New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-24

of those works which we are accustomed TO call
epochaI More than this, the scheme OF social
reform outlined in Looking Backward has
40 commended itself TO many thinking men
that it has been made a working project under
the name of d" Nationasm" that an organiza-
ton has been formed to support the idea; and
that in Boston two journals have been founded
TO expound and advocate the plan. Now while
we may frankly express tho opinion that Mr..
Bellamys idea is in large measure visionary
and impractical while we must hold that be-
fore any such scheme can be considered serl-
ousy a radical change will have to be brought
about not simply in mems ways of thinking,
but in their ways Of acting and Of living gen.
erally-it is none the less possible to regard the
fermentation wrought by such books with APP
proval. For there can be no question either
as to the need for social reform or as to tho
growing strength Of the popular conviction
that such reform is needed 1t may be that it
will come along the lines Of Evolution. 1t is
certainly to be hoped that it will. But history
warns us that man is an impatient and by no
means philosophic creature, and that if or when
he becomes fully convinced that the existing
situation is intolerable he is very apt to reject
the suggestions of science and Of patience, and
to make a blind dash at the problems which
battle him, resolved to bring about change
without pausing to make sure that it is a change
for the better.
Now if the only safe and peaceable and real
reform conceivable must come through the
gradual evolution of higher conceptions, en-
gendering new possibilities in all directions, it
is obvious that the best way to break ground
for such work is by free and full examination
and discussion Of the most intelligent theories
and plans for the future Nor does belief in
Evolution for a moment pin us to stagnation.
On the contrary, that belief itself rests wholly
upon experience, which demonstrates that hui
manity has hitherto followed certain lines
which deserve to be called lines Of progress
that notwithstanding hats and backslidings
caused here and there by convulsive and i'll
directed efforts at quicker advance, the course
of the most developed people has been forward
and, finally that with the expansion of civil
zation materially in the present century has
been gained power Of transition, growth and
education to which the past offers no parallel.
The close of the nineteenth century, more
over is witnessing a great revival Of National
conscience The general senSitivenesS to the
sufferings and wrongs of others shows how
considerable development of altruiSm has al
ready occurred. We may not be moving to-
ward Mr.. Bellamys Nationaism," but it is
important and encouraging to note that we are
surely moving toward the evolution Of gen.
une fraternal feeling, toward a genuine and
deep concern for all who suffer- toward de-
termination that avoidable evils shall be re-
moved, toward readiness to break with what
ever in past or present stands condemned at the
bar of enlightened and Christian opinion Such
fermentation is healthy, and from it in due
time may proceed sautsry and welcome results.