Valparaiso University - Beacon / Record Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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19 CLASS ORATION WEALTH AS A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. RAYMOND G. BRESSLER. E ARE standing tonight in the radiant glow of twentieth century Cm progress. The events of the swiftly fleeting days of the present era will soon fill out the pages of that volume which records the most wonderful period in the history of man- kind. The history of the past is sufficiently full of evidence to convince us that the downfall of nations is a result of internal disturbances, rather than from any incursions by external fees. The American commonwealth, with its democratic principles, takes great pride in the fact that there is no power mighty enough to invade this country. But we dare not underestimate the forces within that are slowly and surely pursuing their courses, receiving an addition here and apparently administering relief there, until they burst upon us with tide wave strength. The great social problems rise before us in stupendous magnitude and demand a solution. By whom should they be solved? What part do we play in the role? When are we to make our entrance? These are some of the questions which confront us at the present time. They cant be solved during childhood, but in childhood we mould our character and lay the foundation for future usefulness. Children feel the infiuenee of external conditions much more keenly than do older people. They have comparatively n0 responsibilities. But as they develop they assume a more and great responsibilities. They begin to perceive a deeper meaning in life. They arrive at a better conception of local conditions, and guided by that they form their ideal. This ideal is almost certain to be in accordance with their surroundings. Thrice blessed is the young man, who has been raised in a community where the people have the welfare of their country at heart; where politics, religion, and civil education perform their proper functions; where a man meets his fellows face to face in all transactions. That young man will then have a better idea of what ought to be and will be better prepared to cope with some of these great social problems. The time when we must take our glimpse of the larger life has come. Shall we join the mfriends of humanityH and tour the country preaching

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RAYMOND G. BRESSLER nascimur poetae jimus oratores frangas non flectus GROVER C. MAC LAREN

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age quad agis fama semper vivat PAUL S. KANTZ my