The age-herald., 1902-03-09

people. In spite of our republicanism and our highly praised democratic simplicity there is in our people love of display, of show that springs into life at the slightest bidding. We prattle a great deal about equality and recognize grade distinctions, we talk a great deal about simplicity and all aspire to eclipse. our neghbors. Thackeray said there was on- ly one thing he liked better than a duke and that was two dukes. Our Americans by the very fact that they are equals in law strive all the harder to lift them selves above the level in society. Hence the tremendous ambition of individuals.
 During the past few years certain fam lilies have acquired enormous wealth and influence. They have surrounded them selves with the accessories of wealth and thereby have become. as it were, removed from the plane of equality. The feudal lords of mediaevial times and the peers and princes of England and Germany in these days are nearer to the common people than are the families of the Cap tains of Industry" Indeed they are so far away and so far above the people that they are themselves objects of in- terest. The people recognize this and on occasions such as attended the receptions to Prince Henry, they found their at tention divided between the Prince and the individuals who surrounded him. This was particularly noticeable at the Metropolitan Opera House. and at the breakfast at Sherry's.
 Again let a European say: You Amer jeans have no aristocracyr' and it is ten to one in New York City, Boston, Phil adelphia, Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans. there would be an indignant reply. Certain persons would be pointed out as belonging to the aristocracy. True 1t Is, titles of certain kind are neith- CT used nor recognized in this country. except when they belong to foreigner
 and then-they are greatly prized Was not the great social interest in Prince Henry rather because he was a noble of mgh degree rather than because he was the representative of great nation |? Did not the interest of the people center more in the individual who was the brother of king, rather than in the visitor with mission of good fellow snip between nations? quality is not na- tural. It is wholly artificial; 1t belongs 10 civilization. The love of princes, of rulers, of chiefs and the reverence and homage to power is a natural instinct. strength always dominates; it matters not from what source 1t flows The pos- sessor Of It Is always respected and court ed' In the rudest condition of barbarous men. which precedes civilization, there is always man who possesses supreme power. All the races from which the American has sprung recognized a chief They did him and his family honor. Laws or heredity may be controlled but not obHterated. It exists in the American people. Power emanating from political organizations, from financial combina
 tions and the control of property are recognized in the United States. Indeed In no country Is the politician, the fnan- cier and the capitalist more worship ped than in this republic. A Crocker. A Rockefeller and an Astor are uncrowned kings In view of this may it not be sus- pected that the respect power inspires may spread out to embrace first rela- tions and then intimates?
 If the plain unvarnished truth couId be told there are thousands in this conn try who would quickly reconcile them selves to a social court and titles. with al, the etiquette and tom fooleries of mon archies provided it in no way affected their rights in law, their status as citi- zens, or their form of government Pv this, they would acquire recognition .s a class. dignity and importance. Are we not dangerously close to 1t?