The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-03
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FORW ARD.

FORWARD.
Almost without exception, in the life
story Of men and nations, there is an
imitation phase, a series Of years when
the example of others IS beacon light
and motive power. Docility is one of
the becoming attitudes Of youth, and as
an educational power is productive OF a
vast amount of good For every time
and for every people, there is an era
when experience is scanty, brains are
callow and fingers are inert. Under
such conditions, it is impossible to over
rate the importance Of the mental and
mechanical training acquired by the
imitation of others more advanced.
Greek art had its sources in older forms
The study of Greek literature gave to
Roman letters polish and beauty
they had never known before. The
vivifying influence Of the Renaissance
woke Europe from the torpor Of the
middle ages. Shakspere tried his prem
tice hand in altering and polishing the
plays OF older dramatists. The artist
student of today probes the technique
of the old masters. The musician, who
would acquire reputation, throws his
whole energies into the study Of the
productions Of tho masters Of his craft.
But from great men and great ma
tions, the world expects and demands
more than imitation. 1t looks for the
element Of originality, of personal crea-
ton. On the foundation, carefully laid by
practice and imitation, individuals and
peoples must rear superstructure that
shall reveal their personal and national
identity. Only on these terms can they
expect to live in the pages of history.
Imitation must be stage and a stage
merely. 1t is only a means to an end,
not the end itself The pot boiler"
manufacturer will never be great ar
fist. A man may not pass through life
in his swaddling clothes. No one values
a copy more than tho original work. A
nation, whose highest aim it is to con-
stitute itself milk and water imitation
OF another, no matter how good and
great its model may be, will never assert
itself in the history of its times. It is
true OF politics, of art, of literature, OF
manhood and womanhood.
These thoughts are suggested by q
glance at the condition of things social,
literary and artistic in the eastern states
to-day. This nation will never assert
itself as power in such matters, if the
tone and attitude of certain section o
eastern communities are to prevail. W.
have men and women who are content
to be labeled as anglomaniacs, who's
highest ambition it is to ape the manner
and conversation Of certain malforma
ton of British society. 1t is not tn
upright manhood and womanhood O
the whole British islands that they copy
there might be some hope for them
they did. They have no desire to riva
John Bull in the qualities that hav
made him respected. 1t is not job
they are after; but only certain snol
Dish section Of him that excites til
amusement and irritation of John hin
self in his own islands. This develo,
ment does not open up a hopef'
prospect for an independent America
people. In matters literary and artist
the same craze prevails. Foreign author
are the rage and our own writer's gro
dusty upon the bookshelves. Our ow
composers are neglected for those
foreign birth. 1t cannot be argued wi
truth that in all these matters the a
vantage lies with the foreigner. Even
1t did, no more short-sighted policy
the furtherance of our own advane
mont could be conceived or acted upe
We are q people. We have passed t
imitation stage. We cast aside the ,
litical swaddling clothes of our ,nfan
long ago, and the commonwealth
have built up is the envy of our senio
Why should not effort be attended vi
equal success for Americans in the
erary and artistic worlds? It is a ia
mistake to ignore the possibilities
native talent in this or any directi
and write ourselves down imitators /,
only OF the virtues but even Of the vi
Of other peoples.