Rob Roy, the Philanthropist

1895

During more than 40 years John MacGregor (Rob Roy) was a great exemplar of the best sort of philanthropy. There was some narrowness, perhaps bigotry, in his religious creed, but none whatever in his practice. He was a man of considerable attainments in literature, science, art and music. Above all, he was a born adventurer, as his voyages in his "Rob Roy" canoe testify, and all the profits that he obtained from his books and lectures were handed over to the charities — charities of the best sort — in which he was interested.

By lecturing alone he earned and thus applied £10,000, and having set himself to collect that sum he persevered in the work during several years, and after his health had begun to fail, until the total had been reached. Dying in 1892, at the age of 67, he left a record of steady heroism and of real service to his fellow men which is almost unique. — Academy.

A Better Record-Book

1904

The shrewd comment of a Lancashire blacksmith, whose wits had not been dulled by over-education, is quoted by the Cornhill Magazine. It may be suggestive to students in our universities who spend the lecture hours in scribbling notes instead of listening and understanding.

The clerk in charge of a farriery class held by the county council at Preston, England, gave a stalwart blacksmith a notebook and pencil.

"Wot's this 'ere book for?" asked toe man.

"To take notes," replied the clerk.

"'Notes?' Wot sort o' notes?"

"Why, anything that the lecturer says that you think important and want to remember you make a note of in the book."

The Lancashireman looked scornful. "Oh!" said he. "Anything I want to remember I must make a note of in this 'ere book, must I? Then wot do you think my blooming yed's for?"


For A Dog's Ear

Rossini lived before the day of special pleas for the dog, but he was sufficiently in advance of his time to recognize the equality if not the superiority of his own favorite beast.

The Gentleman's Magazine says that the late Sir Arthur Sullivan made Rossini's acquaintance in Paris.

One morning when Sullivan called to see him he found the composer trying over a piece of music.

"What is that?" asked Sullivan.

"It's my dog's birthday," Rossini replied, gravely, "and I write a little piece for him every year."

Professor Explains New Theory About the Moon's Origin

Nebraska, 1910

Prof. Swezey Gives Explanation of Idea Advanced by Scientists on Moon

Professor G. D. Swezey at convocation at the university summer school this morning delivered an illustrated lecture on the moon. He took up the theory recently advanced by some scientists that the substance of the moon was broken loose from the earth in the region of what is now the Pacific ocean and that the departure from there of this amount of matter is what has left the Pacific basin. He told the students that he would give the theory for what it was worth as he was not ready to take up the theory nor to flatly reject it.

By means of his stereopticon views he pointed out the facts that help to make the theory plausible. He mentioned the fact that the moon has a mass about one-eightieth of the earth. To obtain this amount of material would require the skimming off the crust of the earth to a depth of some thirty-five miles. It is of course known that the Pacific is not that deep, but if the earth were in a semi-plastic condition at the time the material was taken from the crust it would readily run back partially at least into the spherical shape.

The professor had a diagram showing the possibility that the continents of the western hemisphere may have torn asunder from those of the eastern hemisphere as the land moved toward the great gap left in the Pacific basin by the departure of the moon. It is found that in bringing the two hemispheres together the outline of the coast lines of South America and Africa fit each other as though they had been torn apart with a few allowances for possible readjustment and rearrangement of the continental fragments. The same is true in a less marked degree in North America and Europe.

—Lincoln Evening News, Lincoln, Nebraska, Aug. 10, 1910, p. 7.

Seen and Heard — The Land of the Incas

Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1908

Land of Incas — In order to accommodate those who have other engagements early in the evening, the lecture by Frank R. Roberson at the high school auditorium tonight will begin at 8:30, instead of 8 o'clock. Mr. Roberson's address this evening will take up the subject, "The Land of the Incas," and will, it is expected, treat of ancient history and tradition as well as of modern customs. It will be illustrated with stereopticon views, as have been the addresses delivered by Mr. Roberson before. The subject for Mr. Roberson's lecture a week from tonight has, by request of many persons, been changed to "Imperial India," which is said to be one of the best of the lecturer's addresses. It will begin at 8:30 o'clock in the evening, like the lecture tonight.

Decision Thursday — Justice Cooper will hand down his decision Thursday in the case in which Harry Stein alleges that Richard Foreman gave him a $10 bill and received change for $20. Stein claimed that he received the bill without examining it and that when he demanded that Foreman repay $10, the latter refused. The case was heard by Justice Cooper Monday afternoon.

