what do We see?
Are funds in bank larger? If so, and
if the increase has been honestly gained,
it is well. Money may be SO used as to
greatly increase both the worth of the user
and the welfare of society-though much
of it is not "used" at all, but thought
lessly thrown away.
Is the store of knowledge increased? If
so, and it be the sort worth while, there is
ground for qualification Of deeper kind,
for to know more is to be equipped to do
better.
Is character greatened?
That dear reader, is the main question.
That is the chief consideration for the man
or woman who is trying to make the most
OF the years. On the answer to that de-
pGuuS lilc UdldHCG llldG Is UGSL WOFLu SuUW
ing.
Not what you have earned or what you
have learned, but what you have grown to
be; what you have added to yourself-and
thus to life in general. That is the thing
to think about to-day.
In our splendid, swift and almost mirac.
ulous material and scientific advance We
are apt to be led away from the contempla.
ton of character as the finest thing in the
life of any man. We are apt to be mislee
by prizes held out to those who can do the
most in the shortest time.
Remember, however, that the worth O
all doing - ia dependent upon the worth
ness of being. Remember that the fina
and lasting estimate of any life is based
on the light of character that shines GU
Of the years therein branded; that all tn,
rest dwindles and dies and is one with tn,
dust of what once was the shell of soul
The last day of the year is fit time II
think of this. morrow we make a fresl
start, as it were. Tomorrow we will b,
to live some of our ideas-trying harde
to make our dreams of better doing COM
true. Tomorrow we want to stans
stronger in the fight for that higher goo,
which is to be reached only through purer
nobler living.
Yes, We want to improve and advanc
and rise. We are better than we think
Always we want to be better than we were
Tomorrow our trying takes on ne,
step-seeking to keep time to the music Q
truer manhood and womanhood. Eve
the heart yearns to beat more in accor
with that central heart whose pulsing
dominate the swing of the stars throug
the unknown vastness of the outer uni
verse.
To-day and tonight let US think {
character as the one guide to that close
communion with the powers and forces
the infinite-as the one thing that is wort
working for.
Let US try to make the new year one
better living and higher being, and may
hold for you full measure of the joys ths
grow in these gardens, dear reader.
The Hobson resolution to submit con
stitutional amendment for national prohi
bition to the State Legislatureswasd efeate
in the House on the 22d, 1877 members vot
ing for and 1s9 against it. An affirmatiy