Princeton University - Nassau Herald Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Fellow Classmates' Almost four years ago, at this same spot, the first spark of that class spirit, which has welded us so firmly together, was kindled. Since then, this old cannon has played a most im- portant part in our college life. We have started m-any P-rades here, we have seen the old cannon several times heated by championship bonfxres and it is with a very great deal of sadness that we gather here for the last time, knowing well that in aufew days we shall be scattered throughout the world. VV e shall be parted from friends whom we have grown to love almost as brothers, and fellows whom we have seen constantly for four years will soon become only remembrances, just as many old school-day friends have become. We are at the end of four of the happiest years of our lives and are now Princeton Alumni, which means that our love for Princeton is only in its infancy. We have the grandest body of Alumni that any University can boast of as our example and we must be careful to do our part, always remembering that we owe more to Princeton than we can ever repay. I have always loved that last verse of the Orange and the Black , which I am sure seems more real to us now than ever before: When the cares of life o'ertake us, Mingling fast our locks with gray, Should our dearest hopes betray us, False fortune fall away, Then we'll banish care and sadness As we turn our memories back And recall those days of gladness 'Neath the Orange and the Black. To what extent each of us will succeed in the world is, of course, unknown, but it is the duty and privilege of us all to move the banner forwardg the distance that we move it will depend largely upon our talents and the circumstances which 16

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Ivy Oration inspiring a host of growing men to defy the forces of cor- ruption and special privilege. And it is not in politics alone that the growing man has an opportunity. Business to-day is demanding men whose growth will be in accordance with the highest ideals. All forces are calling for the guidance of practical idealists, men of vigor, men of vision, and men of courage. And now we 'have been transplanted from this soil into the coarser grained soil of the world. We make no pre- tentions of ability or power. But the possibility of- growth, that we do claim to have, and it is our sworn duty to God and to the world that we grow in conformity with the ideals which we have had the privilege of forming while we have been associated together. I5

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Presideufs Address surround us. Let us not sit idle, but strive to make the world a little better for -our having been here. Let' us be careful to cherish that Sense of Honor which has been instilled into us here, so that our Alma Mater may never be ashamed to own us. - Withtout boasting, I think that we can feel with satisfaction that 1913 has done her duty in the various branches of under- graduate life. But let us ever keep in mind as individuals and as a class that our duty to Princeton is not yet done. I would like to see our class leave Princeton bound together as one great fraternity, with all feeling of crowds or clubs a thing of the past: bound so closely together that every member of this class may feel at-liberty to call on any one of his class- mates in time of trouble, just as he would on his most intimate friends. And may our class spirit grow and grow as the years pass by, but let it be forever secondary to our Princeton spirit. And now before we part, let us think for a moment of those that the Almighty'Power has seen fit to take from us. May God help every member of this class to do his duty and may we all be better and stronger men for having come to Princeton. T7