To Industrial School — Probation Officer Henry DeLong and Tracy Rodwell, deputy clerk of the district court, leave this morning for Eldora, where they will take Henry Rodman, Bertie, Earl and Ernest Zentz, who have been committed to the industrial school for boys. The boys range in ages from 8 to 15 years.

Bounty on Wolf — William Price of Boomer township brought to the office of County Auditor Cheyne one wolf scalp, the result of the wolf hunt there Monday. He received the $5 bounty allowed.

—The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 11, 1908, p. 3.

Seen and Heard — Y.M.C.A. Lecture on "Self Control"

Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1908

March at Y.M.C.A. — An address by H. C. Raymond, the veteran fruit grower, on "Self Control," and a resume by F. J. Day, president of the Young Men's Christian Association, of the work so far accomplished by the organization, formed leading features of the Y.M.C.A. literary meeting last evening. The program was in general appropriate to the month of March, Mr. Day's remarks being peculiarly fitting because of the fact that the Y.M.C.A. enterprise in this city was begun in March. Mr. Raymond made a forceful talk on the conservation of both physical and mental powers. Historic events that took place in March, the life and work of St. Patrick and other subjects bearing on the month under consideration were discussed by the younger members of the association. For some unexplained reason, the March hare was left shivering on the doorstep and did not come in for any discussion. Attractive music varied the otherwise literary character of the program.

"Shakespearian Lecture on Hamlet" is the subject of Rev. S. R. Elson's lecture Thursday night at St. John's Lutheran church. Course ticket holder will be admitted with friend. Single admittance 25c. The lecture will be a great treat.

Takes Brother Home — Lewis Bixby of Joy, Ill., was here yesterday and took home with him his brother, Aaron Bixby, who had been in St. Bernard's hospital in the custody of the commissioners of insanity.

—The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 11, 1908, p. 3.

Snake Charmers Have Variety of Reptiles

1916

Kansas Boys Have Produced New Sensation In Vicinity of Home.

Salina, Kan.—Two small boys, Willie and Robert Shorl, the elder of whom is but fourteen, have produced a new sensation in the vicinity of their home at Five Mile, where they have a big cage full of writhing, twisting snakes of many varieties. They play with these reptiles without the least sign of fear, going through with all the stunts of professional snake charmers.

The snakes coil themselves about the boys' necks and bodies. The lads look in the eyes of their pets steadily as they play with them, and they handle them with the skill of a professional.

The collection consists of blacksnakes, blue racers, chicken snakes and three ugly looking "rattlers." On Saturday they usually go down on Snake Branch and hunt for more reptiles. However, these new reptiles are not placed with their "pets," but are kept in a separate cage and are usually shipped to owners of small shows and museums, from whom they get from $3 to $5 for each snake. Neither of the boys has ever been bitten.

The older boy gave a lecture on snakes before the pupils of the Shoal Creek school. He astonished teacher and pupils alike by his classification of reptiles, giving their Latin names and discussing the harmless or dangerous varieties, taking each from a box as he explained its varied habits.

Yale Physiologist Talks on Medicine

New York, 1936

Scientists can no longer expect to make progress only behind the closed doors of the laboratory, stated Dr. Howard W. Haggard, of the Yale Medical Faculty, in a talk at McMillin Theatre last Tuesday evening. Speaking on "Medicine in the Headlines," Dr. Haggard talked briefly of the changing problems of science, and of contemporary newspaper comments on medical discoveries in the last few centuries.

"The prolongation of life by stamping out infectious diseases has brought about a new problem entirely," the Yale physiologist said. Medical attention today is centered chiefly on diseases of old-age, the so-called degenerate diseases, since the average life span at present is over 60 years, as against the 20 years of two centuries ago, he said.

Dr. Haggard pictured health conditions prevalent in the time of Louis XIV — epidemics of typhoid, small-pox, and diphtheria, of dysentery and tuberculosis. "Only one infectious disease was that time under control — leprosy — and that by the Biblical method of segregation," he stated. One-half of all deaths were those of children under two years of age; the mortality rate in some foundling homes and shelters being as high as 99%. Dr. Haggard commented that a possible relationship between cleanliness and health was never considered. "The discovery of the bacterial causes of disease is probably one of the few medical findings which can be compared with the discovery of fire and the invention of wheels as a primary factor in man's lasting supremacy," he continued.

