New-York tribune., 1907-05-10
PROF. SELIGMAN TALKS.
american Ethical Union Holds Con-
UenfiOn.

The American Ethical Union began it's annual
meeting last evening at the Ethical Culture School,
6Sd street and Central Park West Nearly a hun
dred delegates were present, representing a dozen
more cities The majority of them came from
Philadelphia, Boston. Chicago. St Louis and
Brooklyn. The programme for the convention calls
for an extended series of meetings covering the
remainder of the week
Professor Edwin r. A Seligman president OF
the New York Society for Ethical Culture vel
coined the delegates and congratulated the So
cietes their increase in numbers and usefulness.
"Our movement. II is said, is less ephenle-
raj in character, and our leader to disap-
pear 1t would go the way of many supposedly
similar movements in the past" he said. ITO this
criticism the present meeting is the best answer.
Our movement from it's humble beginnings Of
almost a generation ago has far transcended
not only the limits of any community. but also
the confines of any country. The ferment
is working in mems minds in places and nations
far removed from each other. and the recent crea-
ton of the international union is eloquent
proof of this fact. AS each nation has, to some
extent. at least. its peculiar ethical problems
to solve. IL is fitting that should discuss at
periodical reunions questions OF deepest actual
Importance to ourselves. We must regard these
conventions as OF the surest and most efficient
methods of welding together interests and Of
helping TO perpetuate the movement which we
have SO close at heart
S. Burns Weston of Philadelphia also made a
short address of welcome behalf of Philadelphia
Brief statistical reports were made by representa-
tives of the various Cities all showing pro-
nounced interest generally in the ethical movement
throughout the country. T. A Allinson of Chi
cago told of the work in that city. where they had.
he said two separate bodies in the movement
distinctly conservative and the other distinctly
radical. W. A. Brandenberger. OF st. Louis, said
the educational side OF the movement had at
tracted many there, but that they later discovered
the need OF moral support, which the society gave
them The illness or their leader had really oeen
shown them unexpected strength in their own
ranks.
Miss Addicks of Philadelphia. read a letter
address written by Dr. Taylor. of that city, telling
DelmaS told of the experiences Of the unions
est member in Brooklyn. Mr. Delmas said for some
reason II seemed 10 be further from New York 10
Brooklyn than from Brooklyn to New York, and
for that reason he supposed the Brooklyn society
would have TO do most OF the visiting.
Miss Isabel Eaton. secretary of the New York
society told of the extended work during the year
OF that organization and was followed by Pro1eS-
Leslie Willis Sprague, one of the leaders OF
the brooklyn society. Professor SpragUe addressed
are delegates length in favor Of the formation
of a lecture bureau to extend information and the
larger development of the ethical movement
throughout the country Such a bureau could be
formed. the speaker believed, under his plans with
no great difficulty. and its helpfulresS quickly
shown by its accomplishments.
Mrs. Anna Harlin Spencer reported plans for
the establishment of a summer school of ethics
conducted along the lines of the familiar summer
schools. She thought it would prove beneficial 20
advocated the establishment of normal classes In
moral instruction for the preparation of teachers
in that line Of work. The last address was made
by Felix Adler, who welcomed the delegates and
spoke OF the work to be accomplished during the
convention, which, ne believed. would prove OF
great assistance 20 all of those in attendance