Omaha daily bee., 1898-01-08
DOUBLE STANDARD OF MORALITY.
DR.. Leo VI. Franklin Discusses the
Topic In a Lecture.

Ut, Leo We frHukuu DtscuNNct tne
Topic In a Lecture.
The beginning of a series OF lectures on
Double Standards of Morality was entered
upon by DR.. Leo NJ. Franklin at Temple
Israel last night. The tabernacle was well
filled with those interested In the sociological
study presented by the doctor The divisions
OF the lecture embraced the discussion OF the
double standards OF morality in business and
private life. and also the dual requirements
OF society in regard to the moral life of
men and women. During the services solos
were given by Mrs. A. p. Ely and l.. T.
Sunderland
In introducing his address the speaker
traced the evolution OF ethical ideals and
called attention to the fact that standards Of
morality differed vitally with different times
and different peoples Right and wrcng are
relative terms, nodded by time ana environ
ment,' said DR.. Franklin. ''The standards
of ethics which represent the higher, inner
life OF one generation may appear debased
and narrow in the eyes of another The
difference lies in disSlmlar training and sur
roundings. 1t Is the same with contemporary
people of different localities Human opin-
ions may be diametrlcally opposite and still
each represent sincerity and truth to con-
vction. lmperfections and different educa-
tlon give to different men contrary views of
the gold and silver shield. 1t will only be
when men have perfect opportunities for wis
dom and have taken the best advantage Of
them that the opinions of all VIII converge
and the relative bases of regarding human
conduct will become as the judgment OF one
man. So there is a justification for the ex-
istence of different standards of monlls
among different peoples and at different
times, but the spectacle of the same people
holding different views of moral questions
at the same time is one before which intelli-
gent men may pause.
ut is a fact that the number Of people
WHO hold inconsistent and unfair views of
moral questions is so prevalent as to be
shocking. There is, for example, one class
Of men who have one code OF morals for
private life and another for business trans
actions. They are able to justify themselves
in adopting methods in the line OF business
which would never enter their thought In the
relationship Of private life. 1t seems to be
due to a general lack of business conscience,
for public opinion does not look deeply into
the morals of a business mans transactions,
especially If they have been crowned with
success. The gambler on the stock exchange
Is not deSpised II his speculations are sue
cessful and he is allowed to mingle without
question in society The popular conscience
is not touchy when business eXigency is
offered in extenuaton but before the bar OF
a righteous judge there will be but one
right and he who dverges from that trans
crosses the moral law a man may offer
the excuse that 1t is his first duty in busi-
ness to provide for those who are most
CLOSELY connected WIN MN, Dut lnat CGnnOt
justify him in doing wrCng to others, for the
conditions of honor and truth are fixed and
absolute.
This suggests the great question which
has been the theme of literary masters from
fictionists to professors of sociology and has
been discussed by editorial writer's and pull
pit orators, namely the moral code tor men
and women 1t is a subject which touches
upon dangerous ground, but it should be con-
sidered sanctifed in the cause of truth and
intelligently discussed in view of the prev
alenCe of the error connected with it. For
1t is a fact that man may be polluted be-
yond recognition by social sin without any
visible sign of the dlsapproval of society,
But If woman is even touched by the taint
of such a suspicion she is socially ostra-
cized with no hope of future recognition We
boast today of our civilization, OF a progress
greater than any since the world began,
but a relic of primeval conditions fingers
with us in our social status. 1t is a sur
vival of the barbaric conception in which
woman was thought to be vassal and with
out personal privilege. The solution will not
come from the development of women into the
realm of masculine power or from the per-
veited fancy which has called the new
woman into being. But it will be found in
, an equaiZing of the sexes in which woman
will be potent factor without the sacrifice
of her womanhood. When she shall arise in
her might and say that he to whom she
gives her life must be as pure as virgin
womanhood she will only do justice to her
self and to unborn generations. Though
society may close IFS eyes to the strangely
neglected fact, justice will yet be the con-
queror and truth and honor will be supreme
in the perfect civilization. There is but one
right, one truth and one justice for all men
and for all circumstances"
Notice was given that another lecture
would be given on next Friday night on
continuation of the present subject. The
topic will be How May the Change be
Wrought"