Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-01
Our Better World
BY H. ADDINGToN BRUCE.

In these grim days of a great war; with hor-
rors SURPRISING those of the Dark Ages, the ten
dency is strong to take a gloomy view OF humanity
and the universe.
Plausibly it can be argued that Christianity
and civilization have been proved failures, that the
world is worse not better than 1t was in the long
ago. An indictment many counts can easily be
brought against mankind.
But could such an indictment actually be sus-
tanned? Think bit, brother, you who are inclined
to range yourself with the croakers and the pess-
mists.
If it be true-as it undeniably is-that the
world has not yet progressed to the abolition of
war, is it not equally likely that 1t has steadily
progressed in innumerabe other ways?
Nay we not find amid the horrors OF the
great itself proof that the world is far better
than it used to be?
In earlier days wars victims would have been
left to perish miserably. The peoples not at war
would have gone about their business, Indifferent
to the misery, the agony, the suffering of the war
stricken.
Today 1t is otherwise. From the war-free
countries-notaby from the United States-relief
workers have hurried to the lands where desolation
reigns. -...s
Colossal sums of money have been contributed
for relief work. Relief ships have carried cargo
after cargo of food for the starving Hospital sup
plies incalculable have been forwarded.
Get this picture of human sympathy In your
mind brother. Then contrast 1t with the picture
history draws Of the callousness of the outside
world when nations were convulsed by war In the
distant past.
few other things I would call to your atten-
ton.
The friendless poor the sick, the insane, the
wrongdoer-do you appreciate how great the con-
trast is between the treatment they receive today
and the treatment given them in earlier times?
Today we have benevolent associations 1nnum-
cradle hospitals of marvellous equipment, refugees,
asylums dspensaries, clinics of many kinds DO
you appreciate how modern most of these humane
institutions are?
Little more than a century ago the insane were
left to rot in filthy dungeons, chained like WHO
beasts, naked, or clothed in rags.
Exactly two centuries ago-in 1716-an Eng
lish bench of judges sentenced to death demented
woman and her demented daughter, accused OF
having sold their souls to the devil. In Scotland
also the insane frequently put to death In the
belief that they possessed by evil spirits.
Today, on the opposite millions of dollars are
yearly spent for the proper housing and treatment
of these unhappy ones.
Less than a century ago savage and inhuman
punishments were inflicted on persons guilty even
of minor offenses against society. Today there is
ever increasing recognition that criminals are In
most cases sick people in need Of expert care.
If we still have prisons for criminals, we also
have clinics for criminals tremendous forward
step.
And, brother, think of the twentieth century
status of women and children, In contrast with
their condition hundred, fifty, even twenty
years ago.
Decidedly, IL the world is not perfect yet-and
II never will be perfect-it is far better world to
live in than the world of forefathers was. You
may depend upon it, too, that each passing century
copyright, 1915, by the Associated Newspapers.)
will leave 1T still better world.