New Britain herald., 1918-06-27
AMERICAN CANNON
 SHOOTS OVER SEA
Richard I. Higgins Says Our Will
 Threatens End Of Hun GRAMMAR SCHOOL EXERCISES
Diplomas Awarded to 446 Graduates At F'ox's Theater-Essay Do Cred it to Boys and Girls and to Fac uIty.

it to Boys and Girls and to Fac
 uIty.
 The graduation exercises of the PreVO cational Grammar school, held this morning at 9:30 o'clock, in the Fox theater, were most inspiring and uplifting. AS has been the case at all similar events held in this city this year, the patriotic spirit prevailed throughout the interesting program arranged for the occasion. Diplomas were presented to 446 graduates, by Edward M. Pratt, member of the school committee. Richard T. Hig- gins, of Winsted, of the public utili- ties commission, who was the speak CT, addressed the class on the subject uppermost in the minds of all true American patriots, giving 8 general resume of the war since it's com- mencement and trying to impress upon the minds of his hearers their various duties essential to the winning of the war. One statement made by him which brought forth loud ap plause, is given in part as follows:
 Although Germany can operate guns which are able to shoot missiles 75 miles, we are building 8 great gun out of the very flores of American cit- izenship that will shoot the death knell from the very shores of the United States into the heart of Ber- lin.''
 The decorations were simple but effective. Two large American flags were draped to form a background for the stage on which was seated the speakers. Ferns and wild flowers were used in abundance. One feature which was especially noticeable was the manner in which the girl mem- bers of the class were attired. Each wore a white middy suit, and the eff feet was quite pleasing as the class marched to the seats reserved for 1t in the center aisle keeping step with "The Federals" march played by the PrevocationaI Grammar school or chestra Members of the class who participated in the program delivered their essays in a most admirable manner, reflActing credit on the fac- ulty The program opened with pray CT by Rev. Dr. George w. c. Hill, pas tor of the South Congregational church.
 Advice to Graduates.
 In opening his talk, MT. Higgins
  for having as a part of it's citizenship this bright class of 1918. To the class he said, "Whatever you do, let it be the glory of your future lives On all occasions be true and faithful in the performance of your duties" He then spoke of the present situa- ton in which our country finds itself today. pointing out that viewpoints oh a that problems will have to be solved anew by the boys and girls of tomor- row. "The country" he said, lis at war and with the allied nations is engaged in a titanic struggle against the autocracy of Europe, dishonor and degradation.'
 The speaker went back to the year 1914 when the imperial Prussianized government of Europe, together with the Central powers, declared war on respected countries of the world, and in only a few days over-ran the small countries including Belgium, Serbia and others. and entered northern France. Men, women and children" he said, would rather have given up their lives hundred times than to undergo the tortures which they have had to undergo at the hands of Prussians''
 America, he pointed out, did not want to enter the struggle, but was forced into it. We have gone into it, MT. Higgins said, fighting for the principles of humanity, we have gone into it with clean hands. It Is pleasing to hear the promises, from time to time, of victory and peace This is not cassidy obtained. It will
 tContinued on Eleventh Pagey