| Show STUDENT LIFE 158 cumstances or context Thus in the construction and interpretation of contracts the law prescribes a rule which demands a consideration of all the language employed in the light thrown upon it by attending circumstances and conditions In like manner acts of the legislature are scrutinized in their entirety with the single object of discerning the intent of the lawmakers to which when clearly established the letter of the statute must yield Such a rule of interpretation commends itself to the sense of justice of person and should every also apply in all private affairs of life A failure to observe it will naturally result in an injustice Some striking illustrations are afforded in the judicial history of our race In comparatively recent times instances have occurred in the administration of the English law’ where a failure to appreciate and give effect to the real intention over the literal sense of w’ords has resulted in the perpetration of judicial crimes A single case is that of the innkeeper whose house was known by the sign of the crown Upon some festive occasion the jolly landlord jestingly remarked that he had made his son heir to the crown punning upon the word It proved to be a sorry jest for a subservient grand jury returned a true bill against him for high treason and he was forthwith put upon trial In vain he contended that he had spoken but in jest and only with reference to his tavern which wras to be the patrimony of his son The judges solemnly excluded his defense holding that the jury must consider the words spoken taking care to add their judicial opinion that “crown” in England could lawfully have but one meaning namely the king’s crown And the unfortunate man w’as convicted and executed suffering all the atrocious penalties prescribed for treason fair-mind- ed This case is one of many which seem to emphasize the crime and folly of a misinterpretation of a man’s conduct by administrators of the lawr but it is also certain that individuals who misconstrue the words or acts of others and consequently misjudge them are none the less guilty than were the king’s judges who sacrificed the life of the innocent tavern-keepAnd so in the pursuit of knowledge we must learn to rightly interpret and apply the information acquired if we w’ould make our lives of advantage to ourselves and the world And this im“Knowledge comes but plies wisdom wisdom lingers” and wre but too often fail in our undertakings because we have not learned to be wise We have considered that the true purpose of existence is to acquire knowledge and lead upright and useful lives That is to say we must not only learn to know’ things but must have the wisdom to do things since wisdom is necessary to set knowledge at work in the useful and practical undertakings of life The world is full of present opportunities for men and women who can and will do real work in an effective and practical wray It offers no pledge of success to the or idle but is full of promise for the capable and industrious If you know your opportunity and mean to find it and when you reach it if you have the wisdom to employ it the way is open for the world needs such as you Your duty then is to know’ yourselves in order that you may determine what you are best adapted for This is a most important matter and demands and should receive careful attention and when concluded let your effort be strong and persistent to fit yourselves for your chosen work As already suggested you must acquire all tlie knowledge possible with your environment and opportunity but er ped |
