The news & observer., 1901-02-24

of the opinion that it has been negative.
organized by capital and the despotism
built up by labor are far more danger
Gus to the we'll being of mankind than
all the various forms of oppression exist
ing at the beginning of the nineteenth
century. Mr.. Lacky, in his History or
Rationalism. tells us that the decay OF
dogmatic religion has been followed by
great outburst of humanitarian philan-
throphy; which is no doubt true. We are
softer than our ancestors. Jails, work
houses, insane asylums, are evidences OF
an increased reluctance of man to tor
ture man. But whether this will be per-
manent or not remains to be seen. Mr.
William T. Stead is of the opinion that
it will not. and bases his belief upon the
general acceptance in politics of the doc
trine of the survival of the fittest; which
he says, is now being Openly acted upon
as justification for the butchery of ma
tions." But, although the close of the
century saw three wars being waged in
different parts of the world by civilized
nations, for the purpose, many would
say, of crushing human liberty and gain
ing new territory, we are optimistic
enough to believe that the result will be.
not loss of freedom, but emancipation
from the chains of ignorance.
He was followed by Mr.. j. J. Lilies
whose speech was on the March of In
ventions." Mr.. Lilies was very optimistic
in his ideas of what may be accomplished
in the near future.
He closed as follows:
~ H. 4I.Nf t,N1rn fita
triumph of the world we feel sure that
the practical, sagacious, science loving,
science-using American will lead the way
Just as he has done in the past century.
At the close of the nineteenth century
the American people stand before the
world in a light SO imposing, SO splendid
so inspiring, that its rays will project
forward through many centuries to come
Their manhood has been tested by the
severest trials, but they have come out
triumphant in the face of all opposition
and in spite of obloquy, misrepresenta-
tion, discouragements and distress, and
with environments that would have
caused weaker people to despair. By
their stern will and no less stern muscle,
by their almost supernatural acuteness
and power to discover agents of useful
ness in natures laws, they have written
their names upon the eternal rolls of
fame. They have demonstrated of what
stuff they arc made. By the exercise of
the same lofty purpose, the same direct
ing ability, the same indormitable will,
the same unwearying industry, the same
love of scientific study and mechanical
adaptation, the, must at the end Of this
century be by far the greatest of the
dominating forces of the world.
The next speech was by Mr.. T.. w.
Bonitz, and was one of the best made.
Mr.. Bonitz was very enthusiastic in his
delivery, and his speech had been well
considered. His subject was: Some sug-
geStions for the elevation of labor, and
it resolved itself into four heads: 1. Educa-
tion both classical and technical; 2. The
abolition of child labor; 8. The establish
ment of public libraries, and 4. Trades
unions. Mr.. Bonitz was literally cheered,
and seemed very popular.
The judges then retired and while they
were deliberating the band played a
number of popular airs.
Judge Shepherd announced the decision
in brief speech, and introduced Judge
Connor, who delivered the medal. Judge
Connor's remarks in delivering the medal
were very humorous, and were heartily
cheered. Capt Carraway was called upon
for a speech and kept the audience in d
roar while he was speaking. The exer-
cises closed amid inspiring music by the
A. and M. band.