324 ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



abroad smiles and courtesy, and carrying gloom and rudeness liome 

 to greet those who are dearest to them. 



It is not enough to refrain from actual unkindness or gloom; real 

 kindness and cheerfulness must be exerted, to make our homes what 

 they should be — the brightest spot on earth. The man who will 

 carry a costly boquet to a mere acquaintance, and allow his sister to 

 move a heavy piece of furniture unaided is not a true gentleman, nor 

 is a woman a true lad^^ who follows a like practice, if his or her 

 manners abroad are the most polished in the world. The talents 

 and accomplishments that will charm a circle of friends, will surely 

 make home happier if displa^'ed there. Happy is the home where 

 selfishness is not allow^ed to enter, and where gentle, forbearing 

 courtesy is the rule of all, where the happiness of all is the con- 

 sideration of each one. 



Seventh. And last, is the responsibility of the parent. There is but 

 one necessity in life and that is goodness, and after this place the de- 

 sirable things of this life. Therefore parents are called upon to study 

 their children, and surround them with influences that will ap- 

 peal to the best that is them. If the virtues are fostered the vices 

 will require little attention. Life is a duel between good and evil. 

 These two elements in man are naturally antagonistic. They are 

 continually at war and one or the other must dominate. Strengthen 

 the good and it will be victorious, while the evil will grow weaker 

 and weaker through constant defeat. 



Children can, in a measure, be touched by precept. But most of 

 all are they influenced by example. If you have ever been out on 

 a snowy morning when the ground was covered with a deep snow, 

 and have seen a child stretching his legs to walk in the footprints 

 that his father ahead of him had made, then you have a picture of life 

 as the child through his faith in parents, takes it up and follows it 

 as long as that faith remains unshaken. 



How great then is the responsibility of them that are so looked to. 

 Some time that child will know whether or not the example which 

 he followed was worthy or unworthy. And how bitter a disappoint- 

 ment it is to find a parent unworthy is known only to the child. 

 How great the havoc is which that parent has wrought in the child's 

 life is known only to God. 



