The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-09-11
POlitfcal:EcOnOIny.


Mr.. President and Gentlemen: The subject of
my discourse to-day is Literary Science in Polit-
ical Economy and in presenting it on behalf of
division aware l trench upon grounds in
compatible with the technical questions which
may be contained in the generally discussed sub
jects on political economy. However 1 accept the
responsibility for the statement that my theme is
in every way we'll worthy the deep consideration
which trust may be accorded it.
Literature to mankind in an intellectual point
to speak. and by its virtues mean that which
elevates the tone of thought. and brings us near
est to nature and to natures God. For in what
ever channel we allow or force our thought to
move. the frame work is already formed by nat
ure, and nature being but Thought of God."
it necessarily traverses natures paths. But to
crystalline and bring into tangible view to the
minds eye these globules of thought is the work
of scientific literature.
The question has been often asked what ma
terial benefit does a man derive from the study of
instructive literature, and in turn will PROFOUND
another to the questioner: Does man live solely
for the qualification of his own taste and desires?
If he does. then he receives no benefit except
that which may apply to himself in a pecuniary
manner. but the law of economy precludes the
possibility of a mans living for, and to himself
alone for in some form or manner his life affects
others He may study any of the arts, or sciences
for purely selfish end, and in attaining that end
he must necessarily diffuse his acquired knowl.
edge to at least his immediate SURROUNDINGS and
in this way. it takes the form of barter or trade
And il he studies to acquire learning simply as
an accomplishment. he dispenses it gratuitously
through his general conversation; but the ap.
plication is pernicious if it is unaccompanied by
desire to instruct for all motives. when the object
is sordid, are void of virtue in the action
The study Of any of the sciences is successfully
accomplished only by the expenditure of time.
and exertion Of the mind and when once the
student is master of any of its branches is it but
just he should receive fair compensation for
rendering his services to another who has spent
none upon the same subject, and who is benefited
to greater or less extent by it? And if, in the
practice and study, the student discovers fact
new and correlative to that which he is pursu.
ing. should he not be entitled to the honor and
emolument arising from the same? No one can
deny this.
In the practice of the Sciences the mechanic
has his daily wage, the doctor and the lawyer his
Zee; the minister and the legislator, as well as all
who govern the tangled web of state have their
salaries and if not concentrated with the sery.
ices rendered. to what shall be attributed the
blame other than poor economics2 But prominent
and alone. standing out in bold relief against the
background OF the worlds toiling millions in the
supremacy of his calling is the literary SCIENTIST
What fee or salary in the scale Of economics
can properly adjust the price of his patience.
his diligence and profound thought his
search after data and facts amid the endless
theme OF nature! And for what? Is it for riches?
Tor fame and honor. or to crafty some feeting
passion. that he tolls? 1t may be for all these and
yet. we must believe it to be for motive beyond
all these as well-a motive hoer. higher and purer
than mere dross in the construction of his work:
TO leave to future generations fact or theory
at least, which will in some degree alleviate the
ills Of humanity.
CHANGING back over the ages past can we bring
ourselves to believe the sages who left us the rec.
ora OF their times wrote and toiled simply to en-
rlch themselves? or that they wrote to crafty a
taste. or pleasure only2 By no means. All these
may have been. and no doubt were the results in
the natural order of economics, but nobler and
apurer feeling was the ruling power that animated
their efforts. No rule laid down in the science of
political economy can adjust the scale of price
Tor the services of these men to the cause of civ.
liking the human race. Therefore, in the study
OF the polity of economics. may lay it down as
an axiom, that whatever the study good to self
and to Others. will be. the resultant in ratio to
the amount acquired. Then let us consider it not
only logical conclusion that it is of much mate
rial benefit to all men to study the truths found
IN scientific as well all other sound literature;
Tor 1t enhances our prospects of help to our fell
lows which all good and true men should strive
10 40; and throw around him the light of our in
teiligence and acquired learning, for his guidance;
ana TO consider our services rendered ample
reward IN the knowledge and belief that self
interest Is not our sole aim in life And let US
also, as careful gardeners as we traverse the field
OF study in sound litaratruo r