The San Francisco call., 1899-12-24
THE BEGINNING OF THE CENTURY

u ETWEEN the authorities who calculate that the
~ twentieth century Will begin with the first day
- oi January, 1000, and those who assert il will
rot begin until New Years day OF IooI the con-
irotersy has now reached the point where each side
declares the other TO be little better than set OF
asses.
The Sudden outburst OF fury the subject has been
due 10 the recently reported determination OF the En-
pcror OF Germany TO recognize 1000 as the first year
oi the new century and 10 decree OF the Pope which
according 20 some authorities confirms the decision OF
the Kaiser, but according TO others is capable OF
different construction.
In the decree occurs the passage: Therefore, in
order that the year 1000 which is about TO begin and
which it is be devoutly hoped will usher in a FAR
more happy century, may, by the aid OF God and Of
His only begotten Son, our Savior have an aus
pioious opening and may close after a prosperous
course, his Holiness Pope Leo XIII, graciously
grants etc"
The question is upon the meaning OF the phrase
"Wiil usher in far more happy century One Of
our exchanges quotes Cardinal Martinelh as saying
the plain meaning is the Pope recognizes that the
twentieth century begins on January l. 1000
Another however, says that when Cardinal Gibbons
asked for light the point he replied: "To
usher in is not necessarily 10 be part Of The mid
night is intended celebration usherng in the
final year OF the present century which, begins as all
scholars know, with 1000"
A Boston paper submitted the question 10 the
presidents OF the leading universities OF the Ea and
received conflicting answers. Fourteen replies were
received eleven declaring FOR 1901 as the beginning OF
the next century and three for 1000 1t happens that
OF the three are presidents OF colleges for women
Wellesley and Smith which fact leads the New York
Times to remark that the accuracy OF the reply made
l.. a.. &
needed, that tendency ignore facts and logic IS
required characteristic in the occupants of the
position OF president OF a woman's college
From that remark it will be readily inferred that the
Times OF New York stands firmly for 1901 On the
other side stands the Times-Herald OF Chicago In
the speedy city by the lakes they cannot wait whole
year 10 begin a century. They wish to whoop
up at once and accordingly the Chicago paper says:
Some theorists say January I, IooI while all prac-
teal people and bcyclists know that it begins at
midnight December 81 1900. where January I. 1000.
begins. As soon as we cease writing IS in our date
lines viii be through with the nineteenth century
The OF the dispute lies OF course in the differ
enoe OF the point from which the parties begin TO
count In measuring distance we place the first mile
post mile away from the point OF departure conse-
quently the second mile begins with the first mile
post. A century run is made by bicyclist the mo-
ond century begins there so when he gets to his
nineteenth hundred mepost his twentieth century be-
gins i is claimed by tho other side. however. that
we measure time differently and that the wear one"
OF our era was dated not from the end OF the year
as milestone at the end OF the mile but at the be-
ginning Of the year. consequently the century is not
completed until the end OF 1000
IL is a question OF history rather than of mathe-
ma;cs Tor the dispute is the point at which the
count began. The argument in favor OF beginning
the twentieth century with 1901 has the weight OF
scholarly authority its side. but the Pope the
Kaiser. Wellesley College. Chicago and the bicy-
cliss are strong combination go up against. and
therefore the safe way will be to celebrate the in
coming OF the twentieth century New Years day.
1000 Then If it be found that a mistake has been
made the error be rectihed by another celebra-
ton in 1901 IT, however. it be not celebrated now
and the 1000 date should prove TO be correct it will
re impossible to recall the occasion. 1t is always bet
ter 20 have two celebrations than none and this looks
Ike a good opportunity for having two.