News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1893-09-14
A Favored Land.

Those who are inclined to grow
pessimistic over the unequal distri-
button of the good things of this
world noted in everyday life, should
seek contentment in a comparison OF
the lot of the average American with
that of the average resident of any
other country on the globe. The
facts would show, not that all of us
have everything that we want or
ought to have, but that we as a peo-
pie are the most favored ones of the
earth. We experience hard times,
and some of US have struggle to
make both ends meet. Yet, one year
with another, we get along swim
mingly and secure our full share of
material flowers.
These facts are touched upon in the
Chautauquan by DR.. James Richard
Dodge, who finds that "the fact is
"not only demonstrable, but stands
"proven and unquestioned, that the
"average standard of living is high
Ger in the United States than in any
"other country in the world. The
industrial masses, who embody the
"vital forces of the nation and rep
crescent it's life and character, eat
"more and better food than the toll
Gers of other lands, wear ampler
"clothing of superior quality, occu-
Spy larger and better furnished
apartments, enjoy higher opportu-
entities for culture, and find open
"avenues to advancement on indus
''trial, social and intellectual lines.
1t is shown that the average Ameri-
can eats three times as much meat
as the average European, and twice
as much as the average resident of
England, that the per capita con-
sumption of cotton, wool, silk and
linen is three times that in Europe,
and the individual purchase of
clothing is five times that of other
| countries.
And that is not all. As we lead in
the matter of creature comforts, so
we do in opportunities for education,
for development all along the line of
the higher self, for the enjoyment of
all degrees of entertainment, and for
the cultivation of strong ties of rela-
tionship and friendship. More than
that, each individual enjoys freedom
of action and speech, has a direct
voice in local and general govern
ment, and can combine with his fell
lows to enact and enforce such laws
as he may consider conductive to
his well-being Within the borders
of the United States can be found
every variety of climate and oppor
tunity for the exercise of every tai
ent. Travel is cheap, and the aver
age American knows more and sees
more than any other man in the
world.
In times like these such facts are
worth rejecting upon. There are
many things in this country that
could be improved, but it is the best
in the world, and, take it all in all,
it treats the individual about as
fairly as he deserves. Consideration
to these things may not bring bread
to the hungry, but it will make the
everyday citizen more content with
his lot, more eager to strive for
still better things, and possibly more
willing to give to the unfortunate
out of the measure of his success. A
common resolve to work diligently
for good, to have faith in the integ-
rity of one another and of the gov
eminent, to lift ones self and every
body else to higher plane, material
and spiritual, to make this a better
us well as richer country, is all
that is needed to keep the sun of
prosperity shining and all the people
keeping step to national and indi-
vidual progress not to be dreamed of
by the dwellers in less favored lands.
Look on the bright side; make the
best of things; avoid the evils and
follies that threaten evil. Such
course carefully pursued will ensure
and enhance the welfare of the nation
and continue the country in the
paths of prosperity. 1t is well not
to be too optimistic, and thuas~us.sassl2.
dangers that lie in the way. But
stout hearts, resolute purpose and
wise counsels will enable us to steer
clear of perils threa tening our peace
and safety and assure to US condi
tions fraught with more happiness
than can be found anywhere else.-
Troy, n. Y, Times.