Orations from the Pomeroy High School Graduation Class of 1915

Source – Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., June 10, 1915, p.1

Graduation Program
Pleasing List of Orations Recited by Eight Class Members Last Friday
A pretty program marked the graduation of the class of 1915 from the Pomeroy high school in the formal exercises that were held Friday evening.  With the house beautifully decorated for the occasion and a company of interested friends present the occasion was one to make the graduates feel truly honored.  The class march played by Miss Gladys Schneck was a well chosen selection.

Ruth Johnson
Miss Ruth Johnson opened the program with a salutation to the people who might be interested through different reasons in the in the occasion.  In her essay entitled “Excelsior” she raised the point that prosperity included the advancement and improvement along moral and intellectual lines, and that education has obtained these advantages to man.  She urged her classmates to strive ever upwards to attain the long cherished good.

Perle Schneck
Perle Schneck’s oration on “America for Americans” must have been inspired by his thoughts upon the question that was debated so much here last winter.  He argued that America is what we make it.  He cited the large number of immigrants that are coming to populate this country, and against them we must safeguard out institutions – against the meager living, the easy way in which they are led politally, their lack of industrial skill.  His conclusion was that America should put into effect laws that restrict immigration and that America is strong enough to protect her national ideals.

John Peterson
John Peterson paid a glowing tribute to Thomas A. Edison, whom he said had won his name by hard, consistent work.  He invented more things that have benefitted mankind than any other man, after having been left to work out his own salvation.  He raised the question as to how the world can honor him for it owes him a debt of gratitude that it can never pay.

Clara Thies
In speaking of “Ideals” Clara Thies said that ideals for mental and moral life go hand in hand and that there is no one but has ideals.  All should have their goal: must learn how to fight and how to conquer.  The power of ideals is shown in great men.  Besides the actual work of man the world expects culture, and honorable, clean life.  It is in the person with the highest ideals who wins success, and if we have striven with all our powers we have succeeded.
At this point of the program Miss Odiet sang Carrie Jacobs Bond’s beautiful arrangement of “A Perfect Day,” with an accompaniment played by Mrs. Saunders.  Miss Odiet is always a favorite with a Pomeroy audience.

Edward Voss
In taking up a discussion of “The American Navy” Edward Voss cited the fact that all progress is marked by wars, and argued that even in this twentieth century when brotherly love is supposed to prevail Europe is thrown into a deadly struggle. Our need of a large and powerful navy is great because we are now the fourth in naval strength.  Upon a review of the comparative strength of armies he concluded that Japan is better prepared than we for conflict.  He did not take the view that we should have the power for the sake of making war but should have an adequate fighting force if attacked.  In modern warfare forts are ineffective, and without naval strength it is impossible to defend our island possessions or to uphold the Monroe doctrine.  We do not need a large army.  The speaker asserted that the United States is too careless in times of war.

Vernie Jones
Vernie Jones said that efficiency is being better in your line than you competitor.  In this day of specialization the question is “What can you do?” One must not lack the common sense to do something right.

Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor’s “Man of the Hour” proved to be Woodrow Wilson, of whom he expressed an idealistic conception.  He told of Wilson’s feverish desire for learning and reviewed the life of the man through the years when he practiced law in the sour in 1885, then won the degree of Ph. D. in John Hopkins University, later taught in Princeton, was elected head of the University in 1902, was called to the governorship of New Jersey and then to the presidency.  He went into the office, the speaker declared, the least tied by pledges of any man who ever went into the president’s chair.  He quoted Wilson’s speech on the Mexican situation, reviewed legislative program, and expressed sympathy for the executive for the fact that when a time of ease came the soul-crushing bereavement overtook him and the foreign relations complications arose to vex him. In closing he said: “Today the fires of humanity’s hope burn low.  Mankind’s idealism has been weighed in the balance and found wanting.  These are days, big with destiny for the United States. A little wisdom, a little courage, a little self forgetful devotion may under Devine guidance turn that destiny this way or that.  Trust in Woodrow Wilson to lead this nation forward on the path of liberty and peace – Woodrow Wilson, the man stamped with Divine approval, the scholar without prejudice, the statesman with an honest conviction and the leader with a desire not to benefit the few but to help the many.”

Clara Freburg
“The Art and Beauty of Living” was discussed by Miss Clara Freburg, valedictorian of the class.  She expressed the idea that happiness is to be attained through love and appreciation of living.  The fine art of living is attained not through socialism but by individualism.  Today the young people of the world enjoy wonderful opportunities for schooling and should take advantage of them. 
The response of the audience to a violin duet by Miss Elizabeth Behrens, and Ira McNames, accompanied by Miss Minnie Behrens, attested the enjoyment of the selection.

Prof. Latham presented the class for graduation honors, taking occasion to express his appreciation of faithful efforts upon the part of the students, co-operation of parents and support of the school board.
When Mr. Marple arose to present the diplomas he did not confine himself to that duty, but took occasion to review the accomplishments of the year and to state the appreciation of the community that such good work had been done in the public schools. At the close of this, Rev. Schumann pronounced the benediction, after which the class was showered with congratulations.