THE BATTALION.
11
and precious stones, your image is so engraved upon the
hearts of the students of this college as to live forever.
It would seem strange, in this moment of our joy should
we fail to place credit where it is due. We realize gentle
men of the faculty and other instructors, that what we are to
day you have been instrumental in making us. Though at
times your tasks may have seemed arduous, now at the end
we can truly say we thank you.
Whether we enter life’s arena after leaving this college
or continue our studies elsewhere, vvhatever we accomplish
shall be laid as trophies at your feet. You have taught us
how to think, to delve into the deepest problems of nature
and formulate results, you have transformed us within a few
months from thoughtless school boys into thinking men. We
feel that we have a strong armour of education, and with the
weapon of thought can cope with the most learned men of
the age. Words are inadequate to express our thanks to you.
We can only bow in mute testimony of your perseverance,
fidelity, and worth. May your ways be those of peace and
your paths be those of pleasantness is the parting wish of the
class of ’97.
Fellow cadets, you too enjoy this commencement hap
piness, but without a tinge of regret, you only leave today to
return to-morrow and renew your studies. We feel a deep
regret m parting with you. Throughout the entire past ses
sion there has existed that feeling which should exist between
all classes of this college. Not a single cloud has appeared
to mar the peace and harmony between us. Today we must
separate and in so doing we hand down to you in a measure
the welfare of this institution; take it as a precious heritage
and let your every tiffort be to see that no dishonor shall fall
upon her present record. We have passed over the road
which all of you must pass in order to finish and know
almost every impediment you will have to overcome. You
may often meet with failure and defeat, but remember:
“Defeat mav be victory in disgxiise,
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide."