The San Angelo press. (San Angelo, Tex.) 1897-1907, 1903-02-04


10 the San Angelo Public
Schools, q most excellent text
book 10 used, in the shape of DR..
Johnsop's History Of English and
American Literature. The author,
most wisely insists upon the fact
that an author, il not entirely the
product of social conditions, is
ut ell events largely nodded by
them. Changes in political and
religious theory he insists, are
reflected in ephemeral literature,
and every now and then, for some
unexplained reason. an original
genius of mighty Heaven-born
convictions will open up new
channel. Such q one most nm
dosbtedly 10 Count Tolstoi. In
the midst of an almost overwhel-
ming rush Of worlds selfishness
and greed, national and individu-
nj, we find the counter current of
self abnegation, broad tolerance
and non-resistance. The effect is
shown upon a gentle race as that
which recently surprised the
world by it's wonderful pilgrimage
in search of peace. In literature,
the Tolstian theories give birth to
such writer's as Edward Carpen-
ter and Clarence j.. Darrow, or
color the work of such men as
Bolton Hall or Bengough-writers
such as Maynard and J. II. Dill
lard are perhaps unconsciously,
but nevertheless largely influence
cd by him. All are profoundly
impressed with the great truth
that the object of religion is con-
duct, and that the man of wide
literary experience will find his
assent to scriptural truths more
and more won, not commanded.
1t is a deeper acceptation, more
thoughtful assimilating of the
underlying truths of religion.
And, by the way, I would say that
Mr.. Truly has received long let
ter from a gentleman in Mass,
one J. II. Means. holding mate
rerialistic views who objects to
my remark in a former commune.
cation, that true religion is I'M
selfishness." of which, ! hope,
more anon.
Mr.. Clarence S. Darrow's books
entitled "Resist not Evil" (Edi.
ton G. Kerr. 75cts.) is an out
spoken, heart whole plea for the
text:
Judge not, that We be not
judged" and his declaration
stands that "when traced to the
end, the sole theory on which
punishment is based, is that a
certain man has committed an
act of violence and crime, and
that, therefore, in some mys-
ferrous way this is to be made
right by inflicting an injury
on him." Violence in all forms
he would deprecate-whether
national or individual as entirely !
contrary to the Christian spirit.
"As the real man grows older,
less and less does he believe in or
administer munishment, and more
and more does he see the extenua-
ting circumstances that explain
and excuse every act" And here
is what l may call the local les
son. Good conditions make good |
men.
w. G. r. US, Women's Clubs,
Civic Leagues, Business Mems
Club, Church Guilds and Ladies' |
Aids should all be forces working |
towards one end-the improve
ment of social conditions. And
here comes my own special plea
Look after the boys; the grow
ing boys! IT you do not do this
with your organizations, all your
fountain buyings, library max
ings, street improvements, school !
engagements and church work Is
not the building upon rock!
MIR. barrow points out that of
old, parents had such rights over
children that a Roman father
could even with perfect propriety
put his child to death. Less and
less grew the exercise of physical
force, until to day, the slightest
administration OF corporal pun