The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-19
~wH1rE MANS BURDEN"
Subject of Brilliant Toast by James
A. Troutman-


A Troutman.
-Ex-Iieutenant Governor James A
Troutman spoke as follows on me SUI
1ect 1.-The White Mans Burden
American commerce outrides every
storm, defieS every wind, ana lnNau ,S
every zone. 1t prospers alike IN I4e
fog of England and the sun OF 1Ialy- II
WHITES the soil of fertile regions ana
cornpensates for the sterility OF un-
favored lands. It supplies the meager
wants of those who dwell among the
rocks and marshes and lagoons, ana
suppIenentS the enlarged demands Oh
those already blessed with plenltude-
1t transports from country TO country
products and commodities which con-
tribute immeasurably, to the comfort
and cOntentment of mankind. 1t con-
structs ships, digs canals, excaVates
basins, erectS docks and builds ran
roads 1t penetrates the frosts of the
Arctic regions and smiles in the neat
of the tropics. 1t crosses plains ana
prairies. scales mountains, and spans
rivers and bays and oceans II opIIl7
crates space, annihilates distances, ana
makes Topeka and London and Paris
and Constantinople and Manila and
Santiago and Honolulu a group OF in
terdependent municipalities. 1t brings
geogra phical antipOdes into neighborIy
relations.
heritage of civilization. Its broadening
beneficence is commensurate with the
progress of the human race.
Since this nation successfully asserted
its independence Anglo-Saxon methods
and purposes have made more progress
than in all of the preceding centuries of
time. For more than a hundred years
the white Man" has borne a gradually
Increasing burden of commerce. When
ever he has carried his burden into be-
nighted regions the light of civilization
has entered.
A conspicuous illustration of the effect
OF the white Mans burden of COM
merce upon the customs and conditions
of a people is found in our neighbOring
republic Of Mexico. Centuries failed to
record any material or ethical progress
among the MeXicans. But few years
ago American commerce crossed her
national boundaries and she entered
upon a career of majestic and symmet-
rtcal development. The day upon which
the white Mans" commercial pilgrim
ages commenced in Mexico marks an
epoch in its history. The White Man s.
burden has wrought a marvellous trans
formation in that country. There is a
diffusion of culture and a general ad-
vancement that fOretells an enlightened,
progressive people.
We send our ministers and educators
into heather lands to cultivate the
minds and purify the hearts of the ma
tives. And there is a degree of valor
and heroiSm in such a mission that
challenges the Hottest admiration. But
the secular and religious education of a
barbarOuS people is only possible when
accompanied by changed business meth
DDS There is more power in a cargo of
Topeka flour to ciVilize and ChriStianize
& savage people than in all the preach
ing of the most devout minister. A
carload of Boston pork and beans in a
heather community will be a powerful
auxiliary to the spiritual efforts of the
missionary. An assorted line of Amer
lean fabrics manufactured from the
products of our farms and ranches will
aid in dispelling the night of gloom from
the darkest land. Send a, train laden
with American wagons, plows reapers
and engines into the most distant and
des0late country and it will mark the
dawning twilight of a better civilization
ANY people who eat American food,
wear American clothes and use Ameri-
can inventions will become an intelli-
gent Christian people, as sure as the
shine.
shall not assume to offer advice, es-
peciaIly upon religious matters for I
am in thorough accord with the senti-
ment of the French philosopher who
said, Never give advice; wise men don't
need It, and fools won't take it, But
1 would suggest that if you want to
convert the heart and improve the mind
of the most perverse and stupid heath
en-, wash him with American soap feed
him on American biscuits. like your
mother used to make clothe him with
an American suit and place him be-
tween the handles of an American pillow
drawn by an American team covered
with an American harness, and the job
is done.
Philosophy and sentiment are mean
1ngless, rhetoric and defamation are
Idle, in the presence of uncivilized and
antfquated business methods
Every people, whether living upon
continent or island, who have entered
into commercial relations with the An
glo-Saxon English or American have
advanced in all the constituent elements
or true manhood and their advance
ment has been measured by the extent
and intimacy of those commercial rela-
tons Any new country which uses
American products, commodities and in
Ventlons readily assimiIates it's thoughts
Ind purposes with American ideals
In ancient or modern times at home
or abroad, in peace or war, in plenty or
famine, commerce dominates the world
The white Mans burden is not poll
tics. nor religion, nor education but a
combination and perfection Of all of
these as exemplified in commerce The
ultimate evangelization of the human
race is contingent only upon the devo-
ton and endurance of the white Man"
In carrying this burden into every geo
graphical division of the habitable
globe.
1 have an infinite and reverentiaI re-
gard for the command of the Almighty