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The annual meeting for the announcement of academic distinctions won by students in Harvard College was held last night in Sanders Theatre. After a choral by the Appleton Chapel choir, Dean Hurlbut, who presided, briefly out-lined the purpose of the meeting, and introduced the speaker of the evening, Major Henry Lee Higginson h.'82.
Major Higginson emphasized the absolute necessity of study and of the achievement of learning as a preparation for efficient life work and contentment in later days. In business, politics, and war, he said, not only high purpose, but also a mind adequately trained by education is invaluable. The world has no happiness in store for the man who does not resolutely aim at something noble and good.
After reviewing the problems which seemed to confront his won youth and after mentioning the innumerable Harvard men who have put to splendid use faculties quickened by study, Major Higginson discussed the exigencies of the present generation. He said in part:
"Many of you--I hope all of you--must earn your living, and certainly all of your must justify your right to exist and the wisdom of your parents in sending you here by your future efficiency in the world's work.
"But I would also offer you the prizes in life which all men crave, for I would paint the pictures in true, warm colors and thus win you to the true faith--I mean the conviction that life is happiest for the man whose every faculty is well developed.
"Every field is open if you seek the gate, and that once Opened, you can win power at will. You have found in your books, which are faithful, delightful companions, your remedy for loneliness, your solace for grief or pain, your freedom from tormenting cares, your subject for stimulating intercourse with your friends. Sharpen your tools and plough deep in this rich field of literature, art, science and philosophy, under the guidance of our noble teachers of Harvard University, who long to help you, but who can do it only if you choose.
"But putting aside our own personal welfare or gain, we see before us the great national questions and the great humanitarian questions. The number-less social problems of wages, health, disease, charities, divisions of profits, are pressing on us and can be answered only by reason, guided by knowledge and high character, and to the University men especially falls this interesting task.
"Boys, you have a great, beautiful gift--the gift of glorious youth. It will net come to you again, and will slip through your fingers or bear abundant harvest, as you choose. See visions and dream dreams, and turn them into blessed realities."
At the conclusion of Major Higginson's address the Harvard Hymn was sung, followed by the announcement of prizes and the award of detours. The exercises closed with the singing of Fair Harvard.
The complete list of awards is given on another page of the CRIMSON.
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