The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-10-10


realize the topic in question Dissipa-
ti0n Of effort Of the intellect may con-
sist of one or both of the following
premises. Firstly, effort which is not
only futile but positively harmful. Sec
-ondly, effort which contributes an injury
in conjunction with q benefit, the bene-
fit being lost in the magnitude of the
injury.
Considering now the division first in
order, the glaring identity of the arch
evil attracts our attention immediate
ly. The victim is instinctively lured
by the gorgeous pageantry, behind
which lurk the scaly, Shiny, vigorous
lengths that clutch and muffie and hur-
ry away, to an abject dismal goal. Fur
such are the consequences of plagiar-
ism. How natural the presumption
that some specified standard of author
ity is more apt in phraseology and inf
nitely more harmonious in the express
sion of ideas, the truth of which he ap-
preciates at sight. than works wrought
thru his own humble and confessedly
inferior abilities. Besides, he is vain.
He wishes adequate ability. He thinks
he does not possess it. but, perhaps the
world is not cogniZant of the fact.
Here then is an easy mode of deception
which if ingeniously handled would
amplify and reinforce the mask, behind
which no one has, as yet, possessed the
ability or inclination to penetrate. On
the contrary some audaciOus charlatan
has actually INDUCED the efffontery of
questioning the Importance of his quail
ifications or detracting from his own
conceptions of his mental calibre.
Such objectionable bigotry, such un-
polluted gall, must be fayed, must be
humbled immediately. There is no al
ternative-bnt one coursa Vanity
dictates it. This omniscent party, who
has dared to intrude the serene domain
of prevailing contentment, shall in pen
itence form q stepping stone to some
dazzling accomplishment Fully re-
solved he casts about for adequate
means. Intellectually the complainant
does not possess the necessary proper
tion of original and potential property.
But what of that. Here on the title
page of this copy of the Philistine is q
toothsome morsel. 1t is Immediately
shared. Then there is the article read
q fortnight since. It was inobtrusive-
ly tucked away in periodical foreign
10 the prospective auditors. 1t is sue
cinct, remarkably applicable and tri-
fle biting. Altogether very desirable.
Luckily it had been saved. So goes
the quest for quarry succeeding quarry
till sufficient material has been accu-
mulated. ingeniously arranged and in
terwoven, with an Indifferent applica-
tion here and an elimination there, to
form the complete whole.
| The appointed time arrives and the
pneumatic bulwark is thrust forward.
The immediate consequences may be
flattering and gratifying, but in the e.
) nal analysis there can be but one result
1.-The odium Of discovery and disfavor;
of complete and generally permanent
rejection; a condition not in the least
analogous to the temporary failure OF
honest, earnest effort, but rs far bel "
it as malignant ignominy is removed
from sublimity and glory. There is nc
; indemnity, no salvage. The loss is to.
tai, and the primary status of the indi.
vidual has moved downward on the
scale.
+ Under this first division may also be
included that range of pursuits which
the conscience. mathematics. The
fondling of those trivial, frivolous, be-
: guiling tendencies, which most properly
} should be assigned to the category Of
: imbecility. LIDO not believe it necessary
! or permissible to descend to further
particulars under this first classifica
, ton, for am sincere in my belief thai
!, 1.-The conditions which these preliminary
J remarks are intended to index do no
J interest this circle of endeavor. TIL,
2 recital, however, tho obscure or erratic
was deemed necessary prelude to th'
? following inquiry.
Our next excursion embraces terri
!. tory tributary to the second division
: We have as prime conditions here
: normal intellect reasonably sincere il
0 its concentration, judicious in its selec
o ton, and Of comprehensive scope bu
> lsuperdciai n application, The N