The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1880-06-25
REC0LlECTI0NS OF THE PAST-WITH
SOME FEATURES OF THE PRESENT.


REC0llECTI0MS OF THE PAST-WlTH
SOME FEATURES OF THE PRESENT.
There is one feature of our Ameri-
can civilization or progress which AZ
a people We take great pleasure in
mentioning: it is, the rapid develop
neut OF the country in all that per
tains to material prosperity. In this
advancement, it is well to remember,
we owe the proud position we occu-
py to the industry and steadfast en-
ergy and example of the fathers OF
the republic. This was exemplified
in their individual character and col
lectively in the construction of laws,
customs, and morals. As an illus
tration of the above and for the ben
eft of those who konw only of the
present it may be stated that thirty
or forty years ago the ablehodied
population Of the country were work
ing men-that is, all but infancy and
old age, were occupied in some busi-
ness efforts. Steadily as the day
came from sunrise to sunset, except
Sunday, was the labor performed
with the exception of one hour noon.
ing. There was little or no poverty
there were none rich, as we mea.-
nre wealth to day. If sickness pre-.
vailed IN the abode of even the hum
blest, where such charity and careful
tenderness in tt efforts bestowed by
kind neighbors to restore health. In
the laws for government while they
were the most liberal they were made
to sit upon the shoulders Of all
with exact justice, while this was
fmperatively demanded. few dared
to resist measures recognized as just
and upon which depended the very
stability and growth of all interests.
There were marked features as
there were men of mark in this earlier
civilization, and among these features
so strongly prominent, were as they
labored the six long days, they care
fully abstaincd from all labors on the
Sabbath. There was nothing in the
strong characteristics OF the people
of that dav, and there were many,
so strongly marked as their determ-
ination to have quiet and orderly
Sabbath. and they had it, not only
in the larger cities, but i'm country
towns also, and what too which was
not only remarkable but creditable
to those who had left other lands and
Joined with the early settlers in the
work Of the day, was, that the Gus.
toms prevailing were readily acquies
ed in and adopted by the strangers. II
there was any wrong or hardship in
this method we never heard of it,
for all, or the great majority favored
it, and thus it was the law. We
have singled this ont from among
the many noble features of the work
of the men of that day TO enquire if
the movements zoe haze among us is
designed to make us better men and
women-better citizens-and il it
will lead us to the proud position
Charles Sumner mentioned when he
stated in one of his most remarkable
speeches, the day would come when
the proudest boast of man would be
that he could say he was an Ameri-
can citizen. IF the writer under.
stands the meaning of this utterance
of great mind, it is, that we should
arrive at far higher development
than men of our day can conjecture,
If this is so, may we not enquire if
the setting aside the most marked
features of the civilization he had
been trained under and to revere and
the opposite of the same is to be in
augerated, will this lead us to that
goal, Mr.. Sumner in his experience
as student, scholar and a states
man had conjectured us capable, and
which every true American desires.
While the writer is opposed 10
Sabbatarian laws, is in favor of the
broadest liberty, and to this end,
enlightened and liberal public senii-
ment we'll directed must and will
have the best effect. For this pur-
pose what can we do better tnan to
recall the best actions of the best
men of the past for our guidance
now. This at least merits respect
that we hold in reverence the exam
pie and work of men who have laid
we'll the foundations for a great peo-
pie. Is it not then, if we desire to
build mp, to do SO by recognizing
the foundations prepared for us and
not by abandoning or adopting
methods which were 50 repugnant to
lhe fathers