New-York tribune., 1908-09-05

Dr. Gerrit Smith. in The Etude.''
In this connection the words of woman who
lwas adept at packing trunk must have
been full of truth. when she remarked that
packing a science which had for its founda-
tion number of other sciences.
Furthermore ito follow out this analogy).
lit would be difficult to pack a trunk, having
none at hand would it be quite futile for the
student not possessing constitutional talent to
attempt 70 become an organst. since this is the
first needed element for success in him who has
wisely chosen his calling And by this is also
meant the warmth and vigor impaired to a
mans ideas through superior bodily stamina.
Intellect ii weak body is like gold in a
spent swimmers pocket OF what use is it
that your mind has become vast granary of
knowledge. il you have not strength to turn
the key?
It is told Of Cicero that he became at one
period OF his life a sufferer from dyspepsia. The
orator hastened not to the physicians. but to
Greece. where he flung himself into the gym
nasiuIn for two entire years, and then returned
TO the struggles of the Forum sound and vigor-
Gus Had he remained dyspeptic he might
st have written his beautiful essays on old
age aad friendship, but he never would have
puverized Catnne or blasted Anthony with his
Egh!nings
To the strong hand and strong head, the
capacious lungs and vigorous frame fall and
always will fall, the heavy burdens. and where
The heavy burdens fall the great prizes fall, too
In this particular branch Of the musical profess
sion we need strong muscles and cast iron
backbone, flexible joints, two legs and several
pairs of hands II has been proved that two
legs are indispensable, since it is only in the
recent evolution of the species that organists
have had than one leg.
Samuel P. Warren once asked by an
earnest thinker as to whether ii were better
for organist to have long body and short
legs vice versa. He replied that he thought
ct made great difference, provided one leg was
not longer than the other We all know, how
ever. that in this profession. even as in Others,
one leg occasionally gets pulled trifle.
ADVOCATES INTEREST IN SPORTS.
/ advocate then most strongly for the organist
an interest In all sports which not likely to
Cripple his facility Such are skating, dancing,
swimming, rowing riding golf.
The first two OF these are wonderful helps
toward strengthening the important ankle joint,
and giving grace and dexterity to pedalng. The
second two are excellent for the legs, shoulders
back and forearm: the last teaches judg-
ment patience skill and courtesy, and keeps
him muscle free all his life
The strain which organ practice (and there
should not be too much OF the latter imposes
upon the spinal nerves and cord is not always
not unlikely that sooner later the attendant
evil results Of extending the arms i'll un-
natural position will be seriously felt.
Let then the who is stripping for this |
race of life account time money wasted |
that contributes in any way to his physical |
health. that gives tone to the stomach or de- |
yeopment to the muscles. 1t is the pace of |
this age that kills, and need all the healthy
anlmaIsn" that can be obtained to fit for |
the struggle. HE who lacks this physical abil- |
ity may live useful and reputable life-rnay |
even become first-rate second-rate man, but |
he must not think to command
It would be worth while to speak at some |
length the value of mental and moral equip |
S1ent but it is impossible in this short space.
We all differ in tastes and sentiment, but the |
vast storehouse of knowledge is open to all, and |
the key of this is reading and study. BY this |
Is meant not only the requirement of knowl |
edge which bears directly upon professional |
duties. but the added strength of accumulated |
wisdom in all departments of life.
A chain of two links is not of much |
avail: and chain is stronger than it's weakest |
link Well for us if nave mental and |
moral equipment which tGs also sentiment The |
former will lend color e7d inspiration to our |
work and thoughts, the latter viii restrain, yet |
strengthen and expacd methods.
Napoleon thought Tar the sum of all arts. A |
great musician ttought the value of the Seven |
Years War lay in the opportunity it gave for |