The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-09-16
The Challenge to Courage

The Challenge to Courage
All of us perhaps have been perturbed by the
general feeling Of unrest in our republic. Grave
industrial problems cause concern. Disorders are
almost daily occurrences. The thin veneer Of
civilization has been ripped off our social organi-
zation by more than one overt act in the last two
or three months. We wonder if the republic can
solve the questions There is temptation to
take gloomy view of the situation.
In the face of these disquieting possibilities
the Kansas City Star remarks that there are two
ways of facing them. One is the way of timldity,
the other the way of courage 1t says:
"Prof William James, the psychologist clas-
sified human beings in two groups-the tender
minded and the tough minded. The tender mind
3D. he said, were those who wanted guarantee
of safety before coming into the world. They
would be wretched unless they could get some
where an absolute assurance that the world was
foreordaned to come out right. The tough mind
ed were those who looked on life as great adj
venture which they faced with enthusiasm. They
recognized a chance that things might go wrong
But they were willing to take that chance. All
they asked was fair field and opportunity to
fight for what they believed in.
"In this sort of an epoch, with many of the
ancient landmarks crumbling, the tender minded
are apt to give way to panic. The tough minded
feel the joy of high adventure.
'"They do not complain because the process of
evolution has not progressed further. They do
not sob themselves to sleep because the world is
not perfect, because it has not settled down in
final state of bliss. They face facts as they find
them. They work with the tools at hand They
expect to play a mans part in the world as it eX-
lists today. They do not spend time in vain lam
entations because the world is not different be-
cause mankind has not progressed further along
the road toward civilization.
Lawrence F. Abbott of the Outlook tells in
the Worlds Work of a characteristic remark of
an American who was famous for his JOY in Ev-
ing. A correspondent was telling Colonel Roose-
vest of visit to Admiral Dewey's home shortly
after the revulsion of feeling against Dewey fol-
lowing his gift of his victory house to his wife.
The admiral was overwhelmed with grief at what
he felt was the unjust feeling toward him. and
at one time contemplated leaving America and
making his home in Europe. When he talked the
matter over with the correspondent he wept.
Roosevelt listened to the story with interest,
for he had frequently spoken to Mr.. Abbott of
the possibility that popular feeling might turn
against him as it had against Dewey. When it
was over he turned to his associate with the re-
mark: Lawrence, they may treat me like Dewey,
but I'll tell you one thing, I shall neither weep
nor shall go to Europe
| "And in that remark Roosevelt spoke like a
typical American. This continent was settled by
sturdy pioneers. 1t has attracted the rugged of
all races. The nation has not been coddled. It
| has had it's fair share of hard knocks, and its
people have been trained to face difficule situa-
! tons confidently in the assurance that their COM
mon sense and energy and patriotism would carry
them through.
THE bulk of Americans are in the tough
minded class. They do not sit down and wiring
their hands in the presence of difficulties. They
meet them with the zest of the strong in the
| lob worthy of his mettle"
DOES THIS SHOES FIT Mr.. WILSON?
Chicago News.
i Many people should remember that service, not self
service was great lesson Of the
! BUT WHAT'D HE FIND TO CARVE?
Louisville CourierJournal.
Considering the high cost Of cutlery and the low pay
of military officers be better spend that
s1O0 900 carving for General Pershing instead
| of an ornamental sword?
non Who Cave