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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m*thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 -*^ ST A#^ ^t)» 1 1,1' ^wir ►>'• ,4 '-*«• H MUftm^*^ w ■Ss i W. K. W 'J m fuMdm, is>«j^»»*«^ im>i^^- ■^ </'J .^- L 1^ p* <PP^»P^^"'T^' «MIA ■!sssss:as-r<»««'. ^ '■-, ,rrj^,..:l-lJK^ j^^^^^U^I^^ ii ■ ^ * ::.-;7r<:£^:Mm^ ■ -'"Tl 'Till ill llilli A LECTURE ON THE SUBJECT OF "CURRENT EVENTS," •MSii DELIVERED BY W. K, BULL, At the Mechanics' Literary Institute op Victoria, British Columbia, Tuesday, December llth, 1883. vicrroRiA, B. c : R. H McMillan, book and job printer. 1884. " CURRENT EVENTS, )) Mr. Chairman :— Some few mouths since I delivered a Lecture in this Hall upon ** Current Events "; I propose on this occasion to deliver a second Lecture upon the same subject, well know- ing that no one Lecture, nor indeed many, would exhaust so fertile a theme. Current Events naturally embrace consideration of what is going on in our midst as well as elsewhere, but events arising from local surroundings have been so often discussed in our newspapers that occasionally it becomes quite a re- lief to divert attention from Dry Dock, Island Railway, and controversies between "Colonist" and " Standard" and to take cognizance of what is going on in the great world out- side. And never at any period has there been presented more interesting matter for contemplation. The present age has come into possession of the rich treasures of knowledge bequeathed by those great events of the 15th century which ushered in the introduction of printing, the discovery of America, and the Protestant Reformation, which events have been the grand fount»in head from whence present ad- vantages have flowed ; the world at that period awoke as from a long slumber, a new era was inaugurated, whose full influences after the conflict of centuries, chastened and invigorated by the ordeal it has endured, has culminated in our day in the discovery of the magic power and uses of steam and electricity, precipitating us by their disclosures into centuries in advance, but which though marveJ'ous are pregnant with mysteries proclaiming still greater won- ders in the future. While as if to make the age we live in especially famous scientific knowledge has made known how and where to mine for gold thus greatly adding to the world's wealth, the 2D:i656 grand result being that from these discoveries and the en- lightenment therefrom proceeding, there is vouchsafed to the children of men in this our day and generation, to those who seek it aright, a greater amount of happiness than ever before accorded to the human family. This sudden flood of knowledge, all the result of the past quarter of a century, has naturally had a most stimulating influence, giving rise to new aid startling theories and searching investigation. ' Prominently amongst Current Events there figures a disposition to call in question the verity of that book which for so many centuries has been the standard of the faith of Christendom and by which conduct has been regulated. Scientific minds imbued with the deductions of evolution, point out that creation was never developed as recorded in the opening pages of the Bible, and that it is not a correct representation of what took place at the beginning, thereby shaking confidence as to the reliability of other portions of the sacred volume. Freethinkers emboldened by such as- sertions seek for solution of aiysteries, not given f^ r mortal man to know, and thus swell the ranks of infidelity. While unhappily there are to be found, ministers of religion indulg- ing in doubts in the faith they are preaching, and by the in- difference manifested in their sacred calling giving proof of such doubts being entertained, to the great detriment of religion. Bewildered by the disorganization prevailing, ef- forts have been made to find God by philosophical deduc- tions, and by other means than disclosed in revelation, over- looking the fact that no exercise of the reason will be sufficient for such purpose, inasmuch as the Great Ruler of the Uni- verse when thus sought becomes the retreating God, and only when approached with the simplicity of the faith and devo- tion inculcated in Holy Writ becomes the advancing God. Of all religions it falls to the lot of Christianity alone to be thus assailed, and never at any period was it more beset. Other sects are satisfied with their respective creeds. The Mahom- edan swears by the Koran ; Buddists and Brahmins, by the Vedas ; Chinamen reverence the precepts of Confucius ; here no dissensions prevail and there is general acquiescence. In Christendom no such implicit reliance is placed in the faith they profess, and its adherents plume themselves upon I their superior intelligence in the toleration permitted, and encouragement given to the fullest freedom of enquiry ; and where such enquiry is legitimately conducted there is good ground for such alledged superiority, but when it degener- erates, as it so often does in the present day, into jest and ridicule and unbecoming levity upon matters