New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-10-29
DOING AND OVERRIDING.

That men may have "too much Of 9
good thing" has passed into q proverb.
Too much wealth either brings distract
ing cares. or pampers and efeminates,
while overmuch of indulgence, no matter
in what direction, has ever demoralizine
and injurious effect Throughout the
whole history Of mankind necessity has
been the mother not only of invention,
but Of progress. He who needs nothing
invents nothing and acquires nothing.
Though all who strive may not thrive,
yet without effort and that spur to effort
which comes of pressing needs, obstacles
overcome have none of that significance
they present to the man who through
want perseveres, and through difficulty
triumphs.
To do, if with good intent. no matter
how unskillful the performance. is better
than the lethargy Of Incidence and the
temptations it involves. But while there
is general recognition of the value of
well-directed efforts, an idealistic senti-
mentality prevails on the subject which
seems to demand that everything done
shall be overdone. This is especially the
case in matters of training and breeding
Race horses are bred and trained till they
are utterly valueless for any other pur-
pose than running races at rapid rate.
The thoroughbred is not only as delicate
but almost as nervous as the lady who
died of rose in aromatic pain. The
same is true of the thoroughbred gray
hound; it acquires feetness at the ex-
pense of physical energy and endurance,
and will run itself to death" on the
slightest provocation. When the cattle
breeder improves his COWS as mixers
until their udders are incapable Of retain
ing the lacteal fluid, and it pours forth in
streams upon the pasture grounds. the
object aimed at is overreached, and an
animal less thorough in her breeding
would prove more valuable.
It is, therefore, clear that in our treat
ment of the lower animals there is q
broad space between well-doing and over
doing. Nor is the distance less between
results arising from useful and from ex-
cessive human training. For the COM
mon purposes of productive employment
the trained athlete is less effective than
the rustic boor. Trials Of speed among
boatmen, with the serviceable boats they
employ in their vocation, may be attend
ed by good results, but trials for cham
pionship in frail and practically worth |
less shells, which wave could crush or
. breath overturn, and that, too, by men
trained for months for the special effort,
must be set down in the class of profit |
less overdoings from any point of view
that they can possibly be considered.
The shell race boat is as far removed from |
The domain Of real service as the delicate |
race horse is from the sphere of |
usefulness on the field or road,
md any human training incompatible
With the rounded fullness of
perfect manhood, should be condemned
IS inconsistent and extreme. That COL
ege ambition which seeks q robust educa-
ion in single department of physical ef-
ort, and destroys the health it would So
'ure by the severe and unnatural exercise
# certain set of muscles, can not be de-
ended on any principles CT mental or
propriety. It is of piece
With the same insanity which makes base
all profession instead of a recreation,
nd sends abroad its wandering mines
D rave and madden through the land If
be physical energy employed in base
perations with bat and ball during the
asst three years had been expended in
seful and productive labors, the depres-
i've results of the panic of 1873 would
ing since have disappeared, and feel
,g at once more healthy and hopeful
ould now pervade society.
Though the tendency to rush into ex-
.emes may find in its first promptings
,me of the elements of an honorable am
ition, yet in its ultimates it is darkened
? hate, malice and all uncharitableness.
he contests of rival crews in international
Dat races are scarcely less free from
fouls" than are those of trained bruisers
! the roped arena. In both, efforts are
ade to secure unfair advantages, and {
10 honorable" Qplookers, who have