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CULTURE IN NATURAL SCIENCK
was the subject chosen by Mr. E. H. Fulmer. He began by
pointing out the wonderful progress which has been made in
all branches of scientific research, showing how such research
has become more and more thorough, and has reached the
highest degree of development in the present age. Nine
teenth century civilization is a natural result of such re
search, and Science, hand in hand with Religion, is today
ennobling and enriching mankind. One of the most con
vincing evidences of the growth of science is seen in the fa
cility of intercourse enjoyed by every nation on the globe,
whereby the advantages possessed by the people of one coun
try are equally accessible to the inhabitants of every other
one. As developed truths are the foundation of human prog
ress, so human progress in turn demands the solution of alj
the puzzling problems with which thinking men of the day arc
grappling. It then becomes the duty of science to workout
these problems, and this it will do by its own methods. The
simplest truths in nature are always exerting a powerful in
fluence upon man, although he may not even be conscious of
the fact. By the study of science modes of thought are devel
oped which have their outcome in a deep and earnest thought
culture. The artist must observe closely and interpret truth
fully. The successful scientist goes farther than this: he must
in addition, draw wise conclusions from his observations thus
calling into active play all his mental faculties. Mr. Fulmer
then showed how an exclusively intellectual activity tends to
a one sided development of man's powers; and tends to unfit
him for dealing with all practical issues. To avoid this, he
must exert all the powers given him; he must take a whole
souled interest in everything he undertakes and strive to de
velop his mental and physical faculties together so as to form
the symmetrical and well balanced man. Thus the best aims
of culture are realized and the true development of man's fac
ulties attained. Nature's wonderful rules must be thoroughly
understood before they can be enjoyed, and if they are not so
understood, all her beauties are lost. The only way then, to
appreciate the works of the Creator, is for everyone to bestow
personal effort and study upon them otherwise. In this age
one must rely on himself, otherwise he will not be able to Ac
complish anything. The importance of science does not de
pend alone on its practical results. Its results are two-fold;
practical results and those which attest the divine presence,
and cause the mind to take on a nobler and a purer cast- Sci
ence should not be considered as an interesting collection of
facts; its various phases and attributes are all so blended as to
form one perfect and harmonious whole- Mr. Fulmer con
cluded by pointing out the folly of training any one faculty to
the exclusion of all others; as by so doing a man becomes in
capable of symmetrical development, and so defeats the r.im
of culture as secured by a thorough and comprehensive study
of scientific facts.
Mr. E. H. Eddy then rendered in his usual artistic style a
tenor solo, "The Palms". Miss Laura M. Roberts followed
with a very practical oration entitled
AKT CULTURE.
Character is the foundation of our national and individual
life. Many influences enter into its formation, .and among
them art holds a high place. The wild and rugged landscape
of Switzerland has been the greatest factor in forming the
Swiss character. What nature has done for character in
Switzerland, art may do anywhere. An analysis of the pres
ent spirit of American life will show to us why art should re
ceive greater attention. We spend our lives chiefly in gain
ing political, financial and social success. As a result of this
we are dwarfing our artistic and poetic tastes. We seek to
gain intellectual keenness instead of the cultivation of our
finer sensibilities, our souls. Other nations see the necessity
of artistic education and provide for it. The Germans are
wise when they teach music in the schools, and -the French
are wise when they equip free art schools. In America a re
vival of art is taking place. It can be traced in our current
literature. We need more art and we need a more thorough
understanding of the artistic things we have What is not
understood cannot be fully appreciated. What is needed is a
a general education of the public. This may be brought
about by establishing art schools, maintaining free public gal
leries and studios, and making good works easily accessible
to all. The schools of industrial and mechanical drawing in
New York and Boston, and the beginnings that have been
made in teaching drawing in the public schools, have already
yielded the most gratifying results. Magazines containing
illustrations of real artistic merit should be in every home
and in every public library. Do you value strong character,
true sentiment and refinement? Then cultivate the fine arts
which have such a mighty formative influence.
W. S. Perrin's oration was upon
ANDREW JACKSON, "mf. ULTRA-DEMOCRAT.
Race and temperament are not without their e fleets; and
place more than anything else has a character-determining
influence. If by fate you mean nature, then indeed docs fate
largely rule over our destinies. In the light of these facts the
speaker undertook a defense of Andrew Jackson's administra
tion, and also attempted to place and characterize him in the
constitutional development of the Union.
We are much more prone to criticise then commend . Our
form of government tends to make us very exactiug in politi- .
cal matters. In private relations we pretend to be more char
itable, and yet as a people we are anything else than lenient
and easy in our demands upon those who serve and arc serv
ed. Andrew Jackson in his political life and character is de
serving only of charity. He was not faultless, indeed he
was exceedingly full of faults. Education, that all-potent
factor in the evolution of the race, had worked no unusual
transformation among his ancestry, and Jackson carried with
him to the presidency an untutored mind and a choleric tem
perament. Jackson represents the "demos kratio" principle victorious.
Political revolution the complete supremacy of the demo
cratic principle secured for him the presidency. The action
necessary to raise the people from the political lethargy into
which they had been so long sunk was taken, and Jackson
represents the consummation of the movement which crown
ed them victors, victors in name only. Statesmen had pre
ceded him in that high office of trust: demagogues followed
him. Jackson then represents the transition period, from the
rule of statesmen to that of demagogues and mere politicians.
We cannot exculpate Jackson of all blame. His party, and
the people to a large etxent, should share the discredit of his
administration. The people themselves thought wrongly and
Jackson as one of them anticipated and executed these false
conclusions. ''
TOLERATION AND THE QUAKERS
was the subject upon which Mr. E. C. Wiggenhorn spoke
The struggle for freedom of conscience was fierce and
prolonged. At the beginning of the seenteenth century tol
eration as a principle was almost unknown. The first colon
ists brought with them the seeds of intolerance, and a har-
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