that from time immemorial have been held as sacred, the title to such as- sumed superiority may well be called in question. With the Infidel, the Freethinker, the Evolutionist, the Ingersol's, and Bradlaugh's busy at work, acting in concert with the mutilated Bible of men of the Henry Ward Beecher stamp, and the no Bible of Public Schools, all tending in a variety of ways to undermine the foundation upon which the Christian religion is built, and to jeopardise the whole fabric, the question naturally arises. Where is the Bible of the Evolutionist ? where that of the Freethinker and the Infidel to take the place of that time honored Teacher they are seeking to displace ? No deductions from the Evolution- ist, or argument of Freethinkers, will supply the need of a religious belief, and where there is no such belief, or where, if any, feebly sustained, or where, worse still, doubts are en- tertained as to the existence of a Supreme Being, there will be moral relaxation and the necessity shown for former Bible teaching, of which, indeed, we have already painful evidence. Current Events point to a readiness of disposition amongst what are called advanced thinkers, to altogether ig- nore religion, contending that in this period of the world's history the enlightenment of moral intuitions are sufiflcient compass for man's guidance to steer his journey through life. In all such notions there is forgetfulness that both for nations as well as for individuals, for the mainten- ance of social order, there must be some constraining power of higher authority than that invested in the intelligence of the age, requiring for its completeness and control, the sanc- tifying influences from on High as taught in revelation. What relief to turn from these doubts, and dissensions and questionings of the existence of a personal God to con- templation of that holy rapture which Milton in his Para- dise Lost pours forth from the lips of Adam in his morning prayer : 6 " These are thy glorious works Parent of Good — Almighty ! Thine this universal frame, Thus wondrous fair. Thyself how Wondrous then ! Unspeakable !" Passing now on to consideration of other matters which claim attention I leave the subject upon which I have been speaking with this concluding observation, that no solution is at present offered for settlement of the disorganization prevailing, nor signs, nor symptoms of the coming man, or movement to combat effectually with the widespread infi- delity of the age. Continuing my lecture I notice Current Events exhibit very prominently a disposition both aa regards nations and individuals for aggrandisement and monopoly ; nations as- piring for increase of power by acquisition of territory — in- dividuals for creation of wealth by means of syndicates and companys, which when secured, whether as regards nations or individuals, confers power capable of being wielded for good or evil, for weal or woe, dependent upon the man- ner exercised. Concentration of power is the great feature of the age. From this general desire of nations to extend their domain, it would seem as if it were to be the lot of inferior powers and barbarous peoples to be absorbed by the predom- inating powers of the world, and that those who cannot take care of themselves must be taken care of by others. Great Britain is being urged by Australia to take posses- sion of New Guinea and the New Hebrides. The United States intend that Mexico shall form part of the Union. French possession of Tunis has created an appetite for Mada- gascar and a slice of the Celestial Empire. Germany would like to secure sea-ports by acquisition of Holland and Bel- gium, while Russia is lying in wait to see the result of Eng- land's ultimatum with Egypt before putting in a claim for her share. Great Britain has hitherto had it all her own way in making these acquisitions, continually adding to her Empire ; but France has now initiated what she calls a Colonial policy, and regards with no favor England's ascend- ant position. Current events represent that nation as ex- ceedingly chagrined at having outwitted herself by her capricious abandonment of England on the occasion of her going to war with Egypt, and as only appeased by the sooth- ing declarations of Premier Gladstone, that Great Britain's occupation of Egypt was temporary and exceptional, at- tempting in the meantime to reconcile herself to loss of for- mer influence in Egypt by waging war against Madagascar and Tunquin. The i ite Emperor Napoleon said "the Empire was peace." It is difficult to say what the Republic is. It is just ossiV'le that France does not at present comprehend her- seli i but evidently her ministry are bent upon attempting to gain popularity by being on the war-path. The restless- ness oi tJie French character necessitated that excitement be provided : the government had the choice of two alterna- tives, war at home or war abroad, and very naturally pre- ferred war at a distance, and with the view of gratifying the natural propensity for fighting have done what, it is said, no nation should ever do, viz., embark in two wars at the