The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-01-16
EXPANSIONS GOOD EFFECT.
MARKS A REGENERhT TING PERIoD IN
AMERICAN POLITICS.

President Raymond of Union University
Talks to Students of Their Duty 10
the state and Discusses tho Results Of
the War-Services in Calvary Church.
TIT fourth annual special service for college
students was held last night in the Calvary
Episcopal Church on Fourth avenue. Presi-
dent Seth Low OF Columbla read the Scrip
lures, and was followed by President Andrew
| V. V. Raymond of Union University. whose adj
dress was on THE Students Duty to the
State" President Raymond said in part:
This has always been an important subject,
but never has IL been so important. In our
country, at least. as to-day. for the past year
has enlarged the sphere of the American State
and 30 increased the responsibility Of all who
by reason OF citizenship are charged with its
welfare. In our republican revolt from ar
bitrary power and despotic sovereignty we have
repudiated hereditary rights and privileges and
all the fictitious signs of greatness; but it Is to
be feared that for this or other reasons the
principle Of government has been shorn OF
much of its ancient dignity and fails of that
honest appreciation which il essential for
national strength and political efficiency.
We find. for instance. that official position il
placed to a great extent upon a commercial
basis and is esteemed chiefly for tho financial
returns 1t offers. which means that one who is
earning more in his business or profession
IMAM ne can get out OF an ONCE OlSualnS the
office and has no great respect for the man
who accepts 1t. This is natural and inevitable.
for when anything essentially fine and worthy
is put on q commercial basis it is degraded.
The best things have no money expression,
certainly no money equivalent. What price
will you put upon courage. or honor, or truth.
or Christian faith2 Suppose that Hobson had
stipulated for some large money reward before
consentinR to risk his life in sinking the Merri-
mac. or the soldiers at the foot of San Juan Hill
had halted and refused to go further witho ut a
promise Of increased pay. Every particle OF
glory would have been taken from their
achievements. Instead of being honored they
would be despised. Who would take Off his hat
or raise a cheer for a hireling 1t is this prin- |
ciple applied to government that suggests the
greatest danger to our republic.
1T is because Of this that l have called it the
first political duty of young men to recognize
and appreciate the sacredness Of governmental
functions. In this way only will you be made
strong to resist corruption, and to stand
always and everywhere for the righteousness
emanation from Gods throne: that the power
OF Him who reigneth in heaven and among the
inhabitants of earth: that to be called to rule
dignity and glory Of the King Riire'"Eft Eternal.
1t is not amiss Just here to call attention to the
OF regent events; We have been led
to assume control over other lands and other
peoples. Whether this control is to be perma-
is enough that for the immediate future we are
with new and grave responsibilities,
mind the principle OF govern
ment. There is something inspiring and
Tfetien fhat IN it TIVE @o sSiSGm 6a 4 c qhne'm to be f9n;
this trust: that the best thought OF the ma
must be given to the governmental
hafnra III unl only tho InGt man m
pointed to official place. Such is the temper Of
people that should any party seek to make
Offices. or treat them in any sense as party
spoils. that party would be Indignantly driven
question OF clean, honest and efficient govern
ment has suddenly been forced to the front.
is the supreme question in America to-day.
taking the place of the petty party wranglings
that were so rapidly demoralizing our national
lie? l cannot resist the conviction that this
been Gods way Of regenerating american
politics. Instead of threatening the life of our
l believe that this new responsibility
-aisinR a new standard of official wOrthiness.
What we are already demanding fer the gov
Philippines. We will not long hesitate to de-
nand for the government at home. and we
iuence of altruiStic effort.
Il have but little time to speak Of tho second
iuty of American young manhood to the State.
nd sacredness OF, governmental funcrions, the
'econd is certainly appreciation of the obliga-
luis III clliIenSilp III q lcIIDlf WllNit CpF-
is by the people. Just because gov
is 50 important and honorable the
'oung man who wishes to make the most OF
lis life. and who. by reason of intellectual gifts
nd training. is fitted for large service. cannot.
gnore the claims and opportunities repre-
ented by government. 1t is well to re-
member that in a country and an
ge of constant political agitation, f~allacies
speedy Roadway through the advocacy of
nen of little intelligence. but gifted with pow
RS of speech which make. them popular
.rators. Against their specious.
nd appeals to passion or prejudice must he
opposed words OF truth and soberness. spoken ,
" men who are trained to think closely and
learly and able to arraign great principles, OF
righteousness in opposition to the pleasing
of temporary eXpediency. In no
Their country on earth is there such great need
I the positive aggressive influence Of intelli-
men in public life; men who make it
heir business to study public questions from
II sides men who are moved to such study by
sense Of obligation to their country. a con-
lotion of the, transcendent Importance OF all
ernm questions"
Hamilton Wright Mabie spoke about The
DUTY of ~YoungIIMen to Religion" and Bishop
otter urged the students to cherish high pro-
essiOnal ideals and to avoid the modern ten
ency to care too much about professional
aims.