Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-07-24
RUBBER STAMPED.

We are living in a superficial age. While the
generation that is passing still exhibits thorough
ness, and to certain extent saves the nations ba
con, the generation coming into action does not go
to the bottom OF things, and frequently bIunders
The generation passing did have educational and
other advantages comparable with those of the gen.
Grafton coming into action, but made greater use
of what it did have than the latter does of what it
has. Future prospects in this direction do not
promise larger employment of advantages for we
are using the rubber stamp too freely.
In colleges well as schools there is disposition
to get through" regardless of the manner in which
courses are completed. In the industrial world
there has been too much of this rubber stamping
Once the master of his trade was compelled to be
conversant with every operation. so that he was
able to instruct in every detail of process. When
labor organized it changed this standard that a
journeyman had only to serve apprenticeship
whether he mastered his trade or not-time was
substituted for knowledge. The multiplication of
machinery contributed to this change in standards
and so the division of trades, and specialize ton
for these multiplied "jobs' and thus extended or
ganization. This all favorable to the promotion
of the union idea but it did not tend to efficiency
and economy. In emergent and exceptional cir
cumstances it showed that rubber stamps did not
certify very much.
The social fraternal and religious life OF the
Rank and class result from somebody's dictum
rather than distinction determined by quality ab-
ity, merit of any sort. Emblems proclaim men
members of this order society. organization,
though they do not consistently practice its prece-
dents or demonstrate its principles, If they know
what they are, which is doubtful If there is one
superfciality above another that is disorganlzing
religious organizations today, it is found in division
of its forces energies and resources to the end that
the church may successfully compete with
worldly attractions and temptations when it should
concentrate its forces and make solid its foun-
dations Theological schools. church councils, and
examining committees the rubber stamp too
often
There is need further to cite evidences of the
rubber stamp. So superficial is the thought OF the
times that nothing would be gained. Everything is
all right else it would not be- The fact that it was
not. but now is, makes not the slightest difference
for human advancement and civilization farther
and higher than ever before. The possibility that
they might be still farther and higher is spec
ulation and there is little or no satisfaction in
mere speculation. And yet there some people
who can still think and think straight. AT time
since the war has there been greater effort by
straight thinkers to combat superficality than
at no time a more genuine attempt to emphasize
fundamental principles
The passing generation because of its thorough
ness is better able to appreciate that superfciaty
has become national Gin to such extent that II
must be checked, else sowing to the wind certainly
will reap the whrlwind. They are trying to put
common sense into the use of the rubber stamp to
the end that what It stamps will be worth 1t, and
for this reason be entitled to full confidence.
prose poet recently said: mot what men SEEM but
what they are Is better basis by far, which to
calculate and build in time of peace we'll as
war"