Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1885-01-05
Mr.. FLUHRER'S LECTURE
The SOLDIER OR LIES WARFARE
Lite a Battlefield ia Which the vir-
tues OF Soldier Are Neoes-
sary 10 Gain the Victory

Full Of strange oaths, and bearded like the
pard,
Jealous in honor. sudden and quick in quarre
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even Ia the cannons mouth.
This was the subject of Rev. Chas. Fluhr-
er's lecture last evening, the third of the
course on Shakespeare's "Seven Ages of
Man" A large and intellectual audience
IN attendance, among whom were his
Honor, the Mayor, and many other veterans
of the late war, TO whom the subject of the
discourse seemed doubly appropriate.
Mr.. Fluhrer prefaced his lecture by read
ing from Longfellow, The Arsenal al
Springfield with fine elecutionary effect.
He said the character of the soldier gave an
other phase of human life. First was the
boy then the lover now, the soldier beard
ed like pard (panther.) This description
began by giving some of the well known,
but not the most pleasing features of the
soldier. yet il did not end until others more
pleasing were added TO fill the picture. He
was jealous of his honor and quick 10 resent
anything that intruded upon its sacred pre-
cincts. A variety of elements enter into his
character: some are those of the wild beast.
he is quick, courageous and ambitious 10
obtain his share of spoils and glory. ar de-
picted from the standpoint of war. But the
germs of his character lie back Of the camp
and tented field, and IN the picture, war Is
but the background. When we analyze hu-
man nature, we find these elements in the
boy quick of temper on the play ground his
battle field, where he Is ambitious TO win in
every contest. We don't admire milk sop
and his characteristics are unmanly in boy.
man or nation.
The history of every nation comes TO US
with legends and records of cruel fiery war.
War. as another name for conflict. has been
identical IN matchmaking, and the plow-
share, pruning hook and sword. have been
the instruments depending mutually one on
the other for country's progress and civil
zation. Under was's inspiration. nations
songs are written and their arts developed.
Soldiers, then, are legitimate product of
human nature, a base one, 10 be sure. If the
object of his services are base or mercenary,
and called out by the lust for power or mere
conquest. His school developed certain ster-
ling qualities; courage, fidelity. honor truth
and valor, but does not develop the highest
virtues, though they are preliminary TO such
through his discipline. True, there were SOL
diers of the Falstaff order, who like Jobs
horse scented the battle from afar. and be-
lieved too much in the maxim, that discre-
tion is the better part of valor.
War, reviewed in its demorslizing bloody
aspect is terrible, and is often undertaken
for unholy purposes, TO crafty the wicked
caprices of kings. At best IL eats up the vi
tality of nation and chokes industry.
Standing armies are fhe curse OF Europe.
maintained TO watch for opportunities 10
steal little territory. Such mercensry wars
were Frederick the Greats and Napoleon's
after he became drunk with conquest. Peace
was better than war if it were the right kind
of peace, but frequently such peace was the
fruit of war. Then the battle field became
hallowed ground, the nations flag, sacred
emblem, and the grave of the warrior a Al
shrine for the birds to sing over and place
for our children 10 renew their patriotic
VOWS to their country.
true soldier is type of honor and what
ever his convictions are we respect him for
respecting them. shifting. nerveless man
who has to be constantly braced up by
pledges, or whose friendship, by reason of
lack of personal honor, has to be bought
is not such type. Military life strengthens
the inner sense of honor to share the
dangers and triumphs of the campaign with
his comrades, and does not hold TO Falstaf-s
code on honor. The soldier is peculiarly
placed upon his honor and treachery is the
greatest disgrace that can befall him. To
him. valiant defeat stands next TO victory.
and his self-sacriice is the grandesi element
of his character.
The speakers discourse was replete with
apt illustrations and well chosen quotations
from various authors. Among these be
sides Shakespeare were, Tboreau. Carlyle.
and various historical writers. After cover
ing the groundwork Of his lecture from
military standpoint. the speaker made
beautiful application of his subiect 10 life ~
battlefield. IN which the conflict Is carried
on over the citadel where conscience holds
sway. In this branch Of the subject ne made
a special appeal and application 60 young
men. Greater victories we're 70 be Won IN
the field of polemics than Oh the tented field.
and in the common duties Of life.
couraze, honor and self-sacr7fce we're ss es-
sentisl as on the held of battle
The subject of the next lecture 70 The
Justice. OF life and Law