Until recent years, newspapers were exceedingly haphazard and nonchalant about their reporting of scientific events, he stated. "The discovery of anaesthesia, which was not only a great but spectacular step forward, received no favorable newspaper comment until 1846," Dr. Haggard said. Previous to that time, only three items on the subject appeared in the papers: an advertisement and two protests. The former concerned itself with a demonstration of "the actions of persons under the influence of nitrous oxide; volunteers from the audience will be requested," and twelve brawny men provided to keep the situation under control. The demonstration, moreover, was guaranteed to be entertaining.

There were many advertisements for patent medicines — in 1850, for example, sarsaparilla, "the now lowly flavoring for pop," was proclaimed a panacea for all ills. Macassar oil was widely advertised and used as a hair tonic, and it was to combat the ravages of this upon upholstery that antimacassars were invented. Following the press announcements in 1895 of Roentgen's X-ray findings, bills were introduced into the legislature to forbid the manufacture of X-ray glasses for the theatre, and X-ray proof garments for women were immediately advertised.

Science as quoted in the press is frequently misinterpreted, Dr. Haggard stated, but the importance of medical items in the papers to educate the layman and to create an aroused public opinion cannot be overestimated.

Dr. Haggard is Associate Professor of Applied Physiology at Yale University, and is an eminent author and popular lecturer. His book, "Devils, Drugs and Doctors," was a national best-seller, and his talks over the radio and from the lecture platform have received wide acclaim.

—Bayard Bulletin, New York, NY, Jan. 1, 1936, page 3.

Unity Club Discusses Six Poets, Studying "Cranks" Next Week

Newport, Rhode Island, 1896

Unity Club.

The miscellaneous literary evening last Tuesday proved to be a very pleasant one, at which the six New England poets, now dead, were discussed. Miss Emily B. Chace read a short paper on Ralph Waldo Emerson, Miss Maude Harrington on John G. Whittier, Miss Emily Bradley on H. W. Longfellow, Miss Ada Crandall on James Russell Lowell, and Miss Grace Brazier on William Cullen Bryant. Extracts were read from their most celebrated poems. Miss Maude Harrington displayed considerable elocutionary power in her reading of Whittier's soul stirring poem entitled "Barbara Frietchie." The idea of having one evening devoted to the study of six New England poets was an excellent and very successful one. The next study evening is on the 5th of March and the two subjects to be treated on will be "Galileo" and "Cranks."

—Newport Mercury, Newport, Rhode Island, March 2, 1895, page 1.




A. O'D. Taylor's Paper On "Cranks," at Unity Club, March 5, 1895

Newport, Rhode Island, 1895.

On "Cranks."

At a Study meeting of the Unity Club held on Tuesday evening the 5th instant, Mr. A. O'D. Taylor read a short essay on "Cranks," of which we have the pleasure in giving a summary. He treated the subject in a thoroughly original way, and it created considerable merriment amongst his audience.

He began by saying that the oft-quoted recipe of Mrs. Glasse for making hare soup, "First catch your hare!" might well be quoted as an introduction. That saying was really one of the humorous Tom Hood's brilliancies, and originally ran "Ahem! Hare! First catch your hare then do him till he's done." Mr. Taylor went on to remark, I would therefore say "Crank! Ahem, first catch your crank, then do him till he's done." With this view, I invited three specimens here tonight, in an apparently guileless way, but they all refused to come, having evidently some furtive idea that they were wanted for illustrations. We must, therefore, do without them. It is all well enough to begin in this jocular way, but before we are "done" you will probably feel uncomfortably warm, and say this essay is no laughable matter at all.

What is a "crank?" He then explained the mechanical crank, the bit of machinery; then the application of the idea of a twist therein involved, to topography, to speech, and to the mind. But, like all words which first have an objective and clearly defined meaning of some material thing the word "crank" has, by colloquial use, come to be applied to human character, to individuals, and in the sense of meaning a person given to impracticable schemes, one who has a twist in his mental perceptions, one whose judgment is perverted on some one particular subject. The use of the word as a noun in this sense is much more general in the United States than in Great Britain and Ireland. Yet it is not what is sometimes called an Americanism, except in the usage of being applied to people. As a word applied to caprice, whim or crotchet, or even a fit of temper, it is a provincial and truly English word — while its application to a human being is American, and apparently originated in New England. May there not be a good side as well as a bad one, in cranks? May not the crank of 1605 become the sage of 1845? We are censorious. There is no harm in forming a judgment; that arises automatically by the exercise of our reason, but the golden rule "Judge not that ye be not judged" means, and would be better translated "Condemn not, that ye be not condemned." He then spoke of the murderous crank like Guiteau, the economic crank like the absurd Coxey — the religious crank, the political crank, the domestic crank, the literary crank, and the scientific crank. Or it might actually be some Unity Club crank, who tells you that he has long noticed with alarm the steadily increasing influx of female members into the club, and that, if the men do not stand shoulder to shoulder, every office of honor, those of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer &c., will be snatched from them by triumphant women, and that the only evening on which men will be allowed to open their mouths, will be on a "Miscellaneous Literary Evening." Then, perhaps half a dozen of the tamest and best behaved males will be allowed to read extracts from the works of approved and strictly moral authors selected for them by the female directorate.

