The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1874-02-27
EvoIutIon..GIve Us the Facts,

To the Editors Of the IntellIgcuces.
/ would say to "Another Evolutionist,' ;
II he Is not merely "developmen" OF the
first, that ! was really in very pleasant
mood when l wrote my lormer article
Call that "abuse ?" a little caustlc per-
haps-that's all.
1twas merely intended to impress upon
his class the wholesome lesson that II they
wish 10 receive courteous treatment, they
must learn 10 treat others in like manner.
Not having the article Of PRECAUTIONARY
at hand, cannot now quote from It. But
II certainly struck me as an admission
that the facts which were necessary to
sustain his theory could not be produced.
But 1t matters not what he intended to
admit. | msintain that the facts have
not been produced. II he expects US to
accept his theories and analogtes as facts,
then he demands too much. Just give us
one clearly authenticated fact going to
prove beyond cavil that an ape has ever
been turned into a man, either by short
or long process, and will surrender.
can readily conceive that man may turn
himself into an ape, or an ass but how
the latter biped, or quadruped, can be
changed into the former, | cannot for the
lie Of me comprehend.
II the past throws no clear and une-
quivocal light on this subject, tell us
when in the limitless future this wonder
ful feat shall be put beyond the pale Of
conjecture and assume the character of
an accomplished tact; and then we shall
be able to form some idea Of the time
when evolution itself may be Justly
deemed as worthy Of the name Of a sci.
ence.
"Anolher Evolutionist" parades before
your readers long list OF names that he
would have considered as distinguished.
They may indeed be distinguished; but
l apprehend that in their religious specu.
lations. It is more for their sophistry than
for their wisdom. But we are not to be
caught In this way. This thing of parad.
ing distinguished names to supply the
want OF facts Is an old game, and Is about
played out.
But "Another Evolutionlst" tells us
that "The brain ol Agassiz was diseased"
Well, this is one way ot getting out OF q
difficulty, and certsinly very convenient
to one who is hard pressed In argument.
Was the brain OF Agassiz diseased when
he wrote his last article tor the Atlantic
AonthlyS Many persons incline to think
that that article was the ablest and most
lucid that ever came from his pen. May
1t not be that some other peoples brains
are diseased?
But what has "the eternal punishment
Of the wicked" to do with this subject =?
Does Another Evolutionist" wish to shift
the scene2 Although l regard It as fore.
Ign to the subject-only as showing the
GnimuS OF this class Of writers towards
the Christian religion-1 would remark,
nevertheless, that this doctrine has It's
philosophy, and is susceptible Of a much
clearer elucldation than the theory Of ev-
olution, do not say that Il can DO sup
ported by facts. Nor need l say this, for
1t Is taught as q dogma, and not as a
Science, In this respect It's claims arc more
modest than those Of evolution, although
II deals equally with iuturities. But over
and above the teaching Of the Bible on
this subject, the doctrine OF future and
endless suffering Is supported by pressing
and powerful analogies much stronger I
am inclined to think, than those Which
arc adduced In support Of the theory of
evolution. 1t must b0 understood. how
ever, that those who hold this doctrine
Of whom am free to say, am one-do
not rest its claims TO be believed on these
anologies, but on the whole current Of
evidence by which Christianity itself Is
supported. These anslogies are brought
In merely by way Of collateral support,
and this we would be willing to allow In
favor Of evolution, provided It's adherenta
did not claim for analogy, what they
have only right TO claim Tor positive
historical facts.
As to whether a man may safely dis
believe the doctrine Of future, or endless
suffering. ! neither affirm, nor deny.
claim 70 be no mans Judge. But this ]
have thought-and It seems TO me, with
good reason too-that although such dis
belief might be comparatively harmless
as private opinion, 1t certainly would
not be conducive 10 public morals to
proclaim II upon the house tops, And
this affords q very strong presumptiye
argument In favor Of the doctrine 10.
fefred 10, ANT5Rnpoa