The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-06-02
80 Vy4@tg ~ 1r-ra.N--slses,
now the multitgds galt for q leader.

Alas, they are Ditch 2eeseeivedl
There seems no longer to be stable
equilibrium in anything. 1t is not the
religious world only that is tempest toss
ed. There never was a time when soci-
ology was so much studied as at present,
and yet the sociological condition is
chaotic, There never was a time when
questions or government were so argued
and discussed as at present, and yet gov
eminent seems to be less understood
than ever before. There is an expression
Of universal regret that our supreme
court cannot agree upon questions arising
under the constitution, and all seem to
agree that the views of the judge that
alone determined the great constitutional
questions relating to our insular pos
sessions We're the weakest and most IL
ioSlcaI OIL any expressed by members Of
that august tribunal. How are we to de-
termlne who is right and who is wrong?
certain ministers have made the usual
criticism upon art and the drama, a
criticism that is repeated two or three
tlmeS year. They find but little good
in art and none at all in the drama I
have seen but little and know but little
of either but what l know of both is
good, at least what l know by personal
observation. l scarcely think that true
art or true drama can hurt any one,
though do not positively assert this. A
lew evenings since L saw Otis Skinner,
MISS Robson and Mrs. Lemoyne In
Brownings beautiful drama, I'm a Bal
cony. The stage mounting, scenery,
etc, were marvels of taste and beauty
anu there WAS Il refinement, a 06lCaCY,
a harmony in the presentation that could
but appeal to what was best in human
nature. The play was Superbly acted
and the great truth, too often over
looked, that every act must bring it's
natural consequences was plainly and
Enthusiastically brought out The del gnt-
tul incubation of tone and the exquisite
control of the voice gave to the wonder
IuI poem the effect of a song that went
straight to the human heart The force
ca the central thought, the dominating
ldea, that truth alone can be trusted is
not perhaps sufficiently shown in all
dramas, but in those where it is shown
there is strength. There is no doubt that
4pSen s power as dramatist lies right
nere-that truth alone brings fulillment
or nope. and that the consequences of
every evil act are irreVocable. If the
drama teaches this lesson it is doing
good in the world. and l wish every man,
nave nave seen these capable players in that
drama. 1t was preceded by a little one
act play entitled, I'm the Land of the
hnatltif,, Desire and this, too, was as
man longing could make it. / do net
question that there are many improve
ments possible for the stage but to one
looking only for what's good and bene-
Hclal, believe the stage can help.
School legislation is not sa .isfactory as
II STANDS a present. The teachers pen
sion act was amended to death, at least
II seems scarcely possible that it can
survive the governor, to the very great
disappointment of the teachers of the
state, vetoed the law enabling school
u!StrctS With small enrolment to COM
plne; This measure was regarded as a
most excellent Cna, and the action of the
governor is condemned by many. The
attempt to introduce free text books irto
the four lower grades of the Chicago
SCHOOLS, which at one time seemed as
sured Of success has failed. The work
OF the famous committee of 100, after
all, its meetings and learned discussions
evidence bp I'D
Journment of the legislature. And yet
the work was not without some compen-
satlon. The names Of the members were
often before the community.
A great many mornings, as l have
walked abroad. the juxtaposition Of the
University of Chicago and Of the Home
reflect upon the strange and varied con-
ditions of human existence. The build
1ngS Of the two institutions are separated
by a block and from the upper rooms
of the hospital the hopeless invalid can
look upon the grounds and into the build
ings where thousands of young people
daily assemble to prepare for life the
end or latter part of which, for MANY at
least, is plainly portrayed within it's
walls
On my right hand are the crowds of
young people fun Of hope and of high re-
solve; on my left are those to whom the
door leading to healthy happy existence
is forever barred. 1 suppose the young
people seldom think of their neghbors,
Jul DIN sure NISlOIlS Oh d ndppy nome
and of a day when the world was fair
and full of promise must come into the
minds of these poor, suffering people
sometimes when they see the young life
all about them. I am surprised that the
trustees of the university have not OBJ
jected to the proximity of this institu-
ton; perhaps they will yet do so. And
yet, sanitary conditions aside, I am not
sure that one of the great lessons of life
might not be taught by allowing the
hospital to remain where it is: am not
unaware Of the possibility of a morbid
tendency, if the sociologists were to
make practical use of this opportunity,
but the question is still an open one.
This NOR ling as 1 took my usual walk,
on my right the long lines of students
were pressing forward to their places of
daily toll, where resolve and hope and
determination center in the old motto,
1--WE must labor" On my left, in front
of the hospital stood hearse and sew
eral carriages-and the Old old thought,
that I have heard uttered so many times
in solemn, measured tones, These do
rest from their labors," > came into my
mind. Here are the beginning and the
end, and wherefore is it all? Let those
who stand in pulpits and at affairs this
day tell us. "A. J. Smith.