Mr. Taylor then outlined the characteristics of enthusiasts, oddities, devotees, visionaries and fanatics. Without enthusiasts the world would stand still. Fanatics are not mere cranks; they are more dangerous, more united in action, less individual — a herd of wild animals instead of one. He then discussed psychologically the boundary lines between sanity and insanity showing how feelings can arise outside the sphere of sensation. It is when emotions are not controlled by the will, but are allowed to develop into passions, that the process of mental disintegration begins, that the bounds of sanity are overstepped. But in the good natured sense of the word "crank" we often include all those who differ a little bit from the ordinary hum-drum people of the world. We have a sort of affection for such "cranks," in fact nearly every family will privately confess to you that it has one in its own domestic fold, quietly packed away, either sitting reading in the parlor, or just gone to bed.

The grandmother who is "crank" enough to tell Carrie that it would be better for her to be mending her little brother's stockings, than sitting up past midnight in a twilight room with her lover Harry — is probably both a sensible and loveable old lady, despite her alleged "crankiness." The father who is so "cranky" as positively to prevent his growing son from joining some young men's club where billiards and cards are played every evening, and where just a glass of beer or a little claret and water, can be had by any one who is thirsty — may be regarded by his young hopeful as a "crank" about drink, but the boy will probably live to bless the day, when his old "dad" showed that cranky turn. And our young lady — who sulked when advised to mend the stockings — will probably, when a grown-up woman feel that her dear old "crank" of a grandmother had given her an excellent lesson in pointing out that domestic duty ranged above a personal gratification.

In the working world of men, we all know some other wise good fellow, who is simply a terror on a committee. A man whom no argument can convince, who is as set in his opinion and hard as a rock, when he has taken up some position opposed to the majority. He is a "crank" for the time being, of the first rank; for he has espoused some crotchet which all his peers agree to be impracticable, yet he holds on to it like a bulldog. Yet may it not be that such men — in the first place — are sent as a sort of test of our good temper, as a trial for our forbearance? and in the second place, is it not possible, that as this whirligig of time goes on, we are amazed to discover that the one obstinate man, the so-called "crank" on the jury was right — and that the other eleven men in the box were wrong?

This has many a time happened; and the lesson I draw from it is this. There is a good side to the apparent "crank." As I said in the early part of this paper the supposed "crank" of today, may be the admitted sage of tomorrow.

The records of science and literature bear ample testimony to this view, Galileo furnishes a notable instance. Socrates was regarded as a dangerous "crank" — and had to die – why? because he was the noblest and best man of his age.

Cornelius Agrippa, a philosopher and chemist, was regarded by the people as an object of horror, and sometimes found the streets empty at his approach, why? Because he had displayed a few philosophical experiments which any school boy can now perform but which was then supposed to be magical. He was a terrible "crank."

Roger Bacon, said to have been the inventor of gunpowder was equally hated as a "crank" and worse, because he knew more about the constituents of matter, and what their combinations effected than his neighbors did.

Petrarch the poet, was supposed to hold counsel with some demon, as the inspirer of his poems; and Descartes the materialistic philosopher, was horribly persecuted in Holland for his opinions on scientific subjects. There is no doubt that the idea which we now associate with the word "crank" was in some degree applied in those bygone days to the famous men whom I mention.

Religious, political, social erudities — novelties whose superstructure attracts, but which have no real foundation — are pre-eminently the hobbies of "cranks." Let us bear in mind that present conditions have grown, by the unfaltering process of evolution, out of the past; and that all innovations are very far from being reforms. A new thing is not necessary a true thing, and this is what the dangerous "crank" cannot be made to believe. As a rule when a great change is to be made in human affairs, the minds of men will be fitted to it, the general opinions and feelings will draw that way. As Edmund Burke wrote when treating of the French Revolution — "Every fear, every hope, will forward any mighty change and then, they who persist in opposing this mighty current in human affairs, will appear rather to resist the decrees of Providence itself than the mere designs of men."

