The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-03-03
MIR. FREDERICK HARRISON

But in the opening spoke of two
events, and having disposed of the super
intendents' gathering, I hasten to say
that the other was the visit of the dis
tiHguished critic and philosopher, Fred
eric Harrison, who came to America for
the first time in response to an invitation
to address the Union League club on
WaShington's birthday. If 1t had been
possible to make social lion out of
one of the gentleSt kindest human beings
in all the world, Mr.. Harrison would
have appeared as a lion of unusual size.
He was honored in every possible way,
and declared himself quite overwhelmed
with the unbounded hospitality bestowed
upon him. He is gentleman of probably
more than seventy years, refined, cuI-
tured genial. Those Who. know him
through his writings were disappointed
that he die not make a better appearance
as public speaker. He is somewhat
hating in manner, easily confused, and
certainly did not expect applause. which
surprised and disconnected him. His
eulogy of Washington, while it was
manifestly genuine, fell far short Of ex-
-pectation, as it contained nothing new,
and seemed lacking in appreciation of the
far-reachlng nature of the world move
ment OF Which the American Revolution
was the first successful manifestation,
and George Washington the great. calm.
heroic leader. On Sunday he delivered
an address before the Ethical club in de-
tense of the ethics of humanity as op-
posed to the religion of Christianity.
On Tuesday, at the Chicago university.
he spoke most entertainingly of the great
men with whom he had enjoyed a warm
personal acquaintance during the past
fifty years, and his list included every
noted man in the British isles of that
period. He clearly regarded John Bright
as the greatest Englishman, and while
he arranged no order of preference those
present would have named Tennyson and
Gladstone as the second and third He
spoke Of all of then-most of them have
passed away-with a gentleness and an
affection that were most touching. At
the close of his talk he said. with I'm.
usual energy:
In spite Of the railroads, the telegraph.
the trolley car and all the Wonderf11i
achievements of inventive genius in the
last hundred years, do distinctly as
Sert that the real change of life is any,
thing but as great as we imagine, We
were engaged century ago with the
same political, religious and civic ques
lions that now hold our attention On
that night he left for the East, followed
oy the good wishes of all who had seen
and heard him. His visit is deserving Of
unusual attention because we have seen
few OF that mighty group of men who
nave been holding the attention of the
y
supreme interest. This man is a splendid
representative, The most interesting
event Of his visit was the christening (?)
OF chlld according to a simple ceremony
! called The Presentation to Humanity
adopted and practiced by the Positivists.
The child was brought to his room at
the hotel by its parents, accompanied by
sponsors and witnesses. A presentation
hymn" was read, prayer addressed to
humanity was offered the pledges of
parents and sponsors much like those in
a church, except that Sin the fear OF
God and like expressions, were omitted.
were given. Another hymn was read, and
the parents signed their name in an inn
proyised register, which will ultimately
be made part of the formal register of
the Positivists' community in Newton
+ hall, London. The ceremony was doubt
{ less beautifully impressive, but after
all we can but wonder what this NTIu-
manity is to which the child was "pre-
sfnted,' and to which a prayer was adj
dAessed as if it could hear and answer
Eetition. 1t is claimed for Positivism
that it is the religion of humanity. InAs-