The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1915-06-04

Four long years ago, we a resolut
lot, entered these halls as Fresh
men. Knowing that we were, an
had right to be, we determined t
be successful, and have since scorne
| delights and lived laborious days.
Now, at length, we have triumph
ed; to morrow to fresh woods al,
pastures new. So tonight it is al
together fitting and proper that w
assemble not merely to review tn,
past, for it is dead, but to look int
the living future, and pledge oul
lasting friendship and fidelity; tt
pay parting tribute to this hal
lowed place, the place of so many
of our joyful trials and tribulations
yet the scene of our richest ant
most joyful pleasures.
But in truth there is little OF
nothing that we can do or say to-
night that would enoble or enhance
this, institution, the imperishable
monument of loving parents to us
their children. Mere words of them
selves, have no intrinsic value 1t
is the putting of words into actions
and actions into deeds that is of
worth. The fellows who have long
since left these halls, entering the
vast arena of life; the ones who
have worked and applied themselves
so diligently in gaining their col
lege or University education, and who
are now successful-they are by far
paying the grandest tributes to this
school. You will little not nor long
remember what we say, but the
splendid parts they have taken, and
are now taking, in the life of this
great age of progress and enlighten-
ment, you can never forget. 1t Is
for us now to carry forward this
noble work that the labors of our
predecessors and instructors shall
not have been in vain. But may we
become sensible and alert to our ad-
vantages, for
There is a tide in the affairs of
men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on
to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shadows and in miser-
ies."
trust on entering this great
game of life, pursuing our several
courses, that we shall have a pur-
pose, definite aim, for ambition is
necessary for success. The value
of an education lies in getting it,
for if too much is done for us we
shall amount to naught. One may
lead us to college, but he cannot |
think for us. Graduation is not |
necessarily education, for we can
hope to get out of thing only what
we put into it. God will not look |
us over for medals, diplomas, de- |
grees, but for scars, the symbols of |
conquests; and he will approve of |
them even though we may have |
been unsuccessful.
We are largely what we think,
and not what we think we are; that |
which our innerselves desire and |
will-that shall we have. So it be-
hooves us to think only on the high
er and nobler things in life. Let us
not work merely for some compen-
sation, but may we love and delight |
in our work, saturate ourselves with
the technique OF our calling After
having gained one success, as to-
night, let us Immediately strive for
the attainment of higher ideals All
things that are, are with more spirit
chased than enjoyed. Have the will
to do and the soul to dare; for after
all life is what we choose to make
it, and success is only realizing the
value at which we rate ourselves.
Let us be hopeful, for seeking, we
shall find; but knocking nothing
shall be opened unto us. Opportu-
nifty will knock at our doors, once,
at least, and should we, too, be
very likely we should fail
to hear her.
AS we go hence, let us be honest
and true to ourselves, for "An hon
est mans the noblest work of God"
at times defeat may seem
remember the greatest
joys come from snatching success
from the jaws of defeat. 1t pays to
follow Honor at any cost. ..,.
'Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive"
Friends, we are indeed glad to
have you with us this evening, for
tbs good that we be together. Pos
sibly with your aid, even at this
late hour, we may be able to arouse
The Juniors from their languid stu
por. For the whole past year we
nave scarcely heard a murmur from
orr TO