The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1916-05-25
:. G. o Nj Nj e II II S -.

The following excerpts taken from Lend
Hand" are reprinted for the benefit of those among
who waste opportunities by neglecting the vital
determination necessary to distinguish between
right and wrong opportunities
Opportunity
Opportunity knocks not only once at the door
of life, but many times 1t is golden and if accepted
twill be found to be laden with results which will
prove beyond expectations. How many say:
oh, if but had an opportunity: chance to do!'
Yet day after day comes and goes; the wish is still
unsatisfed Are awake? Do we realize and ap-
preciate the favorable conditions when they are Of
fered us? No matter what situation, could we
not. if would. do and act when opportunity Of
fers its services, to improve the circumstances in
which We placed by system of self-govern-
ment and right training of mind that would not only
place us beyond any danger of becoming so situated
again but eventually lead us up from the depths be-
low onto heights that would make us useful and well
come citizens?
The truth of the matter is that we were lacking
in self poise-the need of that element called gov
eminent or self-discipne. Our temperament is at
fault Nor does this imply that we are wholly to
blame for this defect. for to be honest in dealing
with this question compelled to admit that
there was sad lack of judgment used when we
were in our boyhood days-the need Of proper train
ing and upblinging. Those who have made close
and careful study of the influences and environments
which surround young people of today LAS in the
past) have conceded that the training of youth
is the most potent factor in the building of man.
hood" But that we have reached the age
where manhood steps in and reason should govern
us, oft-tmes fail to realize that the remedy laws
within ourselves-that must correct the defect
caused by improper youthful training
Therefore, would it not be far more to our bene
nj II we would but turn to and the present to
overcome the mistakes OF the past? Why spend our
time railing and cursing at misfortune? Why
worry over that which we cannot mend? By this l
mean IN escaping the penalty inflicted by the law
Tor our transgressions. Then to complain when we
are asked to pay shows weakness want of grit
enough to take our medicine for what we have done
And further it is not the weakness that caused
us to become volator Of the law. In the one in
stance we need reason and sef-government to pre-
vent and protect ourselves against act that would
bring suffering as reward In the next after hav-
Ing committed that act realized our mistake vet
we complain because of lack of nerve to face the
punishment.
1t Is the common cry among those who violate
the law that they do not get square deal" From
the city Jail to the prison and up the day of dis
charge the way is paved with complaints fault-fnd.
ing and criticism. Were not free agents to do or
not to do? Are we imposed upon? Did we not i'm
pose upon others when we took advantage of them
by an act of wrong doing? What does honesty and
strict regard for the truth compel us to reply?
Would we not stand self condemned? This be-
ing true. let us arise to the situation, meet cond
tons face to face cast from the shackes that fet
ter manhood. by accepting in right spirit the ret
ribution which has oyertaken u.s. Determine to fight
the fight in manner that will eventually prepare us
to step forth from this place stronger cleaner men,
better fitted to take place in the world which we
forfeited by mistakes. The opportunity is
ours.'"