Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
q CIVILIZATION ADVANCING? =


Golfers asked Edison If he be-
Neved civilization is retrograding or
that the present moral laxity and
unrest are indicative of new phase
of human life and a great change for
the better. He replied Il believe
civilization is advancing, but the
great war and the rapid advance in
scientific methods make 1t seem
queer. 1t is the rapid transition that
makes it So
Now it seems to be quite generally
conceded even by admirers of the
great inventor that his knowledge OF
matters electrical does not conse-
quently qualify him as psychology
cal expert but there is refreshing
good sense apparent in this conclu-
sion, especially refreshing after one
has read columns of criticism on the
times and predictions without end OF
fast approaching demnition bow
vows.
Not that CLEANS of good sense may
not be found in much of this, posi-
bly, even in samples like this: "Our
whole life is saturated with fear.
Business shivers at the thought OF
possible depression. The railroads
tremble at the thought of Congress.
And as for Congress, we have in the
two houses the greatest collection of
mental towards ever brought to-
gether, backed by two parties with
one and the same platform" etc.
Another column of the news tells us
that Lieutenant Null, true to the
traditions of the navy, leaped over
board to certain death in the waters
OF Lake Erie in the hope that the
pilot of the balloon might be success
full in getting the airship up from the
water.
Not all are either mental or physi-
cal towards, in Congress or out, but
apprehension and hesitancy do in
terfere in many ways; steadfast con-
victions are noticeably absent from
public consciousness as expressed in
many ways. But there are steadying
influences and Jealous souls loyalty
promoting them. Is there not a
growing consciousness of RESPONSE
bility even among those who occa-
sionally seem irresponsible? Is there
not an underlying purpose to recog-
nize and insist upon essentials,
manifested in wider spheres than
ever before?
At a recent Legion meeting in
Washington of representatives of re-
ligious and fraternal organizations a
resolution was passed approving the
preamble of the American Legion's
constitution. This resolution was
presented by the imperial potentate
of the Mobiles Of the Mystic Shrine
and was adopted by representatives
of the Knights of Columbus, Federal
Council of the Churches Of Christ in
America, the Salvation Army,
American Red Cross, National Cath
olic Welfare Council and Young
Mems Christian Association.
Following is the preamble which
they approved, and after carefully
reading 1t We may arrive at the con-
clusion that the leaven of righteous
ness is working in many departments
Of human activity, and conclude
with Edison that, after all, civiliza-
tion is advancing:
ITO uphold and defend the Con-
stitution of the United States of
America; to maintain law and Or
der; to foster and perpetuate a one
hundred percent Americanism; to
preserve the memories and incidents
of our association in the Great War;
to inculcate a sense of individual
obligation to the community, state
and nation; to combat the abtocracy
of both the classes and the masses;
to make right the master of might:
to promote peace and good will on
earth; to safeguard and transmit to
poSterity the principles of justice,
freedom and democracy: to conse-
crate and sanctify our comradeship
by our devotion to mutual helpful
= ness"