same time. Some aver France was never so well governed as under a Republic ; but will she be satisfied to continue under a Republic and be thus governed ? contending factions are ever busy at work — ^there prevails great unrest in France, and there is no knowing what a day may bring forth. The plain facts are that France, notwithstanding her splendid attainments, is deficient in the art of self-government. In former days the restraining influences of Monarchy and Imperialism kept her in check and prevented such de- ficiency being apparent, but no sooner did France try her prentice hand upon the self-government involved in Repub- licanism than her unfitness for such character of govern- ment became self-evident. At thi9 period of the world's history nations thus want- ing may be regarded as on the decline, for in the present day it is by their capacity for self-government their endur- ance will be tested. I have spoken thus prominently of France because of the important part she has played amongst nations ; so long as there is a France the world will never be wanting for a disturbing element, nor danger be Incurred of surrounding nations going to sleep. Even at the present time the unsettled state of Europe arises in great 8 measure from the uncertainties prevailing in that country. If present aggressions against Madagascar and Tonquin are representative of the new colonial policy France has initiated it will be ominous of trouble in the future, for it will often come in conflict with British interests. Germany it appears regards with complacency these aggressive move- ments, commending France " to help herself as freely hh she " likes in other parte of the world, and in those effbrteto ex- " tend the spnere of her influence will never be met with by " German rivalry." But Great Britain cannot afTord to as- sume such indifference, for in both the welfare of China and Madagascar she is deeply interested. In China owing to her commercial relations with that country ; in Madagascar resulting from it having been for many years the field of superhuman effbrte on the part of her Protestant Missionaries to introduce Christianity into that benighted region, and from the gratifying evidences of success that were just be- ginning to reward their labors. Current evente show much indignation being expressed in our country that present important relations with China should be disturbed by these wanton and capricious move- mente on the part of France, and obstacles be thrown in the way of interesting progress now going on in Madagascar from barbarism to civilization ; for what after all does French colonization mean ? simply the establishment of a military settlement to keep the inhabitants in subjection, and by enforced taxation establish French rule and govern- ment. At this period of restlessness on the piirt of France the full value of the of the consolidation of thf^ German Em- pire becomes strikingly apparent, enabling t)iat nation by her central position and power to become the hoad pacifica- tor of Europe, and thus keep France in check. Unquestionably England's occupation of Egypt is not only a source of continued irritation to the T'rench mind, but of anxiety to Groat Britain, for arising from it therw looms up for consideration one of the laost important ques- tions our country has had to deal with for many a long day. Premier Gladstone ha a promised that Great Britain will j^ive up possession of Egypt when good government has been established in that country ; but the insurrection in the 9 Soudan, and defeat of the Egyptian army will necessitate the intervention of British aid, and consequently prolonged occupation. England has too far committed herself with Egypt to be jTustifled in leaving it, she has taken in hand the regeneration of Egypt and is bound in honor to accom- plish it, and which for its consummation present indications seem to say will require nothing less than permanent occu- pation and that Egypt become British territory. If I right- ly interpret the British mind respecting Egypt it means that sentiment once uttered by Earl Beaconsfield in regard to India, when he said, " we have got India and we mean to keep it," and now as applied to Egypt it also means we have got Egypt and we mean to keep it, and thus another trophy be added to British achievements, and the ancient throne of the Pharoh's be occupied by one representing the interests of our country. History, that is modern history, places before us the past careers of the present governing powers of the world, of their struggles for ascendancy, of their victories and defeats, from the conflict there comes to the front the survival of the fittest represented by Great Britain, Germany and the Unit- ed States of America, and it is this triumvirate that will hat^e to fight the impending battle for civil and religious liberty, for current events foreshadow such conflict. With regard to the conciliatory policy of Premier Glad- stone to meet the emergency time will tell whether it had not been better from the very outset that he had acted upon the advice Lord Palmerston once gave