The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-12-01
DR.. pALToN's LECTURE.
Progress Of EuroDean Nations In the
Nineteenth Century.

At his Saturday afternoon lecture DIR. Dal-
ton said: There has been progress all
along the line, but how does it compare with
ours? The old world Is not dead, or even
dying, as some seem to think. London adds
nearly thousand a day to its population
New streets ARE opened and new buildings
going up Ia every direction. And the same
Is true OF other European cities, only In a
less degree. Ii the Rhine Is dotted with
picturesque ruins, Cologne. near its mouth,
isgrowing into great commercial city. So
Is Antwerp, 10 Belgium, and many others.
Rome has renewed its youth, and rivals
Paris Ia its promenades and palaces.
IE national growth Spain has prospered
the least. Yet Spain has grown, and Is
growing In freedom, intelligence and wealth.
Austria was once yoked to Spain. but hav-
ing renounced all entangling alliances with
Italy, as well as Spain, has recently fallen
into line with the progressive peoples, and Is
now keeping step to the music Of modern
ideas. Vanqulshed by Prussia In the six
weeks war, she wisely preferred the second
place in Germany to the hazardous friend
ship OF France. Better be second TO Prussia
grown into Germany when she mad success
tnllv asserted her right to lead the Father
land.
Russia remains despotism, pure and sim
pie, system OF government at the farthest
remove from ours, With fewest claims upon
our sympathy. The people there have many
good qualities, but no rights which the rul-
ing classes are bound to respect. CONSTANT.
nOple Is Russia's objective. Its possession
would convert the Mediterranean into a Rus
Sian lake and dominate all the western pow
ers:. Hence their hostility to such a consum-
nation.
France Is really the most Interested In re-
sistlng the designs of Russia, yet seems to
favor them for the nonee out Of hatred TO
Germany, from whom she has nothing to
fear in the future.
These three countries, Spain, Austria and
Russia have been most reactionary In the
nineteenth century. France, Italy and Ger
many are progressive nations. France Is
second In wealth, and Is progressive coun-
try In all things but population, which ad-
vances but little. Unfortunately there are
two hostile camps In France, which confront
each other and hinder her prosperity. French
novels give one an impression Of the imm0r-
ality OF the people, which Is not substantial
ed out OF Paris. The rural population Is as
good as any, and France has yet great part
TO play In the history OF civilization. The
republic has been on trial, but Is now appar-
emily hrmly established. In France. how
ever, 1t is the unexpected that happens.
Italy and Germany have advanced BY
leaps and bounds, each having achieved its
political unity and independence for the first
time In its history. Garibaldi. Mazznl and
Cavour were the three patriots who did most
for Italian unity and independence, seconded
by their patriotic kings, Charles Albert, Vic
tor Emmanuel and Umbert0.
Germany Is equally indebted to a trio, Bis
marck. the statesman, Won M0ltke, the SOL
dler and strategist OF the late war, and the
Emperor William.
England has nearly trebled her population
while her wealth has increased tenfold In
this century. England Is essentially repub-
lican. though not In form. The union with
Ireland Is like an ill-assorted marriage.
As for ourselves. our population has in
creased twentyf0ld In century, and our re-
sources In proportion. Above all others this
Is the land Of liberty, Of .qual rights, Of pop
ular education, and general prosperity. We
are growing greater every day, and reaetipR
powerfully on the old world. AS Carlyle
predicted, Europe Is going to democracy by
express, since the rebellion was PIT down.