Clemson University - Taps Yearbook (Clemson, SC)

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402 THE CLEMSON COLLEGE CHRONICLE. We ' ve reached the point where preparation ends, That point where life commences true and real. Then have we kept good faith with loving friends ? Have we prepared ourselves for woe or weal ? Let records speak ! It is not meet that we Should be the critics of our class and name, Let records speak that those who hear and see May write the full just measure of our fame. Now as we part to seek divergent ways, Let ' s drink a health in love ' s delicious wine, A toast to fiiends and sweethearts, and all praise To Clemson College and to Ninety-Nine. W. Flowers Walker, Class Poet. Address to the Class of 1899. DELIVERED BEFORE CALHOUN SOCIETY. In addressing my remarks to the class of 1899, it is with regret that the time is not far distant when Clem- son will have to say to you Good-bye ; but it is with pleasure that we can rejoice with you in the fact that you are going to enter upon the duties of life with bright futures and brilliant prospects. Commencement in life for you has come. The Twen- tieth century is destined to furnish a field in which you can work. During your day there will probably be wrought out a more general and vital change in the condition of man. The world is enlarging in every di- rection and to whosoever will, are offered splendid op- portunities. Though there is a world wide meaning between the phrases whosoever will and who soever simply wishes. One expresses self determination ; the other only lazy desire. For the last one hundred years, we may say, there has been a constant and rapid growth in politics, in com- merce, in the arts, sciences and education. Much work

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Zbc Clemson doilCQC Chronicle. Valeat Quantum Valere Potest. Vol. II. Clemson College, S. C, June, 1899. No. 9. literary department. W. FLOWERS WALKER, Editor. TO THE CLASS OF ' 99. Comrades we ' ve reached at last the cherished goal Of our ambitions. Now all doubts and fears Have vanished. Nought remains save memry ' s scroll, The mottled tombstone of departed years. Years that have trailed their tranquil lengths along, Leaving their imprint on our hearts and minds ; Years that have linked in lasting nearness strong Truth, Hope, and Love with all that wisdom finds. In reminiscent mood we pause and think Of days that are no more, and try to scan The future, standing on the very brink Of that which separates the boy and man. Here in the twilight of our college lives, ' Tis but the dawning of our graver days, While yet the flickering, fading ray survives, We can but look above to find our ways, Full ninety strong a sturdy Freshman band, We left our homes this long hard race to run, But now alas, a sad sixteen we stand To watch the setting of our college sun. As brothers we have known the selfsame cares, Like brothers we have shared our little joys, Thus on thro ' life the cycled lapse of years Will bind in manhood ' s strength the hearts of boys.

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THE CLEMSON COLLEGE CHRONICLE. 403 along the various lines remains yet to be elaborated. Fellow South Carolinians are we not destined to exert a profound and potent influence in continuing the work begun by the genius of the Nineteenth Century ? Does it not become the duty of men who have taken advan- tage of the great opportunities offered by the Clemson Agricultural and Mechanical College to do a great deal in developing our country ' s resources and in bringing to light the hidden fruits which nature with her lavish hand has stowed away on every side ? In speaking to you, fellow students of the graduating class, I say nothing intentionally in the sense of advice, but when you go out into various parts of this State and perhaps of other States, to assume charge of the duties that await you I would have you know that you have left behind men who are interested in your welfare and men who as co-workers are willing to put forth vigorous efforts in the material advancement of everything which tends to the improvement of mankind. The generation which is going on to the field of ac- tion will live in stirring times and it of greatest impor- tance that we make the necessay preparation in order that we may be enabled to live up to the requiremets of the times and to cope successfully with the difficulties that are to be constantly met with. During your career here you have been applying your- selves diligently to make this necessary preparation and yet perhaps any man of you could say with justice to his conscience, The more I know, the more I know I don ' t know. However, you have had implanted within your minds seed thoughts that may in after years become mature ideas and if properly matured may perhaps be the means of inconceivable good. You have left behind you a noble record, a record