to the English ambassador at Paris, viz., " Sir ; put a little more starch in your neckcloth." Leaving the solution of these troublesome matters to the future I noW recur to the remark previously made that not only in the present day was there evinced a grasping desire amongst nations for aggrandisement, but a growing disposi- tion amongst individuals for inordinate acquisition, and to become millionaires, for which so many facilities in the pre- sent day are affbrded from the large undertakings and enter- prises in operation which scientific knowledge in these days of advanced civilization has introduced. The magnitude of these enterprises have served to revolutionise former rela- 10 tions between employers and the employed, former intima- cies and recognitions no longer prevail. Both parties meet so to speak on a new platform. Capital represented by a syndicate or company in its anxiety to secure the largest possible dividend seeks for labor at the smallest possible amount of cost. Labor with the view to increased happiness desires the largest possible remuneration for its services. Hence a species of antagonism arises, capital regards labor merely as a machine for its enrichment. Labor compre- hends such is the estimate in which it is held ; hence we have strikes and contentions, and former respect and sym- pathy between master and man becomes a thing of the past. Such are the effects which present advanced civilization with its vast undertakings has brought about. Volumes have been written without effect to regulate these differences, but so long as human nature continues what it is they will prevail to the end of the chapter. Never at any time, whether as regards employer or the employed, was there less disposition to be easily satisfied. The rela- tions between capital and labor resolves themoelves into an affair of demand and supply, and whichever has the power wil> be sure to exercise it for advancement of their particular interests, and the only way of settling these troubles will be by resort to amicable arbitration. Notwithstanding the grumblings so often heard in the present day of labor being inadequately paid that capital gets the lion's share, and that recourse must be had to communism or legislation to rectify present disproportion there cannot be a doubt, but within this past quarter of a century there has been marked and general improvement in the condition of all classes of society resulting from better remuneration ; and this observation naturally leads to, and brings before us that, in the present day, most Important subject, viz : SOCIAL AMELIORATION And whether there has been as marked an improvement in the manners of the age as progress in material welfare. Never were there more ample means and appliances for the accomplishment of such improvement, and yet when the morning paper is laid upon the breakfast tab there appears 11 the usual record of murders, suicides, defalcations, drunken- ness, etc., and so far as improvement is concerned the posi- tion, to use a military phrase, is " as you were." That we shall ever arrive at that happy period when no such offences prevail could only be the dream of some visionary enthusi- ast. But surely in these days of universal education and other influences in operation, not forgetting Blue Ribbon Societies, indications of more decided improvement might reasonably be expected. But with the view of ascertaining whether we are justified in forming such expectations let us deal with the given position of any community. Now in order to arrive at a correct conclusion of the state of things there prevailing, it will not be necessary to enquire what those who compose this community do when they are at work ? for at such times it always means pretty much the same thing, varying only by being more or less toil involved, or number of hours engaged. But what will be essential to know with the view of obtaining a correct estimate will be what this community do when their day's work is over? for the character of a people depends not so much upon what they do when employed, but how they fill up their leisufb time when not employed. It is the idle hour that tells the tale. Tell me of a community who, when the day's work is done, are busily engaged with healthy pastimes or instruc- tive recreation, and there you will find the elements of a well ordered community. But if on the other hand you point to a community who when the hour of leisure comes every one is at his wits end to know what is to engage at- tention, in such community the advantages of Public School education will be powerless to prevent irregularities, and Blue Ribbon Societies will not be wanting for subjects to operate upon. Never need we look for any material change for the better until more importance is attached to the man- ner in which the leisure hour is occupied, for there Is so much of truth in the old saying, "That an idle man's head is the devil's own workshop," and mark you, the devil in the present day is a much more formidable opponent than in the past, for he has had so much more experience. Mater- ial improvement