The Washington times., 1901-06-30
Circulation Statement.
The American.

In the international Monthly for
July Prof. N S. Shaler discusses the
question of American Quality from
the point of view of the scientist. lie
points out the fact that aside from the
influences of heredity and occupation,
mankind wherever segregated shows
tendency to develop peculiar localized
qualities. and he then enumerates the
qualities which may be called Amer
lean.
Chief among these he places conf
dence in the unseen neighbor." He
notes the frequency of neighborhood
feuds in Europe. and calls attention TO
the division of countries into prov
inces and parishes, each with we'll
defined antagonism against its neigh
bor; and he contrasts this with the
broad patriotism which makes the
American place instructive confidence
in a man from some distant part OF
the country. merely because he is an
other American.
Other qualities which he considers as
peculiar to this country are physical
strength and size, respect for women,
democracy in the family, and merclful
treatment of the weak. Although some
of the occurrences which have taken
place in this country during recent
years. 10 say nothing of previous
events, may seem to contradict Prof.
Shaler's assertions, they are in the main
correct Mob law may now and then
prevail in certain sections, but the very
fea,. Of
course. and arouses condemnation and
protest, proves that such outbreaks are
not inevitable or characteristic of the
American people as a whole.
The influences which are brought to
bear on the formation of character
in any race or people are innumerable,
and can seldom be measured or esti-
mated exactly. Climatic influences.
the history of the founding Of the State,
its institutions, the original stock from
which the people come, all have more
or less to do with it. 1t might be said
that 50 far as growth is conscious and
deliberate. the governmental and So
cial traditions determine the character
OF the people Half dozen different
stocks are merged in the population OF
every large American city, yet, be-
cause all these immigrants came to this
country with a certain deliberate choice
of environment, being to some extent
in sympathy with our institutions, or
approving of the conditions of life in
this country, all Of them are more or
less American in character and cOnvic-
ton. That is. they differ in certain
particulars from the people Of the col
onies Of any other nation.
Climatic influences are for the most
part unnoted. but they are FAR stronger
than has been generally understood.
Despite the difference between Amer
lean and British rule. il is coming TO
be recognized that there is much in
common between Americans and Aus
tralians, New Zealanders. sand Cana
dians. This is because they. or their
ancestors, have been subjected to some
what similar conditions of life during
pioneer times. This community Of ira
dition and family history is also respon-
sible for the community of feeling
which is noted by Prof. Shaler.
The laws which govern the forma-
tion Of national character are interest
ing subjects Of investigation, and it is
10 be hoped that more authors VIII
take UP the matter in the same spirit
ehown by Prof. Shaler and some other
recent writers. The study Of this sub
ject is important in its relation to what
may be called popular craftsmanship
the judgment Of the people on great
public questions which they are called
on TO decide. Upon the wisdom and
promptness Of this judgment the char
acter and prosperity Of the people
largely depend.