New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-04-25

Too strongly characterized by rest
less disposition and the love Of gain, is
the verdict passed upon our efforts, and
we are convinced by force of simple
argument that it speaks truth. And
we glory in its truth, when we consider
the effects of our endeavors, exercised
with a ceaseless energy and a love for
greater material development.
We impress upon ourselves that
noncompliance with ruling tendencies
of the age characterizes us as sloths,
and forfeits our right to lay claim to
the grand achievements of the day.
But we must define our exact posi-
ton, we must reveal the motives, which
spurn us to an exertion of all our IA
culties, mental and manual, else we
must be accused of love for gain en-
tertained for egoistical reasons only
and not for the benefit of all.
The business like air that is impressed
on all our actions, be they committed
in the daily routine of our life pursuits
or while we attempt to attain profci-
ency in the higher spheres of material
or moral Development, have formed
our character, defined by other nations
as peculiar only to the American peo-
pie. But while others agree that we
are prosaic nation, hardly without
cognizance of things and institutions
not directly necessary for the prosperi-
ty of our business interests, they charge
us with lack of higher. sentiments es-
sential TO full and noble development
of human faculties. Must we plead
guilty? Let us analyze. our aspirations
and achievements, and consider wheth-
er we are culpable of neglect toward a
proper exercitation of our powers. We
owe to our activity and enterprise the
present state of our affairs, conceded as
regards business prosperity, to be SUI
perior in management and develop
ment to those of other countries.
Our railroads, telegraphs, steamboats,
and the multitude of mechanical and
architectural accomplishments all give
proof of our industry and energy.
Have we exercised our talents for
the sole purpose of satisfying the egoist-
ical yearnings of our nature, or have we
sought grand achievements for the ben
eft of all? Have we neglected our So
cial advancement by triumphing in the
| furtherance of our business interests,
or has it not rather kept pace with
equal certainty?
1t is true we have not given our fore
most attention to charitable institutions
and those Of learning, but we have ex-
perienced. that material. development
by force of natural tendency endeaYors
to promote the general advancement
of all conditions. We as a rich people
are in sympathy with those, who, not IA
vored by conditions which aid us in
prosperity, deserve our attention.
Our full hand is an op en- one. We in
spire by our laudable example others
to deeds of like nature; our success
makes us content and satisfied to wit.
ness and promote the satisfaction Of
others.
| Give a laborer the means of subsist-
ence, the means to advance with the
multitude, and he will prove worthy Of
your interest, and uphold the standard
of excellence, but deprive him of the
| advantage of exerting himself in his
own behalf, and you witness a discon.
tended grumbler, a pessimist. What
good would all sentimental teaching
effect, what benefit would he derive
from US if we were, instead of ereetic
workers, bent first and foremost or
greater material development, set 81
pedagogues talking of poetry first and
OF the art of bread-Winning lastP Nc
we ought not be accused that advance.
ment in materialism is a barrier to hui
manitarian advance, for it, as conse.
| quence. owes its existence to prope,
and primary attention to material pros.
perity.