does not necessarily also mean moral im- provement, for taking a broad and general view of what 12 is going on in the world, not forgetting ourselves here in Victoria, the improvement in material welfare resulting from the better remuneration of modern days has not been followed by adequate improvement in the moral and social tone, consequently social amelioration afTords abundant scope for philanthropic operation. At this interesting period of British Columbian history, when after so many years of quietude and disappointed expectations when there is open- ed out for us by the developnients in progress a new future, one fails to see any accompanying aspirations for improve- ment in the popular mind, which, with tew exceptions, is simply an affair of animal existence. Noticing some few days since a lad apparently absorbed in deep thought, prompted by curiosity I took the liberty of asking him what he M'as thinking about? " Nothing !" he said, well, I replied, that must be an interesting subject, and it appears to me, that, to a very considerable extent, is the subject that engages the attention of many of the rising gen- eration, and also of many of our citizens in their hours of leisure after day's work is done. The poet Cowper in one of his poems in an illustration places before the reader the pea- sant, his wife and family gathered round the evening fire wrapt in sleep. " Sleep, he says seems their only refuge, ** for alas, where penury is felt the thought is chained, and " sweet colloquial pleasurea are but few." With many of our citizens ins^p-xd of " sleep " behig their only refuge, it should be drink, the sleep coming afterwards. Our city has now passed the pioneer stage which required every faculty to be absorbed in the struggle for existence, and we have arrived at that period in advance which should speak of something better for our young folks, and the gen- eral community than hours of idleness, and refuge sought in drink and sleep. The plain facts are, it is indispensible to the happiness of communities, as well as individuals, to have "an ideal," some excelsior — some standard of excellence to excite ambition, and the more excellent the ideal, the more excellent the influence. In tlie United States the spirit of enterprise prevailhig leads to accuiiiulated wealth being their ideal. The Jay Goulds and Vanderbilts occupy a posi- tion akin to that of the God's in heathen mythology. Amer- 1^' ' here in resulting not been id social .bundant ig period years of is open- V future, improve- ►tions, is absorbed iberty of ing !" he jject, and t, is the sing gen- hours of in one of • the pea- ning fire ly refuge, ned, and elug their ter wards. required existence, ch should the gen- sought in ensible to Is, to have ellence to the more I spirit of dth being ipy a posi- 5y. Amer- 18 ican newspapers frequently put forth for admiration the varied amounts their millionaires are supposed to be worth. In France it is glory that constitutes the national ideal, no man was ever more the subject of hero worship, than their first Napoleon, because he administered so fully to the grati- fication of this desire. In Germany they have for their ideal military excellence, and Count Moltke is idolized. In Great Britain the excellence that constitutes their ideal is unsullied honor, and in whatever rank of life found the subject of respect and esteem, amongst her public men a stain would be felt as a wound. Here in this our city we seem to have no aspirations, or conception of an ideal, but in its place vague and indefinite generalities worthy of no especial re- gard. Two chimney sweep boys meeting each other in Lon- don one of them taunted the other by saying, ** Your Master never gives you any of the fine work, he only sends you up the kitchen flues, my Master sends me up the parlor and drawing-room chimneys. I do the fine work." It is the wholesome vanity here displayed, and satisfaction at being able to excel, it would be well if more forcibly impressed up- on the minds of many of our rising generation. Henry Ward Beecher in his lecture remarked that every city with a population numbering five thousand ought to have a Free Public Library. Unquestionably such an institution seems a necessary addenda to our Public Schools. We are amply provided with all other institutions, but free Public Librar- ies are now the order of the day, and when we get such an institution in our city, it ought to be such a one, both as re- gards the edifice and the manner in which it was sustained, of which our citizens might be proud, and there prevails ample wealth for its accomplishment and which, if estab- lished, might occasionally, nay perhaps, very often be favored with help from money bequeathed, and from contributions that in process of time might cause it to become a truly grand institution, one that by its infiuences might have the happy effect of giving quite an altered tone to the liabits and manners of the general community and furnish us with an ideal worthy of contemplation, making our young people pleased to avail themselves of the privileges afforded, and proud to be identified with a city having such advantages, i 14 and thus in due time it might come to pass, that just as it was said, " Athens was the eye of Greece," so eventually for intelligence and moral worth, our City of Victoria might become the eye of the Pacific Slope. 