davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

IL is 10 their influence that the re-
ligious character of Washington life
is attributable.
In saying that Washington is
largely made up of these classes,
refer TO the permanent residents of
the city. There is a strong line of
demarkatiOn 10 be drawn between
these citizens and the transient, or
floating. population that is always
to be found in a national capital.
This latter element is composed OF
the members of the Senate and
House of Representatives, the Diplo-
matte Corps and the wealthy class,
which makes Washington its home
during a few months in the winter.
Difference in Living.
''The vast difference between the
manner of living of this cosmopoli-
tan class and the simple style of liY-
ing of the permanent residents to
whom l have referred, presents one
of the greatest contrasts to be found
in any city AS a rule. there IS lit
tie intermingling of the two great
elements which comprise Washing
toms population. In their existence
side by side we have a strange an
omaly. In the capital of a nation
that is advancing with oriooDfio
strides, we have the most cosmopoli-
tan life in the world, while another
aspect of the city's people will pre-
sent refreshing and hopeful pic
ture Of transparent and unaffected
style of living that is almost pro-
yincial in its purity and simplicity.
II am convinced that much of
religious tone is due to
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

No city in America hasa more envl-
able reputation from religious stand
point than has WASHINGTON. It Is reeog-
nized generally as city OF sobriety and
Of a high moral tone.
This is not the result of mere chance.
but is largely attributable to two causes,
one Of which Bishop Satterlee has set
forth in his interview published else
where I'm this edition. The other fact is
that Washington has always had
broad-minded and distinguished clergy.
The fact that people from all sections of
the country visit Washington and re-
side here for large portion Of the year
has served to broaden the religious
thought of the community. There is a
minimum of bigotry and doctrinsl mar
rowness TO be found here. and the pas
tors who are in charge Of church work
preach weekly 10 audiences composed of
every denomination. r p ---- ~ 49,
Washington demands a highly enlight-
sned clergy Other cities may afford pull
pits-for- men of enthusiasm. but little
culture and knowledge OF moral and
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
TRADE BODIES

Washington so that TO their natur5
abilities is added the very importan
element of confidence in the ultimate
outcome Of their undertaking
One of the matters which offers Imme-
date opportunity for willing hands is
the movement for the erection Of a
great convention hail in this city. As
pointed out elsewhere in this issue. il
is a matter which touches closely every
Washingtonisn. and the Accomplishment
OF the desired result will rebound TO the
perpetual benefit OF the National Capl-
tai in every way.
The advent OF one or two manufac-
turing plants 10 this section within the
past few months has caused the people
Of the District TO become aroused 10
the possibilities which are presented
across the Potomac, and Of the great
amount OF water power that can be de-
veioped further up the river
Should Make Clear Our Claims.
All these facts and the trend Of the
popular mind which shows a growing
desire TO nave such Industrial plants
located in this vicinity, should be duly
exploited, and placed before the eyes OF
all the great commercial and industrial
leaders in the country. The Only way 10
bring these parties TO Washington is To
let the advantages be widely known.
There is a vast number of desirable To-
cations in the country 10 which citizens
are begging manufacturing enterprises
10 come. II we would have these indus
tries we must not be backward i'm pre-
senting our claims for their considera-
ton. This is one Of the important mis-
sions OF the trade bodies and one which
VIII bring large returns 10 those who
labor in this direction.
Washington necessarily has much en-
PERTAINING TO do. for there are always
visitors in the city II should be The
duty OF these organizations TO see that
all who come are accorded service which
will make their stay as pleasant as pos
sible as an inducement for them TO re-
turn.
A Bureau Of Information.
u would not be out of place as the
Greater Washington" becomes more
and more a reality, for the Board OF
Trade and the Business Mems Associa-
tiOn TO establish a joint bureau OF in
formation fer the benefit of those who
come either sightseeing or on pros
pecting tours. Such a bureau would
be an advantage 10 any city and es-
pecially TO Washington where there Is
so much TO be seen and so many en-
ioyable features which would charm the
visitor IL he only knew where to find
them.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

