New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-12
AMERICAN. CIVILIZATION.
AN ADDRESS BY THE HON. S. B. ELKINs.

Virginia University tonight. He said;
American civilization is the heir of all the ages
Il draws its forces from the whole mighty past APP
proprating and absorbing the best elements OF Europe
possessing unrvalled physical and Industrial adVah-
tages 1t should be distinctive IN character aggressive
and Vigorous, enabled TO understand ana solve the
problems which thus far have baed society ana o'er
como the dangers that have wrecked all former civza-
lions Already Western civilization is divided into
European and American civilization, between winch
there is a silent contest going on for supremacy IN
the affairs of the world The progress OF civilization
in Europe is hindered by burdens of military ar
maments public debts, interest aud taxation, together
with the inability of the people in many of the states
10 produce from the soil what they consume, and the
want of popular government. To-day Europe pro-
Tossing TO DO Christian is vast military camp ihe
tramp of soldiers is heard on every hand stahuihg
armies on q scale the world has never seen occupy
most of the States armed with the most approved ma
chnery for human slaughter, facing each Other ana
ready at a moments notice TO grapple in deadly
struggle; all FOR no higher purpose than 10 sSusH
meantime, American civilization cannot stand still
1t must 60 forward higher lines and noDler planes
in the direction OF humanity, morality ana the poe
hood Of man. Unsettled questions ana pressing PJJv
ing nations no repose and bidding humanity move
ever on. IL must not be forgotten however thal
OF ohs the plome ~ American Srs civilization have
and gone The salvation OF European MA Sn i
OF population There is no such i1r oa qo
se that sesc and III possible them
american SOIL amid a constant influx OF population
s rSni HsAS be- panea IN every organism oyzaion
is 10 exception this general rule; It holds within
civilization which man hopes to attain is that in which
will disappear and peace reign supreme; III Which
poverty, pauperism, clme pcsiilence ana disease VIII
decrease and human life viii be prolonged The
nearer this aea sPP eD e Is 'dS that herein Turk the
dangers which threaten advancing civilization
ex1sence inc reases and grows aecer causing SILENT
though constant, cruel and relentless war between IN
divduals which the strong devOurs the weak, ana
the tendency OF which toward the destruction OF so
cety ITSELF Civilization 10 insure It's safety, must IN
some way limit and put under rest RANT the struggle
for existence-nust somehow modify and soften the
forces OF competition.
THE RACE PROBLEM.
American civilization has forced upon 1t the race
problem always difficult and disturbing 10 the repose
of nations. After much delay Chinese immigration
has lscn stopped and pauper immigration checked.
Such measures healthfu and in the interest OF
security they should be encouraged until only the
moral and industrious Of other countries should be
permitted TO become tho guests of the Republic
Though the race question in the South led to the
great Civil War; It was not fully settled by it, The
negro gained freedom and elevated from the
degradation of being mere chattel TO tho dignity of
citizen. This was great change 10 be SO sHauohy
wrought IN the history of a race OF 4,OOO,OOO pen-
pie The great Republic could make the slave free
and IT'S citizen, but could not at the same time arm
him with the necessary Intelligence and experience that
would enable him to exercise the rights OF freeman
and citizen in contest with bis former mast t
misfortune of the negro The Governneat ala an u
and almost hopeless condition The negro, heir TO
thousands of years OF ignorance savagery ana par,
baIisn, the only civilization hc ever knew finding him
slave ana his first duty to obey was not prepared
exercise his political rights against his former mas
was cntrcnched behind power wealth ana education,
The contest was unequal. There eontd DO DuS9no
fore intelligence and wealth, as it has always done
There should be the same law over both South and
North. Violation OF tho rights OF citizenship o sup
OF i S1 frS m and Should be PUNISHED
everywhere Any section that cOuntcnances ana up
opq s thoiS e WfSf in ONE O@ viii follow The
true solution Of this question VIII come when pOlh
distribute Themselves between tho two great parties
The black viii then have the sympathy ana sup
port OF his white neighbor and set all his rights
under the law
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION
II the South has race problem forced upon 1t, tho
North IS concerned with the class problem which Will
press as severely for consideration. After the ex-
perlence OF the past years the blindest optimst
cannot fail that the industrial question Is fairly
raised In tho last dozen years. lessons Of wisdom
have been learned in the United States both by capital
lists ard wsgcearners. The present agitation Of tho
Industrial question is healthfu 1t argues. on the
part of the people, desire 60 forward, aspiration
TO rise higher 1t IS the ycarning for independence
and advancement on the part of the whole people
which l. yet 10 lie the glory OF American civilZatun
The prospect for our civilization would indeed DO
dark and f0rlorn II all energy, courage ana anbtoh
3 nization Notwithstanding its great promise would
then DO the of certain decline Progress IN
part Of society The certain sign OF progress when
Inc general level rises. when the condition of the
whole body society IS improved, and when the life
of people at large IS onnobled The people Of tho
United states enjoy great puohG system OF eaca
be broadcned to embrace manual training anu
industrial education such as me SsaIeS UI and
Italy. encouraging. TO degree never before Known
schools for teaching nearly all the trades among Them
VIII dpS and farming,
being Established and endowed by The Government,
a bi hn hn
end enlist the best sclenio ability IN behalf 0l
ent Of radehat The people may nd 5s sge
and women should be prepared TO live In II by being
educated in way that would lit them for such pur-
As model for true and full education for Amer;
University. On this point Washington said "That
University In Ssr5cS Is s and % be
appropriation of grounds and funds for IN me
osd be eS shs al been the best
universities of this country and Europe and added 10
b eSH Upon S art and indstr This great Institution
should be made the source and well.spring of Amer,
the Increasing Anglo mania in the country, and the
servie imitation OF European manners and European
church members, and 10000 churches and Sunday;
schools II in towns cities c and t iSoHd poRbaeS
and maintain kindergarten, some other school for
tho FREQ education ana manual training OF poor cml-
dren churches would become the centres OF
great educational movement throughout the land.
A GREAT CHANGE COMING.
There are reasons to believe that Western civilza-
ton IS nearing some great social change, pointing in
the direction Of the elevation of the people through
education, tho practice Of virtue. broader humanity
and recognition Of the doctrine OF the brotherhood
Of man.
The old order changeth giving place 10 new
And God fullls Himself IN many ways
This change must and Will come II should come.
The eternal principles Of Justice and equity fight for
It, Civilization will have repose governments no
security until IL docs All who love their fell
low-men will welcome It all who want Justice done
between and Will aid In bringing IL about
Everything points 10 America as the land where this
great change is to take place American civilization
Is the hope OF the world IT stands to-day the best
equipped TO take this important step and lsad the
world In this critical change let hope ~ VIII