The Washington times., 1894-05-18
Dr.. EAsroN ON SOCIAL CONDITIONS.

Rev. DR.. Easton, pastor of the Eastern
Presbyterian church of this city, has been
delivering some remarkable sermons Of late
remarkable because they depart so widely
from the customary even tenor of latter-day
pulpit utterances, and also because Of their
courageous and truthful exposition Of the
dCplorable social conditions now existing and
which are not confined to any country or any
cine.
Last Sunday evening the reverend doctor
talked to his congregation on some of the
Genounced the demagogues now occupying
sIalied positions and urged that linen for
tie tines were needed-men able to "quell
tie demoralizing and deteriorating agencies
st work swaying the tide of public opinion
and controlling the measures of public men" I"
Judging from the printed synopsis Of this
"ermou-we regret that we did not hear It
DR.. Easton's treatment OF his subject was
not only thorough, but must have struck a
responsive chord in the hearts of his hearers,
most of whom are composed Of the great
middle class, the moderately well-to-do, the
people who form the backbone and strength
of every civilized country. Sermons like
these are refreshing, because they are SO rare.
Passing over the doctors exposition Of ex-
isting abuses and his scathing arraignment
of those whom he deems responsible for them,
we think he did not so far enough in his ref
erence to the "custom of the newly-married
couples to board rather than establish homes
OF their own" We think he is not altogether
correct when he attributes this custom on the
part of young married people 70 settled
aversion to children, determination to be
childless, in order that the young couples
might better "enjoy life.''
1t is NOT such an easy matter for all young
people of the class of which DR.. Easton's
congregation is largely composed to establish
homes of their own Immediately after mar
riage; and many, If compelled or required to
do So would not marry at all. It costs con-
siderable money. even at panic prices. to fit
up an unpretentious home. Wages are not
high; rents are. The landlord is inexorable.
Probably good third or even more, of the
young couples income is exhausted on the
single item of rent. As children arrive more
room is needed, and the couple find expenses
constantly increasing, rarely accompanied by
corresponding or any other increase OF in
come.
The young man of to-day knows that there
is no such thing as permanence of employ
ment Ii he have a trade and steady work at
il when about to venture on matrimony, he Is
painfully aware that his business, like SO
Eany others, is liable at any moment to be
revolutionized or. destroyed by machinery
The uncertainty of employment, the constant
dread o. losing it, the inability with scanty
earnings TO support numerous family these
are some of the reasons why thoughtful
young people are averse. as stated by DR..
Easton. to bringing into the world children
whom they cannot properly care for.
DR.. Easton made an earnest plea for "con-
pu!sory education as matter of national SELL
preservation" More or less compulsory reg
ulations already exist in several states, and
st it is doubtful If there be a single city in
the entire country where there are sufficient