The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1899-03-23
s.TT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND.


The different races of the earth might
be graded, in this regard, by the place
music holds in their lives. The rude
and primative Music of barbarous and
savage peoples indicates the presence
OF soul, embryonic and faint, indeed:
glimmering through their coarse ami
NAL instincts.
AS evolution progresses, the soul
and her divine companion grow apace:
barbarous instincts Sweaken and drop
away, and civilization marks progress,
The growth of these two, L might call
them heavenly twins, has been sad ly
held in check by the succeeding despot-
isms that have foraged and oppressed
the people. In an Iovertaxed and en-
slaved community music cannot be
expected to thrive. Genuine inteIlec-
tual culture has ever been discouraged
as terding to rouse the masses to a
sense of their degrading bondage.
Even in recent times music has been
declared ungodly and sinful. in places
where the soul is supposed to be
nourished and strengthened, thus at
tempting to sever the two things on
earth, that SAVIOR most of Heaven.
Still oppression cannot so much after
all retard musical progress. Some of
the sweetest and most soulful strains
existing have had their inspiration in
tyranny and oppression. Like certain
herbs, that when crushed give forth
sWeeter fragrance, so, at times, have
souls oppressed and in agony given
forth undying notes. Music, L have
said, is an unfalling evidence prog
ress and civilization, and this is true,
not so much in She existence of mag
nlicent and gauJy temples of song. as
In the evidences we find in the homes
of the people. When [ notice even in
the home of the toiler and producer,
some sort of musical instrument, |
say to myself, here, at least, some one
is possessed of soul. A bird cage or
few carefully tended flowers give
equal evidence. Concert halls and opera
houses, OF course, are indications that
music is appreciated; tho in Judging
by them, [ would not so much regard
the snowy, well filled boxes and dress
circles, which but too often are merely
show rooms for the display OF the dress
or charms of the"4OO" Among such,
soul is very often infnetisimally small.
10 judge of musical appreciation in
these assemblies, would regard more
the crowded "Gods" or "Nigger Heav-
en-"
The presence of musical instruments
in the homes of the people, is better
gauge of musical taste, though vulgar
ity and love of display oftentimes
prompts soulless people to purchase
pianos and organs. One notable ex-
ample is impressed on my memoryl
Some years ago as l was wheeling
through this vale of mixed joys. pune
tured my tire-to such an extent that
with the means at hand, it was beyond
repair-I was necessitated to stay over
night at farm house. There was an
organ in the parlor, tho none of the
family showed much sign of musical
taste. After supper the farmers wife
says: "Now Mandy, you might play us
tune on the organ" Mandy, a sickly
yawpish looking girl of twelve, stuck
her finger in her mouth and replied,
"Oh nav I can't play very good!'
"Now Mandy 1 think you play real cute
considerin' you got no teachin'. Try
that tune you picked up from the band
down at LibertyviIle, last 4th.' Mandy
sat down at, the organ, and cooked
my ears to catch the tune. That organ
was tortured 8 good deal before
caught On at last-"Ta.ra ia ra, ia,
ia, ia ia. Tara, tara, tara, ia ia, ia
ta."-Yes Marching Through Georgia" !"
was the effort. Little seven. year old
Roy, with f1abby face and ringlets,
edged up to lend his assistance, and at
short intervals. would jab his fingers
in the basso- -profundo. Did enjoy the
musicp Well, to speak honestly,
would stand an hour of the morning
"bang, bang, bang" locked up in an
neighborlng cell to another such ex-