The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-15
He Appeared Before the students of
Miami University ut oxford. o.,
ON Last Wednesday.
DISCUSSION OF A LIVE TOPIC
CAUSE OF GREAT DEVELOPMENT OF
THE UNITED STATES.
A Word About Combinations in This
Country-There Are Some Great
CompensatiOns.

In delivering the annual address before
the students of Miami University at OK
ford, O., last Wednesday. John b. Elan. OF
this city. discussed a live topic-"Commer-
cial Evolution" Those who heard the adj
dress pronounced il remarkable in its
classical diction. in its demonstration OF
the orators comprehensive grasp of his
subject and in its incisiveness of expression.
The address is reproduced herewith as fol-
lows:
For three decades beginning about 1855
the most notable conflict in the scientific
world ragged about the doctrine of biological
evolution. The theory in a vague general
form was ancient. but the mighty war of
words, scientific and otherwise. was pre-
cipitated by the clear announcement and
bold application Of the principle by Charles
Darwin in 1859. AS early 1855 the strug-
gle was practically at end. The triumph
OF minute and patient observation over
poetical imaginings and traditional dogma
was complete. For many years yet the
voice OF an occasional hippant jester or
more serious disSenter will be heard in op-
position. Ex-President Paul Kruger. IL is
reported, still believes firmly that the earth
Is fiat and motionless. But there is no more
danger of a reaction against the essential
doctrine Of Darwin than there is of the
overthrow OF Newton's law OF gravitation
OF Kepler'S formulas for determining the
movements of the heavenly bodies II has
been almost twenty years since those who
seriously argued against the survival of
the fittest by evolution ceased 10 be in
teresting. The theologian and philosopher
takes his facts from the geologist. paleon-
tologist and biologist and accepts the con-
illusions that they compel. Men devoted 10
physical science leave the theologian and
philosopher to their tasks and accept the
deductions that it is their province to make
and declare.
Recalling the hot conflict and the direful
predictions made when the onset
fiercest, surprised TO find when the
smoke Of battle has rolled away that no.
body has been hurt. No creed worthy OF
reverence has been discredited and no faith
that tended 10 elevate or ennoble man
kind has suffered the slightest injury. The
chance of happiness on earth and salvation
afterward is probably as good as il ever
was. This world is a better home for the
weak and erring than il has ever been. and
from the dim twilight OF fable 10 the ample
record OF this day, history can name no
hour in which the teachings of Jesus OF
Nazareth so powerfully Influenced human
conduct as in the hour that is passing over
US.
GREAT PRINCIPLE OF EVOLUTION.
Consciously or unconsciously, Willingly
or unwillingly, the statesman has been
yielding to and enforcing the great princi-
pie of evolution in the development OF
states. Government that is worth anything
is evolved from within and not imposed
from without. Each new form grows out
China stands still.
THE most remarkable example OF growth
by territorial expansion is Great Britain
The great Queen, whose death was re-
Gently mourned by a mighty empire be-
gan her benefcent rule on the 10Th Of June.
1897. AS the martial airs OF England fol-
lowed the sun in its course on that day and
enGireled the earth they spoke Ssoz for 10
abundant rejoicing and imposing cere-
monies the account of sixty years was cast
up. There came to that great muster from
every continent from the islands OF every
ocean the representatives Of a power that
governs nearly 400 millions. or one-fourth
of the inhabitants Of the earth, and holds
dominion over an area greater than the
Russian and Chinese empires together and
six times great as the empire OF the
proudest of the Caesars. Since the days OF
passed from Wales and the Scottish border
TO the mountains Of Asia and the great
desert in the heart of Africa.
1.-The United States presents the most
striking instance of internal growth. It's
marvellous development has been the theme
of thousands of orators for more than
hundred years. 1t may be assumed that
all are now fully informed upon this sub
ject Our light has never been hid under
bushel. Whether growth has been mainly
external or chiefly internal, the law OF
political evolution has controlled forms CT
government
After centuries Of experience the wisest
statesmen OF Great Britain know tnat the
chief business of that nation among people
of another civilization is TO preserve order,
make person and property secure and fos-
ter and promote the growth Of local do
nestle government along lines to a great
degree familiar 10 those that are TO be gov
erned. No new system ready-made IN
Downing street is suddenly and arbitrarily
imposed. The destroying invader Is driven
Off few noxious weeds may be uprooted
here and there. some new ideas are soWn
as seed and the growth left 10 time and the
fofr cha r7ra for rarh
growth is a great thing for such country
as India.
LAW OF DEVELOPMENT.
Nowhere has the operation OF the law OF
development and growth OF political ideas
been more manifest and memorable than in
the United States. More than a century
ago men who will always be revered for
what they accomplished in time when the
ddsunited and jealous colonies were drifting
perilously near TO anarchy. undertook 20
strike of at one time ii fixed constitution
for the government of a people destined TO
be among the mightiest Of history. IL was
like preparing suit OF clothes for a child
that should be worn when he became a
man. The child could not remain child.
Something must be done with the clothes.
The resort has sometimes been 10 amend
ment. but more often 10 the venerable and
unrivaled art Of constituting and interpret
ing words
ANDREW Jackson said that he swore TO
support the Constitution as he understood
IL, bat his understanding Of the instrument
was sometimes a little remarkable. AS the
years passed have declared somewhat
according 10 existing eNigencies the powers
OF the executive; have developed legislative
government by congressional cOmmi ttees.
have learned at various times what Is in
cluded from the standpoint OF succeeding
generations in such terms as public well
fare what j. under changing circum-
stances due process Of law, what may be
dealt with under the pervasive and adjust
able police power. and lately that frag-
ments OF our Constitution. even though IL
be little lamely. may follow the flag 10
the antipodes. The growth Is certainly
lusty when We reflect that the instrument
was originally made for a narrow strip OF
somewhat barren land along our Eastern
border
Whether development has added terri
tory or not the memorable law OF evolution
has run Through IL all. Among political es-
Establishments the now familiar law OF the
survival OF the fttest will in the end ac-
cOmplsh It's perfect work. Inferior forms
will constantly make way for those that
are better Let earnestly hope that IL
NAV be with slight recourse 10 the brutal
methods OF war. but be wrought out during
the centuries by the no less potent influence
OF education, commerce and all the gentle
arts OF peace