The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-03-24
SelnsIlness.


It is an old, old question whether
there really is any such thing as disin-
terestedness or unselfishness in the
world; and it can scarcely be regarded
even now as settled. The martyrs of
old and the missionaries of later days
have been cited as conclusively proving
the existence of pure unselfshness and
on the same side of the argument have
been produced innumerable instances of
parents and children and friends who
have laid down their lives that those
they loved might be spared In response
the skeptics have stoutly maintain ed that
all these, instead of being arguments
against the universal selfshness theory,
are proofs in its support. The selfish
ness of the martyr, the missionary or OF
him who dies for another, they admit is
less Objectionable than that which
prompts the seeking of ones own hap
piness at the cost of another's misery, or
in mere disregard of the consequences to
others. But, at the same time, they
insist it is in substance the same motive.
The martyr dies for his faith and the
missionary sacrifices himself in spreading
the gospel, not primarily because of a
desire to help others or to do good gen
orally, but because ne believes he will
thereby further his own individual hap
piness, here or hereafter. The prospect
of life in the one case as denier of the
faith and in the other as an inactive
spectator of the march of the heather
toward perdition offers far less attrac-
lions than death in what he regards as a
good cause. And so he chooses death
mainly for his own personal qualification,
just as another under the same circum-
stances chooses life and ease for his
qualification. Mankind may profit by
the choice in the former case and lose
by that in the latter but in both it is a
selfish choice, self qualification being
the primary object, so say the supporters
of the universal selfshness theory.
To do mankind justice this theory has
comparatively few supporters. 1t IS a.
good deal more popular to believe in
unselfshness and in sacrifice, and be-
cause it is popular, few, even Of those
who have doubts in the matter, care to
express them openly. 1t needs only a
glance at current history, however, to
satisfy any intelligent person that there
is great deal more doubt on this point
than finds frank, courageous expression.
When a gallant fireman enters burning
building, at the risk of his life, to rescue
an unfortunate, everybody applauds the
act as nobly unselfsh; but how many
are there who are willing to credit a
public servant with unselfshness in
respect to any act which does not involve
the risk of life?
How many believe, for instance, that
President Arthur was disinterested in
his appointment of Howe, or that his
elevation Of Frelinghuysen was due to
his unselfsh wish to serve his country
What credit does Grant get for di5in-
terestedness in his confession Of error
concerning Fitz John Porter's case
Where is the man who has any doubt
that Senator Miller's proposal to print
the Congressional proceedings in news
paper form for weekly distribution was
made directly in his own interest, as
owner of the wood pulp pateJt?
Theoretically, the belief in unselfsh-
ness is widespread and deep-seated
Practically, we fear, there is an immense
deal of doubt about it.-DetrOH Free
Press,