TOIL’S GRANDEUR.
Toil and the arm grows strong,
Sluggards are ever weak;
Toll and the earth gives forth
Riches to those that seek.
Toil and the eye grows keen,
Sure is the woodman’s stroke;
With skill the craftsman molds
Wonders from steel and rock.
Not from the idler’s dream
Flows yonder miller’s stream,
Nor from the braggart’s boast
Gleams yonder guarded coast.
Toil and the heart grows light,
Trembles the earth with song.
Flowing in thrilling notes,
From the vast toiling throng.
Up from the plains of waste.
Cities triumphant loom;
Where the fierce panther crouched,
Gardens of beauty bloom.
Not from the striker’s moan
Have our great wastes been sown,
Nor from the coward’s gun
Did the fierce savage run.
Toil and the mind grows clear,
To the great work of God;
Flow’rs of contentment spring,
Bright’ning our earthen road;
Dearer becomes the land
That we so proudly till,
Stouter our bulwarks loom,
Daring invading skill.
Not in the lawless hind,
Can we a patriot find,
Nor with the godless band.
Dare we intrust our land.
Ever a nation’s boast,—
Bulwarks around her coast.
Ever a country’s gain,—
Toilers with hands or brain.
AN ACT MAKING LABOR DAY A LEGAL HOLIDAY.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the first Monday of September in each year, being the day celebrated and known as Labor’s Holiday, is hereby made a legal public holiday, to all intents and purposes, in the same manner as Christmas, the first day of January, the twenty-second day of February, the thirtieth day of May, and the fourth day of July are now made by law public holidays.
Approved, June 28, 1894.
Note.—As Labor Day falls upon the first Monday in September when the schools are either beginning or not yet opened, we would suggest holding the exercises upon some day later so that all the schools may take part. Let parents assist by being present. Our schools should teach that all labor is ennobling and idleness a disgrace.
