Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-02-25
America and Empire.

Prof, Babcock's lecture last Tuesday
evening at the opera house was an event
of more than ordinary interest, both on
account of the novelty of his theme and
the manner Of its presentation. His
chart illustrations were, to say the least,
unique, being unlike anything ever be-
fore shown. While the lecture was de-
signed and carried out as a source of
instruction rather than an amusement,
it was so intensely interesting as to be
fifty characterized as an entertainment.
The speaker held the unbroken atten~
ton of his audience from start to finish
with most comprehensive and novel
series of truths relating to industry,
commerce and politics in a line of argu-
ment altogether new. The discourse
took the form of orderly statement
rather than elaborate argument, which
made it possible to bring vast amount
of matter into a small compass and
thereby occupy two hours of time III
way most profitable TO his hearers, for
he furnished them with food for thought
lasting lifetime.
The ideas presented were along lines
of conditions entirely material, tangible
and so plain that his instructions were
of a most practical nature and hence
profitable in their application to bust
ness life.
The lecture embodied history, geog-
raphy, philosophy and prophecy in one
grand theme. and so completely inter
woven were they, that one becomes an
index of all the rest, and the whole a
foundation for correct estimates Of our
country, or any portion of it, in all rela-
tons of sections, states. cities or local
tiles and lines of traffic, each to any
other and all to every portion of the
globe.
The subject is very comprehensive
one and most ably handled. 1t is evil
IDENTITY original with the lecturer as en-
comiums in papers from other portions
of the country uniformly accredit him
with being the first to discover the great
law which he so ably expounds. His
explanations are practically the Amer
lean problem presolved by rational rules
and a true forecast Of our destiny as a
country, people and nation, for his
explanations are so clear that they are
of the nature of demonstrations instead
of speculations. All will concede that
knowledge is OF the first importance,
and any knowledge that throws light
along our future is most certainly of the
highest value.
Prof. Babcock's plan of proving the
future by the harmony of all influences
that bear on our welfare, is most salts
factory, and by the deep interest shown
on Tuesday it is apparent that he made
his reasoning clear and convincing. 1t
seems like fairy tale that Astounding
beauty and unequalled prosperity lie
before US, but it is clearly shown that
ali the conditions point that way, and
that this country is to become the ar
bitter among nations, is 10 cover the
continent as one government, repub-
lican in form, and overthrow all mon
arches throughout the world. 1t is
also shown that the great interior sec
ton. of which Wisconsin forms part,
holds the reins of this nations career
and will rule its destiny.
There is too much TO compress into a
brief editorial and any one who desires
to comprehend this broad subject should
read the book which the lecturer has
prepared for this purpose. 1t is highly
recommended by able critics and will
undoubtedly pay for perusal.