12
THE BATTALION.
And never give up in despair. We would fain have your
paths strewn with flowers, but since we cannot, we can only
say. Take duty and place it upon your standard, and
though your paths be rugged and hard, stick close to your
naotto, and make the best of life, for after all
1 ‘This world is but a rugged road,
Which leads us to the bright abode
Of peace above.”
We part today; some of us may never meet again, but
not to forget the golden chain of friendship has bound our
hearts and minds together too strong to admit of its ever be
ing broken asunder. Nothing in life will ever give us more
pleasure than to call up pleasant recollections of our school
mates and the endearments of our college days at the A. &
M.
Classmates, you have delegated me to deliver your part
ing address, and I hope I have succeeded in a measure in
meeting your expectations. But a parting word to you. With
todays exercises you have finished one page in life’s book of
history, and your college record is made. To-morrow you
begin anew, let your record be such as will be a credit to
yourselves and your alma mater. Remember that wisdom is
rather to be desired than riches. Riches may bring you
pleasures but pleasures like flowers wither and pass away,
while wisdom will bring you honor, peace and prosperity.
Do not let your investigations and study stop with todays
exercises; for as the athletes arm looses its strength by too
much rest,so the mind unless exercised will deteriorate. We
have a strong foundation, therefore let us build our life
structures in keeping with the beginning.
I would not mar the pleasures of today with the harsh
realizations of to-morrow, but the stern criticisms of a cynical
world stares us in the face. We have youth, health and edu
cation, what mere do we need to enter life’s arena, and make
a name creditable to ourselves and our country. We have
answered to our last roll call. Our cadet days are over, and
the last good bye must be said. Let our lives be so consistent