THE BATTALION
9
the laws of natural science to spiritual truths.
Thomas Jefferson was the most versatile man of his age r
and, I may add, the staunchest believer in a broad general
education.
Joseph Jefferson, of our own time, besides being the best
comic actor of his day, is a skillful artist and an author of no
no mean abilit}". Here we see a man making such a specialty
of one profession that in his branch he stands pre-eminent,
and yet finding time to be an artist and author as well. Here
we see him selecting one special branch of his profession to
specialize, not attempting the other roles, atrd choosing as his
collateral work something which would also be a recreation to
him. He has specialized to the highest extent in one art, the
stage, and expended his spare time on the kindred arts, paint
ing and literature.
I have chosen these illustrations purposely from the
brilliant men of the most varied spheres of life.
I might enumerate such instances indeffinitely, but where
would be the necessity? Most truly great men have been
continually learning new things ; and those men who have
allowed themselves to be tied down to their specialties, have,,
as in the case of Darwin, lamented in their latter years that
they had left themselves no time for general cultivation.
THOUGHTS.
BY BEN F. BRYAN.
“Good-bye.” “so long,” “be good to yourself;”
Seems ’twas said so short ago,
But nevertheless vacation’s gone
And boys back, “Hello ! Hello !”
Yes, hello, howd}', how do you do?
On the walks, in every hall
As they meet with a hearty handshake ;
’Tis such greetings as this fall.