for waning Of the religious spirit in
various cities one fact stands out
prominently as one of the main factors.
IL not the primary enc, in this retro
gression. and that is the fact that IN
so many communities a spirit of ami
mostly between rival denominations has
been so pronounced as 10 have caused
the sOber-minded TO turn away from
a contest OF creeds that has proven
detrimental 10 their mutual religious
advancement.
Washington's position as a city OF
high moral and religious standing must
De attributed in part, at least. 10 the
fact that the men who occupy the lead
Ing pulpits are broadgauged thinkers.
ministers who are willing TO admit that
persons can differ honestly and still be
dignifed and reasonable II is this poll
icy of charity OF spirit. more than any
charity Of purse which has made Wash
ingtons religious advancement so
marked.
With the personnel or its clergy OF
such emineBce and freedom from bigo-
try. Washington may look forward to z
future In which the religious tone OF
the community viii ever be on the in
crease, instead OF on the wane. as In
many other cities OF America
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
ART DEVELOPMENT

1t is quite natural that art should al
WAYS have occupied a prominent place
i'm the minds of Neutrality-suspicious.. The
fact that the city is the center of cul-
ture OF the nation makes it the natural
art center Of the New World. Just as
the great art galleries OF Europe are TO
be found In Paris. in Rome. Vienna. and
London. so Washington has always been
the city toward which the tendency for
art advancement has been directed.
Though Americas contribution to the
worlds paintings and sculpture is small
as compared with the great works of
Europe, when one stops to consider the
conditions under which art has been
nurtured in this country. and the ex-
ceedingly short time In which it has
had an opportunity TO develop. the re-
suits are source of pride rather than
of chagrin. = - ~
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
.CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART

be impressed all the more forcibly upon
Americans BY the advancement or
Washington in other directions. In this
particular, as in so many others. the
interests of commercial. residential,
financial and artistic Washington are
Identical. and the upbuilding of the one
means the growth OF the others.
AS all true Americans take a pride in
Washington, so all will lend their assist
ance in making it a city which the world
will recognize as ideal. Art for arts
sake must eventually have its American
center in Washington.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
Charity That inspires.

=
The work OF this organization is sci
forth in order thai a stimulus TO effort
for a Greater Washington, in this
kind of latlaaele charity may pc the
outcome. Giving assistance to me UNI
fortunate. tempered by what may be
learned through investigation as TO the
merits of a ease. is genuine charity Il
is an easy matter for those in aff1uent
circumstances 10 make their donations
10 various organizations, or to toss a
coin TO a beggar here, or a cripple there.
but the true soul of charity is only
present when there is a love for the
downtrodden and the unfortunate. ac-
campaigning the gift.
No better guide for work among the
prisoners of any city could he adopted
than that which is the chart Of the
Prisoners Aid AS stated by t4is
organization. its scope is absolutely I'M
sectarian; its object is TO save from
lives Of crime; its methods are two;
First, by sending misguided young peO-
pie TO their homes, or by procuring en-
ployment for tfem, and second, by the
separation of first offenders from old
and hardened criminals; its motto is
Prevention,
The Prisoners Aid" was the out
growth OF THE Soldiers Rest. which
was established for the Spanish War
soldiers IN 1898 by the ladies of this city,
with Mrs. Mary a. Babcock as presi-
dent. An agent was secured 10 look
after the enlisted men, and during that
period thousands were fed, given shell
ter and nursed when sick, From this
grew the present organization. which,
1t is to be hoped. will be given the moral
as well as the financial support of those
VINO are interested in the Greater Moral
washington as we'll as the Greater Com
mercial Washington.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

