Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1904-08-05
Improving the Race.

new science mas been lnaugurated.
II Is called "eugenics" and relates 10
the improvement OF the race, chiefly In
a physical way. In a word, IL concerns
the breeding of stronger children. Pro-
fessor Francis Galton, the famous Eng
lish biologist. says of the new science:
THE aim Of eugenics is to represent
each class or sect by its best speci-
mems, causing them TO contribute more
than their proportion to the next gen.
eration; that done, TO leave them to
work out their common civilization I'm
their own way"
What can "A learned society do to
further such science? Professor Gal.
ton suggests the following course Of
procedure: First, dissemination of a
knowledge of the laws of heredity so
far as they are surely known and pro-
historical inquiry into the rates with
which the various classes OF society
have contributed TO the population at
various times; third, systematic col
lection of facts showing the circum-
stances in which large and thriving
families have most frequently originat-
ed; fourth. study of the influences
affecting MARRIAGE; fifth, persistence
In setting forth the national importance
of this kind of study. Says the writer
in conclusions:
"There are three stages to be passed
through before eugenics can be widely
practiced. First, 1t must be made ia
miliar as an academic question until
its exact Importance has been under
stood and accepted as fact; second
ly, It must be recognized as subject
the practical development Of which is
in near prospect and requires serious
consideration; thirdly, 1t must be In
troduced into the national conscience.
like new religion. 1t has indeed
strong claims to become an orthodox
religious tenet Of the future. for eugen-
les co-operates with the workings of
nature by securing that humanity shall
be represented by the fittest races.
What nature does blindly, slowly and
ruthlessly man may do providentiy,
quickly and kindly. As 1t lies within
his power, 50 it becomes his duty to
work in that direction, just as it is his
duty to be charitable to those In mis-.
fortune. The Improvement Of our stock
seems one Of the highest objects that
can be reasonably attempted. We are
ignorant of the ultimate destinies Of
humanity, but feel perfectly sure that
1t Is as noble work to raise its leve
as it would be disgraceful to abase It
l see no impossibility in eugenics be-
coming a religious dogma among man
kind, but its details must first be work
ed out sedulously in the study. Over
zeal leading to hasty action would dc
harm by holding out expectations Of
near golden age which would certainly
| be falsif1ed and cause the science to bt
discredited. The first and main point
is to secure the general Intellectual ac
ceptance Of eugenics as hopeful and
most important study. Then let its
principles work into the heart of the
nation which will gradually give prac
tical effect to them in ways that W.
may not wholly fOresee."
1t surely is time that matters Of this
sort be talked Of in purity and frank
ness. The upbuilding Of the race II
every possible way should become .
passion with us all The chief question
of life is not what can 1 do to ge
rich?" or What can do to become
notorious?" or even What can do tt
save myself" but What can l DO t
make the world better?"