school days were Passed amid the beautiful environs and my edu
cation begun within the walls of the Pennsylvania State College.
Several years ago I was asked by the principal of the New York
Manual Training School to make a graduation address before the
2,000 boys who belonged to the school. They had acquired only
the rudiments of a practical education, and I had not the heart
'to say anything else but that a college 'education was not necessary
to their success. It was not, to them.
Here, however, I wish to declare my real views. lam in favor
of college education.
To become successful, a college man must not find fault with
the ways of self-trained men, but must work to put into practice
the things he has learned in his college course. He must not make
the mistake of thinking he is above the common class.
Again, the college man must start at the bottom. One reason
why practical men are at the head of organization is because the
college man depends too much on his diploma. The college man
who will not start at the bottom will be outstripped by those he
finds fault with.
Success nowadays means appreciation of art, music and paint
ing, and means money-getting also. The old standard of educa
tion has passed away. Modern success demands money-getting in
addition to these things. The truly successful man, however, will
not think of the money, for the very rich men of today spend little
on themselves. J. Pierpont Morgan, who combines love of art
with business ability, is an example of what modern education
should produce. These two ideas of education are entirely con
sistent.
NOw I desire to give these young men some advice—it is the
easiest thing in the world to give.
The worst thing you can do is to start in life with influence.
Nothing will do you so much injury. Never ask your friends to
help you get a position, for if you accomplish anything they will
receive all the credit.
Be energetic. Make mistakes if you must, but keep working.
People respect you for it. Act, and act first.
Alumni Association
MR. C. M. SCHWAB'S ADDRESS