The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-25
He PratcS AbOutthc Brutal
ViSagc Of War.
SAYS WE FORCED CONFLICT
We Fling Aside Common Sense and
Moral Principle.
A TRADE FROM TIE PROFESSOR

Ashfield. Mass, Aug. 25.-The. 20th
academy was held this afternoon. and,
like those which have preceded 1t, 1t has
been notable for the brilliant array of
distinguished men who have participat-
ed in the after-dinner speaking; nota-
BILE, too, i'm the words which they have
spoken and fortunate I'm the attendance
of many other distinguished people
who have come from far. and near to
attend this far-famed literary feast.
The speaking today was excellent.
Aside from Charles Eliot Norton. pro-
fessor emeritus Of fine arts of Harvard
university, who presided. as he has on
nearly all these occasions, there were
addresses from Rey. John w. Chad
wick OF Brooklyn, who has his summer
home at Chesterfield; q. Stanley Hall,
a native of the town, but president Of
Clark university of Worcester; Rev. DIR.
p. S. Moxom OF Springfield, Sherman S.
Rogers of Buffalo and Booker T. WASH
ington, the principal of the Tuskegee
institute of Alabama, and recognized
as the leading negro educator of the
country.
AS will be seen from the address OF
Prof. Norton, he still believes that the
late war could have been avoided. and
he takes a somewhat pessimlstic view
Of the dangers which confront the coun-
try.
Prof. Norton during his address said:
THE black and brutal visage of war
has been lighted up from time TO time
during the summer by the gallant deeds
of our men in service, and by the good
conduct and marvellous good fortune
OF our navy, and by the general temper
of humanity displayed so soon as the
actual fight was over by both officers
and men. But Ii has taken on a deeper
shade of gloom from the needless suf-
ferings which our brave soldiers have
had to endure from the lack Of due pro-
vision for their needs, alike in camp.
on field and in hospital. 1t has been
q miserable spectacle of incompetency,
for which account must be rendered
and penalty exacted.
THE blessings and privileges which
we the people OF the United States have
enjoyed by virtue OF the geographical
position OF our inhabtancy OF n new
continent and of our freedom from dan
gerous neighbors. have given us excep-
tional opportunity for making a real
step in the advance of civilization. or
all our privileges and blessings none
was greater than our exemption from
the fear OF war. We were set apart
for peace; we should have held our
selves consecrated to 1t. for we pro-
fessed to be Christian nation, and, as
followers of the Prince of Peace, to hold
war in adherence. We professed that
our constantly increasing national
power rested on moral foundation.
There have, indeed, of late been many
indications that these pro-
fessions had not the force OF principles;
that safety, prosperity and Ignorance
had corrupted the moral sense OF the
nation and weakened its sense OF re-
that there were vast num-
bers of our people so unacquainted with
The teachings of history as to be unable
10 set 4 right value on our peculiar and
priceless national privileges: that there
we're others. including many men OF
more than average Intelligence and vir-
tue, who had no absolute conviction of
he wickedness of war, and others still.
including a large body of politicians, so
Indifferent to right and wrong as 10 be
Eager to force the nation into war IL by
'O uOlnS tutu peTSOuaf OF partisan IN
erests could be promoted.
"And yet many an optimistic and WELL
citizen, shutting his eyes after
he common American fashion to the
igns OF danger, continued to trust that
he principles of peace were OF such In
virtue and the practical
motives for it's preservation so strong
hat, In spite of all evil influences it |
would still be maintained as our ma
ional policy. They have been rudely |
F'linging common sense |
nd moral principle alike TO the winds |
Inder the influence of hysterical emo |
ion. without decent deliberation. |
Without due preparation. the people |
ushed into war, and, what is worse. |
orced war upon weak nation, which, |
whatever. II had done to provoke IL, |
howed itself finally ready TO make |
very reasonable effort TO avert IL. and |
o meet every legitimate demand OF the |