The San Francisco call., 1896-05-06

and the chieftaIn is stil hedged about by the
saDctity of common kinship with the tribesmen
whom he rules. Finally tribes unite and the
ancient state emerges with its king, the father and
priest OF his people,
But the influence of the Reformation. as well as
OF Christianity, contributed toward the elevation
OF the individual above the family. The Reforma-
hon was protest against several things, but to
whatever point of difficulty the protest was aimed,
II resulted in the elevation of the individual heart
and mind as opposed TO the sentiment and faith
OF the church. II substitutes the iud enent of the
individual for the Judgment of hierarchy.
And so from the plant of the Reformation, as it
sprang from Christian soil and there came to fruit
age were taken seeds which have been rich In de-
probation Of the family and in appreciation of the
Individual. II has profoundly modified the
tnought and social life OF the last $50 years. for 1t
has given lasting impulse to the growth Of the
Individual in literature, society, government and
law This growth has resulted in Withdrawing
the family and pushing the individual toward the
front OF our thought.
Transported to the New World individualism
howered into democracy, and democracy in turn
developed more intense form Of individnalism.
The American Revolution was the spirit of indi-
Vdualism Fought out, and the Declaration OF lnde-
pendence was the assertion of the equality of men,
OF the freedom of individuals.
At present in our country the tendency tow ward
indiyidualism has power commensurate with
the force OF those powers which have for nearly
four centuries been directly contributed to its
development II is felt strongly and widely. It is
seen in the emphasis placed upon the Individual as
factor in the administration OF civil government;
In the disregard and almost contempt of 'fblood'; ;
in the larger legal rights given to women and in all
the discussions regarding their so-caed rights: in
the movement for higher educanon of girls; in all
those conditions OF social life which open larger
spneres of work TO women. All these resuits a o
nify corresponding shrinkage Of the family as a
social and political unit. The mutual rights and
duties of its members have been lessened The
home as a home has less influence over husband
wife and children. 1t Is divided by various social
educational, ecclesiastical preference. The per-
sonRl interests of each member have increased in
number and importance.
The cosmopolitan character Of even the most
private life has tended to separate and to individ-
ualize the position of each member. The individual
has come to be regarded as the crown and center OF
the legal and political order. The family, an in
stithton Of first Importance, politically considered
has passed away.
ofitseIf this development of the individual awak
ems only approval. 1t runs along the line OF the
noblest progress OF the modern world. 1t result;
in advances and advantages in many department.
OF me- 1t increases the power or The forces WhlcI
work for righteousness and truth.
But it is accompanied by serious perils, and al
ready some of its evil consequences have become
apparent. Out of this tendency toward excessive
indtyidualism has sprung much OF the socialism
whlch threatens European and American govern
ments-
Not only in the State but in the family also Il
the result OF this tendency made evident Th'
family, which should be the source and fountain o
pDrest and most lasting Influences, has ceased to
exist as political unit. Society has thus lost on
maDence. 1t is TO the family that the State has
right to look for conservative tendencies for the in
divtdual is radical and progressive.
ANY movement therefore, to restore the famil,
to its high place both for the sake Of the good
huences which 1t produces and for the sake of re
pressing undue and periIous individualism, Il
worthy the thought and effort and prayer o
women
Miss Agnes Manning took exception tc
one of the historical characters being in
cluded with the others mentioned in tn,
paper. She arose and with emphasis said
mo greater blackguard ever lived thar
Rosseau-a man that sneaked off early il
the morning, deserving his wife and ieav
ing his children to be cast into an orphan
asylum. l am tired of having that mar
mentioned with any reference TO worth!
manhood"
Miss severence was ready at once Will