Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-09-25
IDEALISM OF U. S.
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criminal courts. and bolts and Bars arc
necessary. They are adjuncts of peace.
But they are negative forces. They do
not create, they resist. They arc not
the ultimate force in the world. They
Go not mako the final determination
I among men. Over them all is a higher
power.
Mankind has not yet, cannot yet,
discard the use of these forces. 1t
is significant however, that the great
nations have at last agreed upon their
limitation. But it is even more signi-
ficant that civilization is coming to
rely more and more upon moral force.
1t is because the Red Cross has been
practical application of that prin-
ciple, that it has been such a ire
mendouS success. 1t makes it's APP
peal for support directly to the con-
science of mankind. 1t does not at
tempt to function through the direct
action of organized movement. 1t does
not have in it any element of compul-
sion. 1t is the voluntary Offering Of
the people themselves. Whenever
and wherever an emergency has re-
suited in human suffering, to the ex-
tent of it's ability it administers what
ever may be necessary for temporary
relief.
1t is in this direction that lays the
hope of real progress. The ancient
ideals Of human brotherhood, of ser
vice, the application of the golden
rule, of peace on earth and good will
towards men, are idle dreams, unless
they can be translated into practical
action. 1t is necessary, on the one
hand, to avoid the illusions of the
Missionaries and on the other hand, the
indifference of the selfish. Each in
dividual and each nation owe their
first duty to themselves. Beyond that
there is no obligation of the strong
TO serve, the weak, but to administer
such service in a way that will not
destroy or degrade by making men,
dicants, but will restore and strength
eli by making character 1t is the
policy which helps in an emergency,
but realizes that, finally each individ-
ual and each nation must work out
their OWN destiny.
THE constant need of civilization is
for a practical idealiSm of this kind.
1t does not attempt to perform the
impossible. 1t does not seek to re-
form merely by an act of legislation,
thinking that it can unload its burden
on the government and be relieved
from further effort.
ut does not undertake to assume
responsibility for all humanity. But
it realized that redemption comes
only through sacrifice. When crisis
arises, it does not hesitate to go out
and make whatever sacrifice is
necessary to master the occasion.
ut is this kind of practical ideal
ism that is represented in the his
tory of our country. deep faith in
spiritual things. tempered by hard
common sense adapted to the needs
of this world. 1t has been illustrated
in the character of the men who
planted the colonies in the wilder
ness and raised up great states
around the church and the school
house, who bought their independ-
cnce with their blood and cast out
slavery by the sacrifice of their BRAY
est sons: who offered their lives to
give more freedom to oppressed peo-
Piles. and who went to the rescue of
Europe with their treasure and their
men when their own liberty and the
liberty of the world was in peril.
but when the victory was secure. re-
tired from the field unencumbered
by spoils, Independent, unattached
and unbought. still continuing to
contribute lavishly to the relief of
the stricken and destitute of the old
world: and who. but recently being
asked for five million dollars, imme-
diately gave about twice that am
cunt for the afflicted people Of Japan.
Such has been the moral purpose
that has marked the conduct of our
country lid to the present hour
"a contemplation of these princt-
pIes and the works which they have
wrought. both in our country ana
among the other nations. for this
spirit is worldwide. is helpful and
reassuring. They are among the con-
vincing evidences that justify our
faith in mankind. They reveal the
fundamental strength of civilization.
They demonstrate the supremacy OF
the spiritual life. .-
Here we behold the race strug-
Cling up through barbarism. over
coming ignorance, establishing or
der. institutirg government. painfully
working out their own destiny under
free institutions, acknowledging ana
accepting truths of religion. gradu-
ally casting aside sclfishness. en-
dowing the great charities Whlcn
heal the body. inform the mind and
minister to the soul. making on ey-
cry hand amending sacrifices that
the truth may be supreme.
such is the strength of the 1nf1u-
encc, of which this organization IS
one of the representatives. 1t Is
inconceivable that it could nave
come thus far only to retreat. that |
If could have succeeded up TO the !
present time only to fail.
"These are the encouraging. the |
boneful things of the world. While |
il is necessary to admit that prog |
ress has been slow. that there have |
been and undoubted will be. many |
disheartening failures. I believe the
conclusion to be unacceptable that
NJ Us- VI |