The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-26
SATURDAY. JANUARY &c, 1901
WHy WE LEAD.

In connection with a recent speech OF
Lord Rosebe-y The London papers are
still discussing the question Of American
rivalry in Industry and trade. The Lon
don Times attributes our leadership 10
two prime causes. The choice given to
YOUTH it says, is the chief secret of
the amazing enterprise exhibited by :he
American iron and Steel trade during the
last dozen years. Youth gets a position
which is supposed here TO belong to long
experience. There it is believed that for
business purposes demanding energy and
fresh perceptions a man OF thirty IS as
good as he is likely TO be-
The second reason given by The Times
IS that the American takes his pleasure
in what he is cong and is not afraid TO
admit that he IS in pork or in grain, il
The fact be so He is curious as to all
that affects his business, and he is open
TO new ideas in 4 way which is unusual
with the Engiisilman.
The Spectacle thinks that the cause Of
England's falling behind is The refusal of
English wclkmer. Under the influence of
trades uni3as. 10 render an honest equiv
aienI for their wages We referred to this
in anotaer article on this subject ser-
eral days ago. We believe says the
Spectator. THAT il deputation of British
trades unInnistS of the best type were
To visit America and conduct a thorough
investigation of trade conditions there,
they would return convinced that their
duty to their worlmen in future would
be best discharged by encouraging the
universal practice Of the best and hardest
work compatible WI health during rec
ogriized working hours
Still again, a writer in the Contempt
rary Review argues that a Democratic
people Will always outstrip an ar;sto-
cratic people in Industry, because a Dem
ocratic people have no better taste than
TO enjoy their toll; that the g.ear centres
OF industry Will gradually pass from Eng
land to lands where the English stock
has developed Democratic conditions Of
society, and England itself will never be-
come democratic: that it will remain
aristocratic because the love of a lord is
a deeper sentiment than the desire for
equal opportunity; that more ana mora
England VII become the pleasure place
for the Idle rich of the Western world
VINO have ceased 10 love their work and
have developed social aspirations for an
aristocratic kind, and wish to have better
personal service than can be found in 4
Democracy.
Sitting ali this down to the fact We come
to the bible principle of free agency and
tie American principle of liberty. The
Creator of man made him a free agent,
which means that man was put into the
world With absolute power TO regulate
his own conduct, 50 far any inter
ferencc on the part Of the Creator is
concerned. II is 4 matter of volition VITA
him as 10 whether fac viii do right or
wrong, whether he VIII be energetic or
;ezy. whether he VIII advance or retro
grade OF course man Will be responsible
hereafter 10 his Creator for his actions
bat he is left free 10 work out his own
sai.a;.on in This world.
Bat certain Eigh and mighty men. ever
SiliCt l.ie NoIJu bt5ili, nave didpealtu "
themselves exclusive rights and privileges,
have organized themselves into a ciass.
and have assumed to lord it over ifaeir
feilo.s. The alisiacrats have claimed Cor
themselves the fat of the land ami the
further right 10 use the people of other
classes for their profit. And 50 sprang
up the teaaal system and other systems
auaer wiaica the few waxed fat at lie
expense of The many.
Bat Ills great republic was built upon
different isrinctr!e. a"e started out vita
e:,e eec.araiicr- X -:s.. a:e ;-.e-toa
Tree ard equal. and that each ANA every
e.aa has certain inalienble rights, OF
which he cannot be lawfully aerriVes',
NC incorporated into cur Declaration OF
Independence and into cur t.aRs.itsiien
The God. sis'en principle Of fire. agency
and We yaid TO every citizen of the 'fs-
public So at.ead and work cut your own
salvation. aal no restraint shall be put