The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-12-01
Ethann In Action.

There came 20 us a few days ago a
small volume entitled Ethics in Action.
Dur first impression concerning Its con-
tents was incorrect. The hero Of the
volume il not THEODORE ROOSEVELT,
but PoRFIRIO DIAz. The work il a mix
tlre, in about equal parts, Of biography,
national history and moral philosophy.
As a biography and aS q history the book
has some value and interest, but its
special importance seems TO lie In its
indication OF the lines of similarity and
the lines Of difference along which men
march TO greatness or show TO the world
the greatness that il i'm them. These
excerpts need no comment:
The character or General ETAz gill ssrvs as an
example and q model " Inc virtues for me youth
OF the country
From childhood POEFRIO was ardenty fond
Of hunting and all kinds Of manly physical ezsr-
Cises. But a aun. or any other kind Of weapon.
however chesp IL might bs. was a luxury quite out
OF the reach Of the poor student."
The man who has made our country powerful,
wealthy and cOntented. and VINO Is spoken Of as
a friend. 10 whom all attention and bonors are
pdiu Nv ut muNb DOWCINul VI ~ VIZ
while studying hard snd obtaining honorable de-
ETres In all his examinations. in his youth was &C
customed 70 give his spare hours 70 the performance
or humble duties. so as 10 provide for the necessi-
ties OF his family and for himself"
Those who know can testify that the life OF
General DtAs has from his earliest youth been one
OF temperance. SobTlety and humility"
The example Of quiet. systematic and indie
~fatgable activity displayed by General DIAz Is
one which could well be followed By that great
number or strong Young men who CONTINUALLY
complain either that they do not md work 0r els
what they have Is too hard or poorly paid"
The honesty Of General DIN1 has BEEN such
that not even hts enemies have ever attempted 10
discuss II. ~ they are satisfied mat this point In
his armor Is 80 impregnabie that Il can resist all
attacks. however intense they may be-"
Seeing THAT life lisa Cruei aud perpetual struggle.
and that weakness eau win 40 victories. 10 ls evident
that one vino Is not energetic cannot be successful
In this world. But an energy which cannot be-
lovaOlc for Its goodness nor respected for Its
Justice Is ropulLve and 0dlOus. ceases 10 DO q human
virtue aud degenerstes intO mere brute instinct.
Energetic men who ignore generosity and toler-
ance are wont To tramplo on the poor and sacrifice
everything 10 their ambitions"
lie has been and Is endowed with an eAtraor-
binary genius. But genius Is not That divine spark
which n~dIsCrlmlnately enters men and makes them
superior 10 their fellows. Genius Is self denial with
out limits. unninchIng will power. activity without
haste or confusion, and an ardent love for and an
faith In all that is good"
General DIAZ has always been ~solcitous for the
public welfare and has sought TO relieve the people
Of all unnecessary aud unjust burdens"
The life work OF General DIAz Is an example
which We should initiate In order 20 be energetic
without making ourselves hated"
From all of which We deduce that
Genius is not uniform in It's methods
a7H that ethics may find embodiment
in widely different personalities and
manifestation in widely different forms
of activity.