Strange it is, yet true, that those who are quick to perceive faults and defects, do not make the best reformers. "By hating vices too much, they come to love men too little." So it is in certain well-meant efforts to set wrong habits right. The measures adopted omit human nature. And, as regards theories of government, we will find, in looking quietly round, that much as we have been led to believe that fanaticism about some dogma in religion is the worst sort of fanaticism — fanaticism about some form of government really excites men as much, and that political fanaticism is nearly as bad as religious rancor. In these two great regions the "crank" is always pre-eminent. Of late years the economic "crank" is also becoming dangerous, with all sorts of absurd nostrums for reforming the social fabric, ignoring the human texture of which that fabric is made.

What, finally, is the outcome of all these random reflections which I have jotted down?

It seems as if what the old divine, Bishop Hall, wrote, nearly 260 years ago, strikes the true key for us in our investigation. "Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues."

Even though enthusiasts on any subject, we can be moderate with those who differ from us. We can avoid ever being "cranks." Each of us can so control his will, so weigh his conclusions, as not to be betrayed into morbid habits of thought or act, can so guide himself, by nurturing a regard for others and the feelings of others, as never to become an abnormal excrescence on society — never be a "crank." Each of us should study to be

"Rich in saving common sense,
And — as the greatest only are —
In his simplicity, sublime."

—Newport Mercury, Newport, Rhode Island, March 9, 1895, page 1.


In our issue of today we give our readers a tolerably full report of a paper read this week before the Unity Club on "Cranks," by a well-known literary gentleman of our city, who is the president and managing director of the Newport Herald. As it is an unusually interesting paper, and as neither the Herald nor the Daily News published any outline of it, we feel glad in being enabled to furnish our readers and the public with a summary. "Cranks" can be found even in Newport.

—Newport Mercury, Newport, Rhode Island, March 9, 1895, page 4, editorial page.

Address on Tennyson, His Conception of Art and Life

Winnipeg, 1915

ADDRESS ON TENNYSON BY PROF. CRAWFORD

Wives of officers stationed in Winnipeg on military duty are to be admitted to the courtesy of the Western Art association through the gracious action taken by the members at a meeting held yesterday afternoon in the drawing room on the mezzanine floor of the Fort Garry, an action prompted by the consideration that the officers' wives, most of them away from their homes on a not too gladsome errand and missing their usual activities, should be made to feel as much at home as possible. In future they are to receive notices of meetings exactly as regular members.

The president, Mrs. Alan C. Ewart, announced that Lady Cameron will formally open the General Exchange, Carlton street, Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 o'clock. She explained that the exchange and lunch room adjacent were doing business all the time and working up to quite a flourishing condition, but this would be the official opening. To help with expenses for a month or so a series of small matinee bridges were planned, the first to be held at Mrs. Ewart's residence, Ruskin and Park Row, Thursday, January 21, at 3 o'clock.

The address of the afternoon was given by Prof. A. W. Crawford on the subject, "Tennyson's Conception of Art and Life." He showed the great poet as the champion of the social value of art, and the proclaimer of the social responsibility of the artist, as the recluse in actual life, but not in thought or spirit.

In support of this interpretation, Dr. Crawford let Tennyson speak for himself through two groups of his poems, the first dealing with the poet's art, and the second with the arts of form, namely painting, sculpture and architecture.

Several of these gems the speaker read with a sympathy and power that made them an intense pleasure to hear, even without his illuminative side comments. In them he showed Tennyson's message to be that the pursuit of art for art's sake meant spiritual stagnation, but art was the hand maiden of life, the endeavor to present life in its most perfect forms and ideals, not to the mere end of perfect art, but to the goal of perfecting human lives. All problems of life and death, good and ill, were problems for the poet or artist because his mission was as a revealer of truth to men.

Tennyson's supreme art poem, the "Palace of Art," showed a soul building a palace of beauty for her own selfish enjoyment, but turned back upon herself, "like the still salt pool, locked in by bars of sand," descending through uncertainty and confusion to utter misery she was redeemed at last only by sharing her palace with her fellows.

—Manitoba Morning Free Press, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, January 9, 1915, page 9.

Ten Benefits of Literature Named by Brown in Talk

1922

"Literature — Why Study It," is Subject of English Lecture

"Literature is the textbook on human nature," said H. G. Brown, instructor in English, Tuesday afternoon at the Law building in his lecture on "Literature — Why Study It." Ten benefits which can be derived from reading literature were given. "Knowledge of human nature is acquired better through familiarity with the masterpieces than even real life," Brown declared. Brown, who explained that one can associate with a man for month without knowing him as well as you could know Macbeth or Hamlet in four hours. "Literature gives all the significant details of a man's life in complete sequence, while real life gives only glimpses."

