New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-25
HousesVfUes Exchange.
ETHICS OF PRIZE GIVING.

II is always difficult, in studying the ethics of
any subject draw the precise line between the
points Of right and wrong. Prize giving has its
legitimate use in stimulating The dull nd back
ward scholar and in giving healthf'l zest 10
many an athletic sport especially if the prizes are
not competitive, but are conferred upon every one
who attains a certain prescribed degree of excel
lence But when the getting OF prizes takes lead
ing instead of subordinate place in any contest
We are making master of that which should be
only servant. This is common error in many
phases of lie and always loads 10 graver mis-
take. than we at first realize, because of the
RELATIVELY Of evils When the securing of prizes
becomes a passion, and takes the place Of tire
higher ana unselfsh motives by which we should
control our inherent selfshross. then, indeed, do
prizes and tn, love Of them become menace to
our higher spiritual purpose in life. And seeking
TO promote charitable enterprises by offers or
prizes Is putting a premium on the worst ana most
insidious forms of gambling. This is one of the
most serious mengces to true spiritual interests,
and conflicts in its inmost character. and purpose
with the fundamental love OF humanity on which
the Christian religion is founded and OH which
the true unselhsh love of The nelghbor rests.
And this tendency TO obtain benefits without rem
tering sufficient service for them is just now dis
3strouslv rampant in all classes OF society-so
much so that it is entering the field OF our
charity work, which. OF all work should have only
uuselhsh and spiritually consecrated motives fo7
lis moving and central purpose.
The Dassion for cheap goods or the desire 10 get
something for less than its real value and the
mania for bargains so prevalent at the pres
eut ,av that We may behold in them possible
v,arnine 10 heIr rs to keep eyes open 10 the
real principles which should govern In all our deal
Dgs with or fellow men, namely, service ana
giving instead OF dominating and taxing We
must coil a halt this passion Will Gull our sense
Of rain and wrong, and leave us 10 the mercy OF
,Iir Ii1ur:l selnsf impulses. instead or the up
G1nl11ug III our highest ana best capacities Tor
10, = nj The ncichhor, which should be oCr m@stci
Ia give categorical statement TO me principle
iDvnIy.d we may say that love FOR the nelshuor
20 me ayy of heaven while getting IRON the nelsn-
,nr mar for which YOU not give aim an eQulN1-
ie1t-and his is me essential prin. lple OF the
p,,mbIing Iludness-is the law OF nell II Is not
alone Exhibited j gambling dens; II belongs as
vii IN legitimate modes o. conducting business.
rrize giving though apparently harmless, on aG-
count Of tho insignhCanCe Of the values involved,
is me same in principle is the rage for getting
yyithsut giving which in its Vrule1t manifestations
leads 10 practical. oven when legal. robbery, and
ii cuddor the beginnings of the greater lust Like
tiger cubs which seem harmless and as play
ful a. kittens but which later become devouring
beasts OF prey prize giying-though seemingly in
nocent-inoculatcs the soul OF the man the
woman who INDUCES in It's allurements with the
virus Of the great get-rich-quick frenzy which Is
now cursing business world.
Elkhart. Ind. CI>ACslNE b. MANN.