Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-07-06

OA OOOJSCIS u appearance W ALL
DR.. Buckley, instead of preaching in
the usual style for Fourth OF July"
took for his subject one of naiona, i'm
port. He said that while we have been
just rejoicing over our free institutions
and celebrating our independence an
niversary, it would be well not to be
carried out OF sight of some perils men
acing the public safety and security.
He believed in locking on the bright
side Of life as far as possible, but at
the same time also believed in careful
examination and inspection of every ele-
ment thrown against our safeguards as
people.
The doctor took as his text Psalm
1911: Except the Lord keep the city,
the Waterman waketh but in vain
He pointed to the wondrous blessings
Of this nation and the possibilities of
its future, and was glad to see all ma
tionalities joining as one to celebrate
our independence Day.
But there are dangers arising which
should be most carefully watched,
among which is the large Capitalization
of life in the cities of the country. This
has grown into a national problem OF
no small Importance. The rapidity OF
grawth OF cities in this country is
marvellous. Their influence is not con-
fined within the compass of their boun-
Garies, but they become the centers OF
national power and life. Country ham
lets are to-day nodded by the moral alG
social character of cur city lie.
The tendency of all times has been
the Capitalization of the masses in civ
ilized as well as barbarous nations.
In Japan one in every eighteen are in
cities OF fifty thousand and upward, in
France one in seven, in the United
States one in seven, and in Great Brit
ain, with smaller territory, one in every
two and q half. In the Old World st.
Petersburg dictates 10 Russia, COnstan-
tiRople to Turkey, Madrid to Spain.
Paris changes the fashions Of the world.
Berlin mOdifies philosophy and London
moves all financial cenJers.
In the New World. New York touches
the life Of every city on the continent
and Washing, ION reaches every home
with her power ard attraction. The
epochs of history have been associated
With some great city. Assyria had her
Minerva. Greece her Ath rs. while Rome
Wis the great empire OF law and arms.
While This Capitalization may not be
wholly evil. nor contain all the perils
OF the times. still 10 is here thar gladi-
at0rs meet 3D. a common arena in
desperate hand 90 hand struggle be-
tween Christ and Belial
While the Waterman sent forth to
warn should not be a dark pessimist.
hc mus, see and estimate by actual facts
which can be- easily obtained Al the
beginning OF The century. but eight cit
ies were found con,aiaing eight thous-
and citizens or over. while In 1850 they
had increased % two hundred and
eieaty-,iX. with nearly One-quarter CT
Che l.puia.on o. the country conferred
in them.
The h,ty principal cities increased
go per cent il forty years. while the
whole country grew but 80 per cent. or
from seven and "a half per cent in 1910
90 fifteen and q haI per cent in 1850.
- Che SANE time smaller cities in
creased az a greater rate. The tendency
IS row found 90 be from country to city
.i.l. While this Capitalization has its
advantages in facility c. access. the
danger arises from the inability of evan
gelzing forces to keep up with the in
crease, and religious forces be unable
TO cope with the spiritual demands and
wants CT this Capitalization Of pcpula-
ticn.
In this case there will be a certraliza-
ton of that which is evil disposed.
Witlt constant achievements our
SEA ports especially are absorbing the
vices Of the world and there can be no
quarantine against it. These large ag-
gregations but intensity and increase
sin and wickedness. They become
strOIgAOlds OF satanic influence. Here
crime mu,Gplies, and treachcry' putri-
fies, irdecency is pardoned before
crowded houses aid attractive gam
bling and drinking halls lure to ruin
ard degradation.
There are as vast regiments to de-
stroy all order and decency, resist elera-
tim and instruction. and are outspoken
in defiance Of remOnstralce and waving
It is in this Capitalization of the
masses that the saloon and brothel have
their greatest growth and receive their
widespread impulse. The largest brew
cries are in the very heart Of these cen
trs
1t is in the city that the menace of po-
litical corruption, trickery and jobbery
is connected and then sent abroad.
Their rule is too often the corrupt ring
rule, and the voice OF the people cannot
be heard.
Municipal affairs are often suggested
by those least capable 10 judge of the
needs Of the hour The domination of
personal consideration, in which all
questions Ct character and public good
are eliminated, has too often been in
control Justice has been debauched,
registration lists falSiiied, and the re-
SUITS Of election have often been turned
b. most vicious elements, while the
ballot boxes have often been left so