Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1885-11-26

ure both of cid and young, the cultiva-
ton of the spirit of humanity, the at
tainment of art and poetry and noble
morals The universe, so to speak,
was born under the influence of an
unlucky star: and, if we rightly un-
derstand our Liberal friends, they de-
sired to change the front of it so as to
secure favorable conditions. Their
method of accomplishing this im-
mense procedure" as announced last
year, was to kindle the ''tires of
Liberalism from the Atlantic to the
Pacific The plan was inauguratet
under the most suspicious circura-
stances. as it would seem. Indeed.
the front of the universe had al
ready begun to move, and 1t only
needed a little more help from tina
Liberals to swing around into the posi-
ton designated by Mr.. Samuel z. Put
nam.
We have the report of Mr.. Samuel
P. Putnam for the year before us. We
have carefully and eagerly examined it
for evidence of the progress OF this
''mightiest movement in the world, J"
assuming that it has not yet been ac-
complished; for so stupendous a change
could hardly take place without an
nouncing itself to every mortal, either
as the most terrible catastrophe, or as
the sublimest spectacle. The Secre-
tary, the Nice-President and the Presi-
dent. we are told. have Teen on the
alert during the year. using their levers
in over fifty cities and towns, and, with
many painful struggles" endeavor-
ing to effect the mighty change. But
the universe maintains a very stubborn
front. 1t does not move so easily as
Mr.. Samuel P. Putnam believed it
would, and there is tone of disap.
pointment in his report. The united
strength of the three Titans has only
been abe to move six new leagues into
position. and to add four life members,
and thirty-ive annual members to the
Liberal force. Six new leagues and
thirty-nine new contribut ng members!
.EOnteS, mus!
The universe is still intact. The
procedure is immenser than Mr.. Put
nam. in his fine enthusiasm. supposed.
1t looks rs though it will have to be
postponed. There is strange indiffer-
ence among the Liberals themselves,
we are told. Many of their Leagues
are without life, and many members
seek their own happiness and care
nothing about the universe. This
spirit" says Mr.. Putnam, largely pre-.
walls" and it can only be overcome by
knowledge" Another great difficulty
is the subtle and immense ecclesiaSti-
cal tyranny which still pcrvades the
length and breadth of our land" But
the greatest difficulty of all, we suspect,
is the financial difficulty. The League
sought to raise fund of five thousand
dollars last year, but it has evidently
been unsuccessful.
We are deeply impressed by the
change of tone in Mr.. Putnam. He no
longer talks of creative revolution, -
immense procedure. and ''change of
front of the universe He is content
to labor and hope for the time when
1.-The secular hall will flourish side by
side with the cathedral" and even
''overtop its highest spire with its sig
mails of hope and progress" But the
question now pressing hard upon Mr..
Putnam is how to ..give increased vi
tality to our movement, or rather how
to preserve its vitolity." This tax is
likely to tax severely his resources and
those of his co-laborers for years to
come. Meantime the universe is safe.
N Y I7deDeQdeat