Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-08-31
LACK OF ENERENCE.
one OF the Striking Faults of Young
America.

Ia set up its temples. From a log hut
in the clearing of primeval forest to
, r4Ia,e in a great city has been a
evift transition; we are so much bet
fer of know so much better, have so
much greater advantages than our
r1andtathcrs. il is not to be expected
that We should look back to them
Why. we continually correct and help
educate our parents.
This is 4 literal statement not only Of
the thought, but of the act of Young
America" Fertility of resource and an
cvera bundant acquaintance with
words and figures are what the schools
impart: how to adapt their young
lives tn the large possession Of their
country so as to secure the creates;
possible share of its material wealth is
what this education. imparts. The
rblic schools do not teach pupils to
think" says DIR. Abbott. with a clear
emphasis which cannot be misundei-
stood. That so high an authority
should make this utterance. is: a
deep source of satisfaction to one. who
has in feebler fashion reiterated the
same conviction in the, educational
columns of the Evening Post, in years
past,
They do net think nor is the con-
science educated. And, alas, the fam
jlv is not 60 take the average PARENTAL
rule rs Standard to be- found max
ing much higher and stronger effort to
supplement the school ~ s,-sa 'e'-4
ny the education of conscience do
not mean teaching a child not to lie
,f n hal
make it liable to the punishment OF the
criminal law, but that nobler form of
moral conviction which takes heed TO
the doing unto others what we would
fain have done TO ourselves. and. that
judges its acts by the standard of. the
greatest and purest men. and abhors
the juggling of the markets and the
cleverness of the street.
Take the young mind of which you
wish to judge, girl or boy, and dex-
trously lead the conversation into the
channels where it will be at ease and
freely express its opinions. and ask
what is its ideal of right doing and wise
living. and if you can elicit re-
Spouse which discovers any standard
towards which it aims, any tradition
which is its guide. any example which
it is trying to follow, YOU will be fortu-
nate beyond your fellows.
The lad who looks up with a quick
glance of annoyance when his father
fails to use a hard c." or coyrects his
mother on point Of etiquette,
imagining that the usage of fifty years
ago means ignorance, and the social
customs Of her youth mean bad man
ncrs. has 70 use for tradition, no belief
il any authority in society higher than
his own. It is new. it i the latest
fashion. it is the latest imported fad.
and all that lies back of it is mistaken
unQucstionably mistaken.
Small things only too easily indicate
the trend Of great tides. oHly recent
~. the vehement discussion Of the
'onlv reasonable. sensible way Of be
ginning the day" was overheard among
party of young people. "Cofia" and
rolls in bed" was absolutely the only
proper fashion for breaking ones fast
Of tho night.
You have forgotten how the coffee
tastes when your mother pours il,
said the only disscntient voice, and
ten years in France would not make
me give up my buckWhcat cakes
oh, bother. Tom, YOU should go
about with starry waistcoat and
striped trousers: you were born a cen
tury too late, We ar" not called TO
follow the plough or cut few logs.
and we are here to teach the old pco-
pie how t. enjoy life and take their
ease.
The relatiyc value Of the crisp
French roll ana the brown cake or the
Saraccn. mattcrcd little, but the al
most unanimous conviction that until
now thcir. forhcars did not know how
10 ike, and that the family gather
incs around a cheerful board while
vt The day was young. had no charm,
was a straw which plainly told how the
wind Of the young century blew.
Obedience to tho can Of youth and
strength and mans use of man 5
life. never arose in til" mind of amy of
the debating group. ~ sturdy an
ccStor cried shame to the Incidence
and idlcnc@a OF unemployed brains and
limbs. The one disscnter was only
moved by his heart. in WEich a happy
hence Va! reared 4 love Of family
gatherings. ana his boyish appetite had
not yet found anything which dul!cd
it apreciatioE of schoolboy's favor
il" breakfast.
We must with all our powers. defend
thi.; column. dedicate to cheerful
Vi2nr and unuuencha bic trust in the
cleansing ana uplifting power Of united
family lif". from dre1ry views Of oul
courtry's future or unfair criticism 81
her young sons and daughters. Yet
within these lines of invincible defence
is it not right to keep an eternal vigi-
lance concerning possible defects
Even an iron-clad battleship may no
he left without the keen-eyed inepec
ton OF he" officers.
our parents had but little reason
cXpend much influence and persuasion
upon US. as to the maintenance Of tn.
ideals of American life: on subjects o
denial. of extraordinary luxury, o @
doubt that we We're really tn" hero
expression Of mans highest dnvel0r'
mont. there was no need to Sneah
Few Ct us lived in homes where none
and case were too abundant foiN1l ntA
or physical health. and rs T. belle
in our own superiority and SIC s.
we We're vain to ahsardity.
The vanity is surely now no less. hu
the reason for. its enormous gr0Wth n4