New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-06-25

danger. NOuDlnB Can Hioic dNSWo"iJ
effect this most undesirable purpose than
perpetual and prejudiced prattie about tpe
superior characteristics of the old Puritan
stock. We do not yield to the most ardent
son of New-England in our admiration OF the
Puritan race, for we are ourselves OF us pioou
and bone vet we can but smile at the enthu-
siasm of those who fancy that true respect lor
the Pilgrim Fathers is best shown by talking
in terms of praise of their austeritles (whlch
nobody cares practically to lmltate) ana Oh
their bgOtries or rather phases OF reilglouS
belief which would be bigOtries with us AS
it is, we have inherited as people quite
enough of their severer and more somber
traits and especially have we inherited TOO
much of their dogmatic and nfiexble dealing
with questions of theology and mOrals-of that
spirit, in fact which declines to reason, insists
mon fixed statements of belief to which all
must conform, and regards inquiry with posi-
tive distrust and dislike. Following this spirit
into practical affairs, we find 1t suspicious OF
mere amusement and disinclined, as matter
of conscience, to relaxation, with something OF
contempt for that which is merely beautiful,
and with real reverence only for the hard ana
the prosaic. Here is a character with great
possibilities of excellence, but with great
faults also to be corrected.
If we turn next to the German character,
we shall find it bold to inquire, impatient OF
dogma. disinclined to found its faith upon
tradition, with a tendency to metaphysical
subtleties, and with a great adherence OF any
thing like despOtism over the human intel
lect Thousands of Germans have tasted the
bitterness of ecclesiastical allied with pOlltlcal
tyranny many of them are scholars VINO nave
wandered all their lives in wilderness OF
erudition, and who know how false are many
of the assumptions of Church history ana
many of them, while adhering in their lives to
the main doctrines of Christianity, profess to
reject il as a religious scheme. Unquestl0n-
ably in all this there is much pride OF reason
not to be defended and greatly to be regretted;
vet free thought differs from bgOtry III that
il leaves every man to decide for himself.
Skepticsm, when it becomes chronic and IN
curable. is the most melancholy condition INTO
which the human mind can fall; but 1t has
lighted no Inquisition fires it has not sought
the death of its opponents, it has bitterly and
often wantOnly attacked the Christian scheme
but it has never denied the right of response.
The spirit of inquiry which pervades the Ger
man mind has its dangers; but we may be
pardoned if we suggest that it also has Its
uses. Christianity can take care OF itself, but
Christians who have no reason to give for
their faith are in most mwholesome
condition.
To complain that the German is fond of festi-
witty is simply absurd. This has been national
Characteristic ever since the time of Tacitus.
So far from attributing it to him as fault
we hold il to be one of the choicest elements
of his character that he knows how to be wisely
merry upon proper occasions. The writer in the
Cincinnati newspaper, to whom we have al
ready alluded, cOmpainsithat the " gist OF the
German Idea is sensual enjoyment" but the
same remark might be made with equal truth
of most nations with which we are acquainted
of the English of the French especially, and
of the Italians. But sensual enjoyment" has
not prevented the Germans from taking and
keeping the very front rank as an intel
lectual people. The scholars of nation
have done something more than drink beer
and smoke long pipes, when they are able to
boast and to boast truly, that if every copy
of the Had in the world should be destroyed
they would be able TO restore IT from their
own resources of commentary and of memory.
1t is with pride and confidence that we look
forward to the time when, the work of assim-
ilation having been in a measure completed,
our children's children may witness in mighty
people the great results of a congregation of
the races. We may speak Of it without i'm
modcsty, for of our eyes it will not be seen.
Yet even now, as Americans, we may find
rare satisfaction in the prospect Of truly
American race, TO which every quarter of the
world has contributed portion of physical OF
intellectual excellence.