Year: 1870

If there is any one word more than an
other to which a more extended effective
Specification might be added, it is that
word promptness. It may be said to be u,
a capital stock in itself to the possessor,
with which he may safely operate in Sc
curing to himself the confidence of all
his acquaintances. 1t signifies so much
that will necessarily be of interest to the
boy or young man in his ambitious for
ward march to success that he cannot
well dispense with the practical use of
what it expresses. Boys, as you value
your honor, your integrity, and your
hope of success in all good undertakings,
be prompt. Cultivate this as a habit in
dispensable to your future growth and
prosperity. Be in readiness and up to
time in your several duties and doings,
whether it be in the school-roon in con-
nection with your allotted task, where
should be found a time for everything
connected with the institution, and every
thing in its time, or when busy at your
daily labor fulfilling the decree long since
uttered, "In the sweat of thy face shalt
thou eat bread" Who is there among US
that does not. feel an earnest sympa-
thetic interest in the boy of his
acquaintance who is known to be
prompt?- in time at his 1sehaol,
ready in his recitations, prompt
in his contracts and promises with his
companions, and ever ready to do the
bidding of his parents and teachers, who
seek his welfare; prompt In saying no
when asked to do wrong, and as ready in
the right to act. Learn to be prompt in b
every little transaction. Promptness is
something of an educator. Being in resdi-
ness to return the little favors we receive
from others, tends to beget in us some
thing of that active spirit made manifest
in the Golden Rule. Boys: let US now


if never before-begin to be up to time, =
for "Noso is the accepted time" Let us
do it now, that we may now have the full
benefit consequent upon duty performed,
and shun the curse following general
slackness of character. Promptness may
be said to be the keynote to character.
By its proportions in the one who pos
sesses it, much may be determined as TO
the worth Of the possessor. Fathers and
mothers rejoice over the happy effects
produced by the early inculcation of this
principle in the minds of those they love,
and when manifested by the objects of
their care and protection, as the result of
their faithfulness to duty, it gives grati-
ication only known to parents. N1n ,7'5


The true father has high estimation of
that son (snd well he way have) that is up
to time, or diligently, seeks-to- be so, in all
his arrangements. Boys, promise nothing
that you have any doubts about fulfilling.
Should you engage to do laudable work
at a certain time, and at a certain price,
do it if possible. And should you fail 8
after having put forth every effort, be-
sure to render to the parties interested o
reasonable excuse and satisfaction for
the failure, for in so doing you will have
complied with the great rule, "Do unto
others as you would have others do unto
you," and bring TO yourself that which
dollars and cents cannot buy. You can
never become true men and be Indifferent
in regard to the fuldllment of your agree
ments. To be honest signifies at least an
intention to fulfill agreements in, word
and in deed. Show me the boy OF
man who is full of promises and fall
ures to perform, and you may behold one
whom the people at large consider dis
honest, and one in whom they cannot con-
fide. believe there is no other one thing
by which man can so fully be measured
to ascertain his real worth as to character
and the true man, as by his effort to be
prompt in fulfilling all his engagements
Boys now for your own sake, for your
parents sake who have many anxieties
for your prosperity and welfare, and for
the sake of the world in which you live
be faithful, be prompt, and thus become
living example for good to all Rrpund, SO
that when your summons comes 10 call
you from the busy scenes of life, you may
lie down with the full assurance that at
least portion Of your mission has been
fulfilled Wisconsin Chief. a'' 20