The Corcoran Gallery of Art in this
city is easily one of the finest of its
kind in America, while the collection Of
paintings. statuary and restored master
pieces ranks well among tile first. The
building itself is Of such design as to
bring about the best results, and the
impetus 10 art that it has given all who
have visited il has been incalculable.
Notable Canvases
While the collections are constantly
changing, there are always TO be seen
some notable canvases and pieces of
sculpture, and the loan collection is rap
idly increasing
Just as Washington IS the logical CEN
ter for a national university and other
Institutions OF a similar character, so
a corresponding increase in the impor-
lance of the National Capital as an art
center may be expected. The same forces
that make this the most desirable resi-
dence city in the world operate to make
1t an ideal location for an art gallery.
Though it can never rival the Vatican
or the Louvre, owing 10 the priceless
treasures of the past held in those
places, it may yet have one which win
be the heart of the second renaissance
of art.
The great Freer collection. despite the
difficulties which have arisen, Will no
doubt soon be added to Washington's
wealth Of art treasures open to the pub
lie. IT will indeed be a notable gain
for this city.
Many Gifts to Follow.
THE collection. We must believe, is
only nnf of many such gifts which are
to FOLLOW, for the art lover and the
philanthropist who would hope TO bene-
Al the greatest number OF appreciative
neople by his requests OF art treasures,
will inevitably turn to Washington. the
national city. rather than 10 any num-
her of cities all over the country. Here
the whole nation has an interest, while
a gift to any other city would appeal
only 10 a restricted locality. While this
fact is quite clear. even today, it viii
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

spirituaf-law. In Washington, however.
the average OF Intelligence among the
citizens is so much higher that only men
OF learning and true wisdom are able 10
appeal to their auditors. The demand
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

the fact that it is almost entirely
free from the uneducated immigrant
classes that have fiocked 10 other
cities of the New World Another
fact that has served TO raise the
moral tone of our citizens is that our
people have never had to dabble in
corrupt municipal elections. There
has been no inducement for that class
of citizens who deal in votes as
though they were merchandise to re-
main in the District.
The Spirit of Unity.
"One of the most encouraging
signs of the times in Washington is
the fact that there exists among the
various denominations here a spirit
of entire cordiality and brotberly love
"a condition so essential to the fur
Their advancement of the gospel Of
love and light
Il am an optimist. and believe that
the spirit of skepticism which has
been prevalent to a greater or less
extent throughout the world in re-
cent years, disastrous and blighting
as it is, is even now advancing the
cause of Christianity. 1t has awak-
ened the various denominations to
the realization that here is q COM
mon cause for the furtheranee Of
which all rightminded people should
strive. The attacks of skepticism
have served to solidify the ranks Of
the churches against sin and doubt.
| do not believe that people should
sacrifice their doctrinal views, under
any circumstances. Different people
have differing convictions as to
Christian truth, ana I reverence the
man or the woman who stands up
boldly for wat he or she believes to
be honest and right. But these con-
victions should not make a man mar
row and bigoted We are ali working
for those great ends SET forth in the
Lofu frayet' anu thlS sp4itl VI lei
lowship and charity existing among
the denominations In Washington
gives rise TO the brightest hope for
the continued advancement of the
cause of Christ.
This spirit of union and love will
more than counterfeit, let us hope,
the balefuI influences of those who
give little or no thought to their own
spiritual welfare or that Of others. =
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

dermined the religious tone Of com
munities. This religious element has
been part of mans life in all ages
and in al ciimes. II will continue TO be
so.
In looking over the possible reasons
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

when l came to Washington ten
years ago, after having lived in New
York all my life, / felt that there
vas a somewhat stronger religious
tone In the people of this city than
n any other place of the same size
in America; and when mentioned
this In an address shortly after my
arrival, the late Bishop Hurst. of
the Methodist Church. who was
present, expressed surprise that this
characteristic of Washington had
become so soon manifested to COM
paratiye stranger.
= 81 believe that the Nineteenth CEN
fury religious element was stronger
in Washington than in any other
.eity in America, and earnestly trust
1t will continue so. This is not a
mere matter of chance; it may be
attrih1Ited to the fact that the popu-
lstion of Washington is made up IN
so large a degree Of educated classes.
The people that GENE TO Washington
as offieeholders are, as a rule, per-
sons who have mad the benefit of a
liberal education. and have been
reared in homes of refinement and
culture. In very many cases these
men and women have secured their
nositions by merit and conscientious
endeavo:.
Chastened by Sorrow.
Another large percentage OF
Washington's population is made up
of the widows and orphans of army
and navy officers. and of men who
have been prominent in the nations
political life. These women and
children have been chastened by sor-
row and have found their comfort
and solace in a Higher Power. They
have turned to religion for spiritual
guidance. They are well educated,
thoughtful, refined, and almost too
proud-spirited. They do not wear
their hearts upon their sleeves nor
do they let others know of the trials
under which they are bearing up,
"AIl this is conducive to a nobility
of spirit which acts as a ieaVen IN
the life of the community. tending
to purify and uplift 1T and setting
forth a chaste type of American life.
Religion with such persons is ut "a
mere form, it is matter of thought
and conviction. as wel8ras of feeling.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
I NOTABLE WORK OF -as---
PRISONERS AID