"Literature is a cure for provincialism. With this as the medium we may travel and know the world from the Moab of Ruth to the Mississippi Valley of Tom Sawyer," said Mr. Brown. "We may travel back over great periods of time and know the common people of the fourteenth century through Chaucer's Prologue. We may travel up and down through unfamiliar society."

—The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, July 27, 1922, page 8.

Beginning of World War To Be Observed

1922

"No More War" Meeting Will Be Held Saturday In Music Hall

The anniversary of the beginning of the World War will be celebrated by the University of Wisconsin in connection with the world-wide demonstrations on the day, by a "No More War" meeting Saturday at 8:00 p.m. in Music hall.

The program will be opened with the showing of a one-reel film of the Educational corporation entitled "What's the Limit?" This 15 minute feature is an imaginative film of cartoon type, illustrating the havoc of war. The film was shown a few weeks ago before several members of the Woman's club by Prof. H. M. Dudley of the Extension division with pleasing results.

Justice M. B. Rosenberry of the Wisconsin Supreme court, who will act as presiding officer, will present the theme of the evening. Miss Zona Gale will deliver a short address. Miss Gale is a member of the Wisconsin Peace society.

Prof. Carl Russell Fish, the other speaker of the evening, will speak upon the "Possibility of Peace."

"This meeting," says Dean Goodnight, "should be interesting and timely, coming as it does upon the heels of Will Irwin's talk upon the late war."

—The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, July 27, 1922, page 8.

Chinese Lit Professor Discusses Chinese Lit

Madison, Wisconsin, 1921

CHINESE LIKE DOYLE'S YARNS

American Detective Stories Make Big Hit Among Oriental Students

A. Conan Doyle's detective stories and Stevenson's Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are "all the rage" among Chinese readers of today, according to Prof. Chia Len Chen in a talk on Chinese Literature Thursday afternoon in Bascom hall.

"The Chinese language is very difficult to learn," said Mr. Chen. "This is due to the fact that each word has four tones, each with a different meaning." He gave for am example the word "fang," meaning room and proceeded to pronounce it to show the difference in tone. Strangely enough, to the inexperienced American ear, each pronunciation sounded exactly alike.

"'Our robbers will not disappear until all the wise men are dead,' was the belief of a Chinese philosopher living in the third or fourth century B. C.," said Prof. Chen, in his lecture on The Essentials of Chinese Philosophy in Bascom hall Thursday night.

"This same ancient philosopher looked upon the taming of the horse, the making of pottery, carpenter work, weaving and all the advancing marks of civilization as an evil to the race," he said. "He could not see why nature should not keep its course as when man and beasts lived fearlessly together. As people got farther away from natural laws and living, the more corrupt they became and the more in need of sermons and music to keep down their evil passions, this sage believed.

"Confucius was the great moral teacher of the Chinese people. He taught 'Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you.' The most brilliant exponent of the school of Confucius was Mencius.

"The first Chinese philosopher of which there is record was born in 804 B. C. and was 30 years the senior of Confucius. He wrote two books of his beliefs and observations consisting of about 5,000 words."


ENGLISH AUTHORS INFLUENCE CHINESE, DECLARES DR. CHEN

Modern Writers Not Recognized But Older Works Are Studied

All of the recent novels of China show the influence of the old school of English authors, especially Scott, said Dr. Chia Lin Chen Chinese scholar and educator, who delivered the first of a series of three lectures in Bascom hall yesterday afternoon.

More modern authors have not yet been recognized by the Chinese, but Shakespeare, Irving, Dickens and Scott have been translated into Chinese and are bases of study in secondary schools. The Sherlock Holmes stories of Conan Doyle are particularly popular in China, he declared.

Dr. Chen divided the Chinese literature into two classes, the classical, written before 1900, and the modern, written since then. The older is written in a poetic prose style, similar to the blank verse of the Shakespearean works, while the modern is written in a smoother and freer style. Dr. Chen translated several of the typical poems of the various dynasties since 1800 B. C. Their subject is chiefly of the ruins of the older dynasties or of the renowned beauties of the period in which they are written.

Dr. Chen will speak on Chinese drama this afternoon at 4:30 in 165 Bascom hall.

—The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, May 13, 1921, page 3.