The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1915-06-11
Hon. J. A. Burnquist Delivers
Over the Parchments
From Fridays Daily.

evening. seventy-three from the reg
ular advanced course, twenty two
from the kindergarten -primary ad
vanced course. and two from the ele-
mcntary course. In addition to these
siXty-four graduates received diplo-
mas during the year, thS diplomas
having already been presented. max
ing one hundred and sixty zone gradu-
atcs for the school year. There were
also present with the class last night
twCnty-six candidates who were real
" graduating but require six weeks
term in the summer school to COM
plctc the necessary school period re-
Quired. which would make a total OF
one hundred and eighty seven gradu-
atcs for TIE year.
Good Program Presented.
An exceptionally good program was
presented last evening, including the
address by Hon Ell Torrance presi-
dent or the state normal board, and
Hon. J. 4 n Rurnquist. lieutenant
governor OF Minnesota. The platform
was concealed by palms. foliage. and
pink and white potted plants and cut
flowers. with large bowl OF yellow
iris upon the grand pianc. and fes-
ICONS Of the class colors. hung across
the entire front OF the auditorium.
Rows Of chairs were placed on the
stage for the large class of graduates.
and the Glee club. and in seats at the
left sat President c. II. Cooper. Hon.
Ell Torrance. J. \. A. Burnquist. and
Rev Warner Johnson. The gradu-
atcs marched i'm, led by DIR. Han
cock and took their places on the
D., I,I,, n
fCrC;l an eloquent prayer invoking the
divine blessing upon the graduates.
Spring. Spring" by Borch was sung
vCrv plcasingly by the Girls Glee
club, led by Miss Nancy Williams. and
MIS- received with apprcciatiye ap-
plausc.
Mr.. Torrance Introduced.
Hon. Ell Torrance was introduced
10y President Cooper. who stated -
II gave him great pleasure 10 present
the speaker who had been president
az the state normal board for the
mast ten or twelve years. great
friend OF the normal school. and loved
by all i'm the normal school circle.
Hon. Torrance gracefully acknowl-
edged the introduction. saying that he
was bit embarrassed by having an
audience both i'm front of and behind
him. and asking pardon for being un-
able 10 face both. The last time he
appeared here. he said. was many
wears ago when he came with Gov
CrnCr Johnson. who delivered the ad-
dress. and he presented the diplomas
The subject OF Mr.. Torrance's address
WAS The Optimistic View" and TO
make clear the meaning OF that view
he said that he could think of moth
irS more appropriate than the life
story of the late Governor Johnson,
as IL was one OF inspiration. the story
Of hoy of foreign percentage. born.
in poverty ON the bleak prairics. the
story Of child life which was filed
with privatiCn. lishtencd only by the
smile OF a loving mother. of young
man, who, as he grew i'm the grace
and favor of youth in the struggle for
an education was his own school
master. who graduated from the stern
school of adversely, and mt last tho
blacksmith's son became the most
distinguished citizen in the state. His
sympatnics were broadened and deep
ened by his hardships, and his heart
went out to his fellow men. lie was
true optimist, and his greatest de-
sire was to serve the people
Quoted From Message.
Mr.. Torrance then quoted from
Governor Johnsons first message TO
the legislature i'm which he told ihr''
To dedicate themselves To do their
duty by the people who reposcd I'm them
their trust and honor, tU build lor
~ the future. and To serve but ono mas
t"r. III" people of Minnesota. Govern
ar johnson will always be remember
ed for his high character and concen-
tratiOn To duty. and his memory will
br that OF a noble. useful and well
spent life. The speaker then related
the story of two brave soldiers. one
uf whom fell in battle and when his
COmradc stopped TO aid him said.
Never mind me. follow the colors -
VI the former governor were present
his words TO the class would be. Fol
low the path Of duty" Hon. Torrance
adiured the class 10 be optimistic. and
said that he would commend to them
the rule that whenever they were Civ
en- a choice between two evils to re-
jCct both. There never was q better
time to live than the present. he said.
To-day America Is the only green spot
on the face of tho globe and when
seeking an Eden the people of this
country should rejoice In the full po-
session Of the Eden In which Provi-
dence had placed them. The speaker
then told of attending the fiftieth an
niversary OF the battle Of Gettysburg,
where many thousands of old soldiers
had come moved by common inn
pulse that they might meet again i'm
peace or the historic battlefield, and
stated that he looked forward to ever
lasting peace as a blessing of the fu :
ture years. The true value of a man
has accumulated or inherited. he said
hut by what he has accomplished. In
this country there are no monuments
to wealth, but TO men OF achievement
In his farewell address George Wash
ingtOn had said There can be no ma
tIOnal prosperity without morality, and
no morality without religion"
Complmented the Ladies'.
Mr.. Torrance then spoke of the
struggles passed through by many In
n fight for education. and said that
the scene presented by the graduating
class was inspiring. being the sight
Of youth filled with hope and courage
With a graceful compliment TO the
many young ladies In the class he ad-
II. 49,