who are assisted Is com fortfng and en-
cotira ging TO The student OF human
nature. 1t goes to show that deep
down in every human soul there is the
germ OF honesty and goodness, which
only needs the proper nourishment and
sunlight of sympathy and Kindness 10
make it blossom forth into uprightness
and a sense OF gratitude.
Showing of Gratitude.
The work Of the Prisoners Aid calls
TO mind the mateh1sss story told by
Victor Hugo ef3the bishop and the ex-
galley slave, Jean Vatican. and how
tie impulse for good was finally awak-
ened in the heart OF the criminal by
the gray-hairedS priest of humanity,
OF all the, money expended for these
prisoners only II per cent remains out
standing. and it is safe TO say that
much OF mis- viii eventually be- re
stored When It IS seen what a small
percentage of criminals this represents
it is indeed upi ftiRg, for il proves that
though these men have no ties and no
demands made upon them for the re
turn OF the funds advanced, except
their own censCiepces. they are faithful
TO the trust peposad ins them. Another
significant feature OF this, small .peI-
centage OF loss is the thought that prob
ably SO per ceilt of these men who were
befriended, apd who have probably been
restored to usefulness to themselves and
TO the state. would have drifted ever
lower in the scale of humanity as re-
suit OF, their shame. or Of their assoeia-
ton with other men of hardened IA,
lures and deprayed tastes
In connection with the assistance rem
dered at the courts. it should be stated
that homes have been occurred in the
District for eighty-six- of these criminals
in the eyes OF the law, employment has
been found for rs, clothing was sup
piled 20 474, and the expenses of a ply
sician's can 10 thirty 1fSnr We're said-
These several branches come under the
general work of the Prisoners Aid
SOciefV"
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

bic for the fact that the average citi-
zen of the District is a cons; ant church
goer is that so many of our people are
in the Government service. These EN-
ployes are never forced to work on sun
days nor late Saturday nights, as is the
case with persons engaged in msnufac-
turing plants. As consequence Trey
do not feel completely worn out 1shen
Sunday comes and unable TO leave their
homes.
The ministers Of Washington have one
great advantage over their confreres in
other large cities. The people of Wash
ington are, as a whole. intelligent, and
IT is not necessary for those who wish
10 gain a hearing TO appeal to congre-
cations from sensational standpoint.
fhis fact has given 60 the Washington
pulpit dignity wholly. eommendable.
There IS no vulgar, catch-penny adver-
Using OF the cloth here. as has been the
regrettable case elsewhere. While such
spectacular appeals TO people as is seen
in other communities attracts a certain
class. il is certain 40 ALLEVIATE the better
and the thinking class. And after all.
il is this latter class which is the ieaven
Of society. BY their acts and teachings
and moral suasion they can control in
large measure the others.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
Government Helps Fill Churches.

These sectarian schools bring to Wash
ington as instructors many erudite
scholars, men of international Teputa-
ton as authorities on the subjects which
they teach.
one condition that is largely response
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
THE MISSION OF

