The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1903-05-29
THE WORLDS MORAL IMPROVE.
MENT.

There is no intention in this article
of cutting into the apple of d:scord be-
tween legislation and moral s,lasion or
questions, outside of criminal law
which affect the well being of individ-
uals and organized society. But 1t is In
order to invite attention to the enor-
nous moral Improvement that has been
manifested in the world during the last
century, which, however due to selfish
as we'll as altruistic considerations, Is
equally conspicuous and equally bene-
fetal. The necessities of mankind, in
all the teeming relations of modern
progress, have compelled and enforced
better rules of life, and have raised the
level, moral as well as intellectual, of
the units and aggregates of commune
ties and nations.
The partition of Poland could not be
repeated in the Twentieth Century.
The reconstruction of Finland, in order
to bring the Finnish people within the
grasp of the Russian octopus, though
bad enough in itself, and involving
breach of an Imperial oath, was not an
attempt to eXterminate race, and was
denounced throughout Chris
tendon, and as a consequence percep-
tibly modified. The rebellions and at
tempted revolutions of 1S4S though po-
litical failures, largely increased the
measure of personal freedom and
wholesome legislation throughout Eu-
rope, and contributed to the consolida-
ton of Italy, the formation of the Re-
public of France, and the vast develop
ment of constitutional law, through
which eternal principles control per-
sonal tyrannes. Our own Civil War
was conducted and ended for the sup
preston of rebellion and the final
establishment of national unity, but in
tense and protracted though the con-
flict was, 1t was pervaded and followed
by the amenities of civilization.
These are conspicuous and suggestive
examples of the outcome of modern
and experience. But, even
more marked is the progress of the
world in relation to individuals and
society. AS examples, the vice of
has diminished and the
purity of women is more effectively
protected. A hundred years ago, and
until a much later period, naval and
officers, at least many of them,
Of all recognized nationalities, when off
duty, commanded respect by the hard
ness of their heads and their amorous
successes. Now, in every known SER
vice, conspicuously in the United States
and in Great Britain, officers, who be-
come intoxicated or who misuse their
opportunities, are not only liable to
reprvmand and dismissal, but are
lespised by their associates. A hun
lred years ago, the social value of
was distributed into grades,
from the man who could absorb one
bottle of port to the heroic imbiber of
,our, and he who could not drink hard
liquors besides was regarded as a fledg-
ing. In these days, drunken guest at
| dinner party, even of stays, is thor |
,ughly disgraced, and, where both sexes
ire represented, gentlemen usually rise |
With the ladies. In governmental de- |
'artments, in railroad systems, in i'm !
)ortant business enterprises of every |
description. the rule of sobriety is en-
orced, and, through all the strata of |
population, to a considerable degree is !
observed. There are many
places in which even cigarettes are |
abooed The unwritten law has been |
ldopted or revived, that, under the ,
'ain of exclusion and degradation, |
wives, sisters, and daughters are shield |
ID and guarded not only by their nat
lral protectors, but by every man who
S not reprobate and an outcast.
The world advances morally and f.
piritually, as well as materially, and
he intricacies and complexities of the
'wentieth Century demand and receive
he sanction of the Moral Code. Now,
S in all past history the pessimlsts are
lere distractions in the upward march.