The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

ADDRESS TO THE GRADTJATES. 133
extending through either extreme of fortune, yet marred hy no
vices and enshrouded by no dishonor.
"Prepared through that knowledge, and inspired by that exam-
ple, may each of us, and those who shall throng these halls after
us, pass through life, animated by deeper love of country, broader
sympathies for man, and loftier allegiance to God
" In conclusion, sir, we can but renew our gratulations that
you have been spared. to see the day that completes, under such
promising auspices, the tweMth annual commencement of an institution
that long years ago rose before your vision in distant and
shadowy outlines ; that you have lived in a period without parallel
in the annals of time, for that wonderful progress in the industrial
arts and physical sciences which heralds the dawn of a brighter
era for the toiling millions ; and that you have labored so devoted-
ly and effectually for its realization.
" A career, so permanently useful and illustrious, is the prelude
to a fame neither transient nor uncertain. "While virtue, patriot-
ism, and philanthropy, are honored on earth and recorded in
heaven, your deeds shall not drop from the memory nor your
name fade from the lips of men. In love and gratitude they shall
evermore dedicate to you an exalted station in the Pantheon.
where, from every age and clime, are enshrined in holy keeping
that royal brotherhood, the benefactors of humanity."
To tHs Mr. Cooper replied
" Mt Young Feiends : If I needed any reward for my humble
efforts to benefit my fellow-men, the touching language of your address,
and this expression of your affection and gratitude, would
be ample compensation for labors however exacting and sacrifices
however great. Happily, however, works of benevolence carry
with them their own recompense, even though they do not meet
with the recognition which has fallen to my lot, and which makes
me feel that this occasion is the crowning happiness of a life which
has passed the eightieth anniversary.
" In that long experience I have learned lessons which, if I
could induce you, my young friends, who have your future before
you, and others who have left their past behind them, to lay them
to heart, and to practise in the conduct of life, would greatly lessen
the evils of society and improve the condition of the land'and
the time in which we live. While yet a child, I learned that the
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