The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-10-21
GARY WARNS OF"ISMS"M
x AT
False Teaching Spreads, lie
Says, at Induction Of Presi-
dent MacCrackcn.

EAsroN, Pa, oct. 20.-Elbert II. Gary
chairman OF the board OF the United
States Steel Corporation. issued n warn
ing against 'isms'' Of all kinds when
speaking here to-day at the induction
Into office Of DIR. John II. MacCracken
as the ninth president OF Lafayette Col
lege. The celebration was marked by
the comforting of nineteen degrees and
by an addrees Of acceptance delivered
by the new president, In which he ex-
pressed high hopes for the future of the
college.
Mr.. Gary In his address said in part:
Though less noticeable and perhaps
temporarily interrupted by the con-
Migration CT Europe there has been for
many years an Increasing agitation
throughout the world. including the
United States. In favor OF certain 'isms'
Incl are calculated TO sap the very
foundations of economic justice. These
vicious doctrines have taken different
forms In different places. but the pur-
pose has been the same. With increased
facilities for the distribution of infor-
nation and with special effort on the
part of would-be leaders whose motives
are questionable. the movement has as
surned threatening proportions ana has
excited the deepest interest. II not the
fears. of the best thinkers and the tru-
est patriots of the day. Carried to its
logical conclusion II attacks even civili-
zation itself.
For the purpose of briefly discussing
the subject the people Of this COUNTRY
AT least, may be divided into three gem
eral groups:
Those who advocate the forcible dis
trioution OF the propert of others with
out Offering any equivalent those who
are designated capitalists, and others,
comprising the large majority. who should
and must eventually solve these aues-
tons, on the basis OF universal and
eternal Justice. This basis furnishes
the panacea for most OF the contro-
vcrsies of the world.
Many OF the leaders of the first
mentioned group are self-a ppointed and
are bad at hear.
May Government Even.
Whatever our individual notions may
he concerning the isms' now in mind.
i think we must admit they ave been
growing in importance and that there
is a possibility of their increasing to
p~erilous proportions, involving the ma
tional Government itself.
These hints ave not been intended
to sound a note of alarm. I am an
optimist. with all the term implies. hav.
ing a firm belief in the stability and
permanence of the Government OF this
country. Moreover. l believe II Is only
"A question OF time when efforts in be-
half of these ~propagandas win be a thing
OF the past. provided the subject is
treated sensibly and fairly by those who
oppose them.
1T is believed the dogmas have re-
ceivei more or less announcement in
"A few institutions of learning and per-
haps in some so-called cllgious bodies
In this country and other countries. II
this be true II is unfortunate and in
excusable. The support OF a bad cause
under the guise of education or religious
teaching is harmful in the extreme. II
is a travesty on morality. Thu efforts
Of those engaged in these practices have
been harmful and should be combated
In every fair and reasonable way"
The time is ripe for the nj reduction
into business methods OF high ideals
and this has been recognized by IA large
majority OF the business men of the
United states. They must admit hat in
the past they have not always been just
in their treatment of others. They have
been selfish and arrogant. They have
occasionally given good ground for
complaint.
1T is not certain that business men
have always treated their employees ex-
actly right. ! am not sure that en-
ployees have always been paid adequate
compensation for their services.
improvement Among Employers.
The average employer of the day Is
giving thought and consideration as
never before to the interests and welfare