When the proper amount or enthus-
iasm is manifested. no organizations are
or greater benefit 10 a city which de-
sires 10 expand than her trade bodies.
In the case OF Washington there are
two such organizations. the Washington
Board OF Trade and che Business Mems
Association
In the making OF q Greater Washing
ton these two bodies have a wonderful
opportunity to show results. and IL is
believed that they viii not show lag
gard dispositions.
Trade bodies should and do exercise
two important functions. They act as
both press agents" and entertainment
committees for a community. They in
duce men OF means and standing 10 visit
the city and then see that they are Civ
en- every possible opportunity TO see
what Is offered as an inducement for
them u locate interests in that section.
Wsshington's Future in Trade.
There is a vast field for labor In the
partic Ilar case of Washington for the
city has cnIy now begun 10 realize that
there IS future for 1t along hitherto
unthedght of lines. If the lack OF
organizations 10 fossilize 10 a certain
degree. in times past. surely the quick
ening pulse OF progress has opened new
avenues of endeavor.
There are in the vicinity or Washing
ton sites for great industrial plants
which sooner or later will inevitably be
utilized Why should net the present
generation receive some OF the benefits
to be derived from the influx of new
people and new interests? The future
is not in doubt. The Board of Trade
and the Business Mems Association can
not make opportunities. Nature has
done that. But they can show these
opportunities 10 those who could and
would utilize them. This is one OF their
joint missions.
If legislation along certain lines is
necessary for the rapid advancement of
the city and the District. il will not do
to say that the patent need will place
upon the archives the proper statutes.
1t should be and Will be the work of
these two bodies TO see that the legis-
lators are aroused 10 the immediate
advantages TO accrue as a result of
prompt action.
Look for City's Welfare.
These organizations are merely perma-
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
A Serious Menace.

The indifference OF the more substan-
tiaI members OF a community 10 reli-
gious matters is a condition which has
become more or less prevalent every
where 1t IS n serious menace 70 the
moral tone OF the age This class still
gives freely from a financial stand
point. but they do not give their per
sonaI interest. which Is OF infinitely
greater Importance. The only means BY
which to reawaken their interest is to
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
New Churches Under Way

There has been evidence recently OF a
general growth among the churches here
that disproves the cry OF the pessimist,
as FAR as Washington, at least, is con-
eerned that the age is degenerating from
a moral and religious standpoint. PeO-
pie in Washington are today erecting
new houses of worship. and the church
societies are actively engaged In numer-
Gus charitable undertakings. Especially
is the religious movement to be noticed
in the suburban sections OF the city.
There neat and attractive churches are
going up with the residences.
Another fact that has increased the
importance Of Washington as a religious
center is that there are numer-
Gus denomina tiOnal institutions located
in and near the city. Two great univer-
sites are bringing to this city annually
youug men who are earnestly at work in
the effort 10 raise the moral standard
Of the age. These men are not waiting
until their college courses are concluded,
but begin work at once in the effort to
raise the ideals OF life held by their as
sociates in their collegiate work and
among those with whom they come in
contact daily.
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
Look for city's Welfare.

These organizations are merely perma-
nent committees OF citizens looking
after the general welfare and progress
OF the city. Those who. are the leading
spirits in both bodies are men who are
fully convinced that there is Greater
The Washington times., 1906-01-28

appeal 10 them through an enlightened
and broad minded clergy.
There are many creeds, sects, to
which various members OF society sub
scribe. but amid all the isms and scisms
Il must be admitted that the world
would be an impossible place in which
10 live IL the religious element of life
were entirely destroyed. There are men
who are physically brave enough and
strong enough 10 defy all law and
order md 10 organize a coterie OF fol-
lower Of like temperament TO prey up
on the weak, II there were not that
higher power and influence of right liv-.
ing, otherwise known as righteousness,
that deters them. In many nations in
stances have been seen where the sub
ornation Of the religious element meant
the destruction OF the highest and best
achievements OF civilization
The Washington times., 1906-01-28
Tendency to Break Away.

For some years there has been ten
dency among those living in large CEN
tiers of population 10 break away from
church influence. There are numerous
explanations for this deplorable move
ment. The atheist would have us be
lisve that It is due 10 the fact that
men and women are beginning to real
ize the absurdity Of religion. and the
belief in a Supreme Being. This posi-
ton cannot be maintained. however, for
in the majority OF cities men and wo-
men are so engrossed in commercial az
fairs that they nave not had as much
time to study oh matters in recent
years as they had two OF three decades
ago.
Research. therefore. cannot have I'M