Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1884-03-13

a scholarly and Interesting Lectur
by Mrs. Livermore.

by Mrs. Livermore.
The eeals OF the Unitarian Church
were filled and also chairs 10 the aisles
blythe audiencssga Monday night to
hear Mrs. Mary A. Livermore lecture
upon 1.-THE Boy # To-day" The sub
ject Ia one which ia naturally by many
treated entirely from its humorous stand
points, and not completely. Mrs. Liver
more, however, while not neglecting
humoi, treated the subject more as John
W. Draper writes upon "The lntellec'
tusl Development of Europe" So coln-
plete was her introduction that many
doubtless thought she was long in reach
ing the subject proper, which feeling
must have ceased 10 exist when the
lecture Was ended and could be viewed
az q most finished whole. While the
lecturer, as she said, only touched uprn
the salient points Of her subject, she
used most skilfully aud without manu-
script great mass OF facts gathered from
reading, from statistics and her extensive
travels in this country and abroad. She
sketched the emineItly conspicuous
points of strength and almost over
whelming points of weakness in the
national human types OF the
past and present, showing that
the former in the Anglo-Saxon
race ia its uncopquerable tendency
to control affairs and men, and the latter,
drunkenness, most conspicuous in Eng
land, which by contrast makes America
appear almost sobriety itself, but citing
that drunkenness is seldom seen in
France, and the drunkenness noticeable
during ak months stay in Italy, was
shown by Americans or Englisbmen.
While the great weakness OF France is the
laxity with which it regards the marital
bonds through all grades of society.
The Anglo Saxon naturally has great
contempt for weakness, and, not to
nationality but TO this cause Mrs.
Livermore attributes the feeling towards
the colored people and the Chinese. II
the Chinaman in San Francisco would
more pugilistioally maintain his rights,
he would be regarded with more respect.
History shows that the great races OF
the past are the welded outcome of many
other races. So to-day it is interesting to
note that the mass of immigration is
Anglo. Saxon, which, with all tho faults
of this country, seems finally destined to
grow into one strong national char
aoter which is not possessed in
America to-day. Into all this is born the
boy of to-day.
A vivid, accurate and mirth provoking
picture of boy was given,
who in making ready for school
caused the interruption of all CONVEX
sation and brought tonr sisters and
mother to wait upon him. This is the
spirit which the mother must judioiously
deal with and guide into the right channel.
This same boy before finally leaving the
house kissed sll those whom hs had put
t go much trouble, showing the affection
a'e spirit beneath all the rough boyhoGd.
Mrs. Livermore gave other pictures taken
from her own oh ervation, showing the
pell mel, play loving, work sinking boy
spirit which she would not have quelled
one particle, but would have directed.
Ole Of the latter boys when it WAS not
known he was seen showed the most de-
monstra.ive affection for his mother and
baby sister, all of which disappeared the
moment he knew any one saw him.
The lecturer gave most vigorous
answer to those Who plead that boys
must not be nagged by training, but
allowed Ito grow up naturally" 1t was
stated that training does not necessitate
nsgging (which is quite different. Again,
naval statistics were cited to confute the
idea that boys do not need physical train
ing. ALI but about so out OF 40S boys
were refused by the school ship Mime
sofa before they reached their mental
examination, on account of physical
weakness in one form or another. Inter
estiug data were given showing that no
growing boy ought to be allowed to touch
tobacco or liquor, and especially Cigar
cites, whose paper wrappers are stepped
in several most harmful drugs,
The strength of our humsnity to-day is
due to the last 200 years of ur ancestors
To posterity we owe the same. Physical
taints are seen for four generations at
least. Mrs. Livemore after holding her
audience about an hour and three
quarters closed with a most eloquent
peroration. upon the future Of this country
as the logical outcome of the proper
guidance of the boy of to-day.
Iu addition to many prominent citizens
present at the lecture was the sister OF
President Arthur, Mrs. Haynsworth who
lie visiting Mr.. and Mrs. c. f. Thomas.