The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-07-15
COMMENCEMENT AT MIDDLEBURY
COLLEGE.
ADDRESS BEFORE TIlE DELTA
UPSsLON SOCIETY ny pro-
FESSDK w. e. Russell,
ON MONDAY EVENING
"t'pwnrd Tendencies OF Human
CiyiiizatiOn.-

OTk, Ut lHc NOHSItSutlOHdl church.
The exercises of the evening were
opened with Music by the band, after
which the orator was introduced by Mr.. c.
c. Gore, president of the society.
The speaker commenced with a refer
ence to the fact that it was once thought
that the standard of civilization was held
higher in olden times than in later years.
This feeling has haunted the world until
people had become to think of those earlier
ages as the golden age" Yet il was
found that even then nothing seemed really
good, although the knowledge then possessed
had much of beauty and good. The peo-
pie were filed with longing to rise high
er, a yearning tor n nearer union which
should lead to an unboundcd whole This
was even prehistoric and must have left
its mark on future ages, as we find that no
traces are left which lead to the conviction
than any richer civilization than that
which we ourselves have known. These
were then engaged with the rudesl Of tools
and the coarscst Of materials Work was
performed with incalculable slowness.
The dawn Of history told of skill that
had never been developed while the people
were oppressed with selishness, cruelty
and ignorance. The people Of China made
gods of their ancestors and were clamor.
Gus for place among the law of nations.
At q later time Greece was found to be no.
ted for n want Of truth and for sordid in
diligence Any of these along side of the
middle ages showed the utter talacy of the
idea of that higher standard, and all demon
strated that the earlier state of man was
worse rather than better.
The feeling had ever been upward and
onward. and this impulse had asserted
itself in all ages. We point to an adj
vance made in every department of civil
cation for In every instance is shown a lack
of development of mans powers. These
had become gradually quickened into life
from one country to another The savage
breast, although at first warmed only by
the impulses OF robbery and warfare. were
found susceptible of character and beauty.
Had Africa been befricnded instead of be-
ing robbed,ot she all possessed she would ere
now be the treasure-house of intelligence
and learning. Now she was rapidly adding
virtues TO her civilization The European
race was not ahead, except in individual
cases in art and science. The Monaghan
race bear proofs of intelligence and skill
and of pure moral life equal to the highest
civilization. The whole world was con-
tinually moving on to the same high end,
while the facts of history prove that mans
beginning was uniform in wisdom and love.
Organic nature gave US an endless variety
of change and modification of character.
Man had not learned the lesson of self
development, either in physical health OF
moral improvement. All agree that man
was restless, always wishing for somcthina
better.
The speaker wished to direct the atten-
! ton OF his hearers TO a few Of the steps
taken in this rising from our low estate.
Let us consider first the progress of early
emigration, the many difficulties that bcset
the way, the struggle in the rise and growth
of towns, cities and empires. Despite
these difficulties man continued still moving
on, and still man craved better place
never satisfied, but longing for more room,
better privileges, better health and more
leisure. Century after century saw then
| still restlessly moving on, until the tides OF
| life struck the shores of the sea, when they
could go no farther. Still they wished for
| something better. more land, greater wealth
and luxury, more Snowy clothes, better
style of living, in fact everything which
would make life grander and brighter
Consequently the people became mergeC
into separate governments. and in mort
extensive and national scale.
War then became common 'phas
among the nations. Dreadful as it appear
it was still promotivc of much good. Tn,
weaker were thrust aside and the stron!
usurped their places. Although wron!
mankind was yet the gamer. Avarice an,
pride were in the asccndancy, and art ant
self-indulgence
Look down from the mountains of Arme
MIA and observe the Assyrians. Thei
palaces bear 10 trace of former ages. Her
the cedar plant is seen where formerl,
weeds have grown. Sensuality and uXur,
are here like continual plague over tn
earth. Right or wrong civilization is i'm
proved as war often works to good. On
cOnQuers the other because of inability an,
a lack of active life. 1t is a wicked act
but well for the civilization of the world
Whatever of good there is in it shall live
Manufactures, art and good taste, thes
shall go to help make up the improve
ment Of the world. The story of Babylon
showed the same exhibition. It's king con
ccived the idea Of doing more thai
had ever been done before. Ship
were built which two thousand years wer
passed before seen in other lands. II
transported nations like colonies and ha
better manufactures, agriculture and art
and secured the highest place among til
nations. But it was too rich for virtue an
inquity became its principles. 1t was 70
the good of mankind that the end it wa
time that the sceptre should pass. 1t wen
down and was passed over to another man
times larger than Babylon 1t was har
upon many but mankind was the better fo
ii.
Who will compare the loss of the Greco
with the gain OF the world Greclan al
chitecture built much of France, Spain an
England. Her literature became the stand
ard. Her speculations and opinions be
came acknowledged of society. Small maj
ter was 1t to the world if she fell compare
to the great step when her empire wa
ruled by the hard-hearted task-mastel
when it tottered under our Teuton forC
fathers.
The speaker next referred to the Unfit
ences OF commerce and industry. Man ha
a reason to enlighten, love to warm int
uCtioH' III HIS carly otlu9glcS Ills Iltull III
came strengthened by the power of reflet
ton. HIS desire for improvement forme
, better way TO labor than by killing, II
became taught that warfare cost too mucl
So the circle of his sympathies began
| widen until it embraced people of otht
lands, Then did men rest from BATH
and helped themselves by helping oil
another. They found an exchange of Sc
vices profitable, and reason lend the wa
t to paths of pleasure. They sought not
much to stille but to encourage Intelligent
n in one another. War never made friend
The cars might be concealed but they we
never removed Their interests never we
D in peace. Their profits encouraged uni
! terrupted study. Then their inventi'
q tastes were shown. This grew general al
their knowledge of war taught them wa
6 of working the spread of greater abun
: ance of art. This was a strugg
q of might with right, capital WI
= labor, freedom with slavery. Ever
where this struggle added much to I
II NJ. H.