The Snyder signal. (Snyder, Tex.) 1887-????, 1912-01-12
Hobson and His Lecture

To the Signal.
Richmond Pearson Hobson, the
Hero Of the Merrimac, who conceiv-
ed and executed one Of the most I'M
ique and daring feats known to the
history Of warfare; who kissed more
women In given length OF time
than any other man living or dead
who has proven himself TO be one Of
the most astute politicians in Amer
lea, and who stands today as the
acknowledged champion OF a ma
tional policy which would II adopted
make the United States The mistress
OF the world or would crush her in
TO hopeless oblivion, addressed
small audience at the court house
Saturday night under the auspices OF
the Young Mems Business League.
In appearance. Mr.. Hobson pears
the marks OF man who would ex-
eel. whether engaged In an enter
prise OF merit, or one of folly. Ov-
err six feet in heighth, we'll proper
toned with a military bearing and
graceful carriage his presence is
pleasing His wide. straight mouth
carries a suggestion OF William Jen-
nings Bryan, while his strong fea-
lures and penetrating eye. indicate
daring, resourceful and powerful
mind; which impression Ia strength
ened BY the high, bald dome OF his
head
Hearing him on the subject "Our
CountFy's Destiny" and knowing
him only through the public prints.
which introduced him 70 Us during
the Spanish American war AZ dare
devil boy. which later paraded him
before our most critical eyes
az "Hobson the Kisser" and which
has more recently labeled him as a
firebrand, who would rashly plunge
the United states into a devastat
ing war. most OF hearers we're sur
prised at his intellectual strength.
is moderation. the range and viril-
ity OF bis IDEAS aud the logical and
al times eloquent manner in which
he presented his views.
Briefly stated the burden OF his
lecture was. In accordance With his
well known views. that the United
States should become the Arbiter of
the worlds peace by means Of crea-
ting a powerful navy. capable OF In-
forcing her demands in any part
Of the world n is not the purpose
OF this article 20 go into details OF
his lecture though DO contained
much Information useful and in
structye even 90 those who cannot
agree with him in his conclusions.
There was however. one division
of his subject which was especially
interesting to- O. Texas audience. iu
view OF the recent contest FOR state
vide prohibition through which we
have gone
Speaking not as o. .rrll.st or a
reformer. but Simply .s O. scientific.
man taking stock OF the resources
OF the world and discussing those
thing which make against e0icien-
cy 90 civil as well as .a military iife.
/ he denounced alcohol AS the great
est enemy of the progress OF civil
cation OF the present time and the
bane and destroyer OF civilizations OF
the past Basing his conclusions larg
ely on the result OF Investigations
made by the English. French and
German governments into the con-
d.tons OF their armies. be stated
and proved that the use OF alcohol
to any extent decreases the efficien-
cy OF the user in any kind Of work.
/ especially that Of an Intellectual ma
ture. and weakens his power to re-
. sist the germs OF diseases.
The lecture closed with an el0-
/ quent account OF the battle OF san
tiago a. viewed from his cell In the
/ Spanish military prison and the
crowd departed feeling well repaid
for having braved the cold north
wind TO hear him.
HARDY N. BOYD.