The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-25

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OF a1I the past. We are enjoying the har-
vest OF the world; the fruits. the discov-
cries. the accomplishments for which all
cast ages have soW7l, have studied, have
labored and have given their lives. Light,
power and rapid transit, immediate re-
suits, the annil11iation of time and space.
and the utilization Of all the secrets, re-
sources and forces of nature are our Ia
miliars occupation. AL learning is being
popularized for general enlightenment and
use. Science is not only unfolding her
ample page to the principle at large, but
making educational toys for our children-N
Our average child Of twelve years Of age
could astonish the sages OF the past with
his understanding and answers. 1t is
hard to resist the thought that we are in
the old age Of the world: in the latter day
Are ne IN new era, or about to pass
into one2
HIGHER AND HIGHER.
The question is. How shall we be equal
TO our possibilities. intellectually, morally,
physically, socially? 1t is quite in keep
ing with all that is going on around us
that organizing fills the air, and our age
IS that of organization. Geology has
shown us that the progress and develop
ment OF life animal and vegetable. has
been from the ':crudis ct indigesta
moles"-the mass-to the organism. and to
higher and higher existences.
The era we live in began with the mag
nifying OF the individual man and the dis
Indignation of masses that despots owned
and ruled at their will. Social fermenta-
ton has continued for near two thousand
years. and social specialization, settle
ment and organization are following in
order, and assuring and establishing the
dignity and power Of citizenship.
Al this time clubs, associations, Gater-
mites, lodges, brotherhoods, corporations
OF every description, combines, trusts,
conventions and councils exist and are
held to an extent never before known In
the history Of the world. And this is the
working and consequence. A leading
idea, valuable discovery, a common in
tercst or desire is the moving principle.
and fires up the individual. he finds asso-
clates, and together they thoroughly in
pestigate and form power to establish,
defend and enforce their rights and pro-
mote their great ideas and enterprises.
This is tho early history OF all great ac-
complishments. the course OF crystalliza-
ton and organization. And these courses
in numberless departments and directions
effect the enlightenment the development
and perfection of the individual citizen
ana the general advance
Whatever there may be of enthusiasm
or micro personal interest in all these be-
EinninEs and processes. they are OF incal-
culable Importance. The principle of the
..selection OF the tlttest'' begins with the
organization. The man of most intell-
Gencc, life and force naturally is found IN
the lead, is president and organizer The
best and attest are selected for his staff
and counsellors. These conditions are
absolute If success Is sought. And thou
sands OF organizations have come and are
coming into existence in this way.
SCHOOL OF CITIZENSHIP.
: Every one of these organizations Is an
educational institution. &. school Of ciu-
zenship. A certain dignity and decorum
controls in the highest and lowest, and
good manners are taught. And public
opinion imposes and exacts of teachers
honesty and fidelity. Self-respecL con-
servatism and humanity are a necessary
result of organizations under our civiliza-.
ness and peace. Strangely. subordinate
orders and powers and methods In the
form OF guarantee companies, bank exa1n-
aners and protective associations compel
and ensure fidelity. good behavior and
good character and safety. Character is
necessity of business: and education is.
compulsory.
The process Of organization and crys-
tallization is IN the direction of general
order and general good. Antagonism and
strife look to mutual destruction and gem
eral ruin. Cooperation and order and
mutual regard look to unifcation and
perfection and progress.
Trusts and combines are the natural
growth Of the peaceful, wise and honor
able operation of all corporat tons and
associations IN the public service. And no
man nor body, out of the public service.
can or ought to survive. We arc all menu
beers one OF another. And the effectual
working in the measure OF every part
makes for the highest public welfare.
The sensltiveness of capital, the abso
lutte necessity OF prlrate and; public faith!
ana character. of knowledge and intelli-
gence. and the natural utilization. and Coz.
hesion Of common interests, and the iden-
tity OF personal corporate interest with
public welfare are the philosophy and
Recommendation of organizations. trusts
and comb.nes. Their existence and suc-
cess. depends on che preservation of peace.
OF order. of justice. of equity and of hu-t
manity. - -
Tho great Ideas and principles that
underlie the union OF the American States
inderlie the trusts and combines OF our
present business life: distinct as the bill
lows, but one as the sea. The good OF the
individual workman, OF the special corpo-s
ration, OF the grand whole. are NIL guarded
and promoted An the commonwealth. "A
trust lisa grand gathering and co-opera-2
ton OF citizens, and Its fundamental pria,s
ciples are character, Intelligence. energy
and mutual confidence and goodwill.
n PROPHETIC CONDITION..
Tho danger that has been regarded as
threatening our republican existence has
been that the irresponsible would rule the
Irresponsible ignorant masses under
Nemacoeneg ruling the good citizens. The