fits which have
been conferred upon us by this Society. We are now prepared to take
our place in the rank and file of the world's army of workers. The
elevating and benevolent influence of stenography and typewriting
in the life of women is becoming more and more recognized. What the
sewing machine is to the needle, shorthand is to the pen, and, in the
great future, the world shall see and acknowledge the vast importance
of this economizer of time and labor.

Yes, another forty of us are ready to use these servants of hand and
pen which the generosity of this Society has placed at our disposal,
and we hope to do so worthily. May we, by our subsequent efforts and
future progress, show that none of us will bring reproach on the noble
art which we have adopted, or on the Institution to which we shall owe
our future success and our chosen profession. Rather let us help to
prove its value in the different branches to which we may be called.

Class Poem

BY MISS A. L. COX.

_Class of '88._

I did not come prepared to make an address here to-night,
But when I see you all, dear friends, 'tis such a pleasant sight,
I can't refrain, but feel that I _must_ say a word or two,
And give a hearty welcome, yes, to every one of you.
A little band, we gathered here upon this very spot;
Just eight short months ago it is, since then we cast our lot
Together for our Winter's work: resolved that we would try
Our best to win; with hopes and purposes and aims set high,
We went to work. The opening lecture seemed so clear and plain,
That we could almost grasp the prize we were so sure to gain.
First came the alphabet. But we in sad dismay found out
That was an obstacle indeed that we could scarce surmount.
At last we thought we had it; yes, were sure we knew it all.
"You may each one recite it." Hark! it was our teacher's call.
Just imagine how we did it? You will guess it nearly right.
And then to say it backward! Were you e'er in such a plight?
Then we studied till (I mean it) e'en the paper on the wall,
Each door, and sash, and picture frame, and objects one and all,
In strokes and angles fairly danced before our very eyes,
And in our dreams they haunted us in every form and size.

Next in their turn the vowel sounds,--the symbols, dash and dot,
With rules and regulations charging us "Forget-me-not."
Wish you could have heard us sound them. It was amusing, too;
Seemed like tal