'I'hese perhaps may be thought to be optimist notions, but it is by contemplating the optimist we conquer, but by dwelling on the pessimist con- tinue to drag our slow length along. Our city, with its pride of place and suburban charms is entitled to be regarded as the pleasure ground of the Pacific Coast, and every efTort should be made by attractions oflTered to cause it to become the re- sort of pleasure seeking visitors, for such visitors when they come are not like the celebrated John Gilpin, " who though on pleasure he was bent, yet had a frugal mind," but are generally liberal in expenditure, and thus become a source of wealth to our citizens. Doubtless the influx of casual visi- tors to our city has been a considerable item in its prosperity and which solves the mystery of how a city with such a limited population could sustain such extensive commercial establishments, visitors then, whether casual or pleasure seeking, are of importance. It may, perhaps, be yet early days to talk of a Botanical Garden to add to present attractions, but as many of our citi- zens by the erection of elegant villas and palatial mansions evidently intend to make Victoria their home a botanical garden will follow as a matter of course. It speaks volumes for the general welfare, that so many mean permanent resi- dence, and also speaks well for the adaptations of this dis- tant British Province to make happy homes. Truthfully, indeed, has one of our native poets sang, <^ " Vancouver ! Nature with a liberal hand. Has thee, the most remote of Britain's isles, Dower' d with her richest gifts, and brightest smiles. And those who wander hither from her strand. Behold another England in the west, With sweeter air, and rival scenery drest." But I must not dwell longer here, for current events intro- duces us into a busy world full of Interesting incidents. By every mall steamer there is wafted the Intelligence from the Old Country that religious enthusiasm has created Salvation 1 15 Armies, with a General, Colonels, Captains and Rank and File, parading with all the pomp and circumstance of mili- tary life, with colors flying and beat of drum to combat against sin and wickedness, and to carry heaven as it were bj' storm. It seems to me if this movement were resolved into a debtor and creditor account of good and evil, the bal- ance would be on the wrong side, for that good, if any re- sulting, would be more than counterbalanced by the danger incurred of religion by the means resorted to being made a sub- ject of derision. When I read of the eccentric doings of these fanatics, I am forcibly impressed with the truth of a well known couplet, viz : *' That for virtue's self may too much zeal be had. The worst of mad-men is a saint run mad." I feel that I should be open to a charge of reproachful omission if I neglected to mention that recently the subject of Female Suffrage has been brought prominently under notice? both in England and the Dominion of Canada. The editor of one of our newspapers some ten days since in alluding to it, in a leading article concludes his remarks with what he terms " the comfortable assurance that if Womans Suffrage does not do much good, it will do no harm." It appears to me legislation is not justified upon any such supposition, — that legislation is a more important matter than to be made the subject of experiment for it is so much easier to pass laws than to repeal them, and remove objectionable influences resulting. I am of opinion that the interests of women are in safe custody when entrusted to those so closely con- cerned in their welfare as fathers, husbands and brothel's, that there can be no real necessity for woman mixing in the angry arena of politics, and if permission were granted it might introduce discord into many a household were peace and happiness now reigns. For an allwise purpose it has pleased the Creator to diversify his gifts. To the man he has given strength — to the woman beauty. To the man strength that he may flght the rough battle of life— to the woman beauty that by her endearments she may Min man's love, become the wife of his bosom and mother of his chil- dren, but if not occupying such happy position, present days » i I 16 of advanced civilization have opened many new sources of employment for female industry, wliich will be continually on the increase, arising from the creation of artificial wants. But as to causing woman to become politicians that will never be regarded with favor in British communities. But there are other candidates in the field catering for the good of the human family, viz., the advoca^s of total absti- nence from intoxicating drinks, not now presenting them- selves as Teatotallers or Good Templars, but metamorphosed to gratify the taste for novelty by being called A BLUE RIBBON SOCIETY. Experience shows that this panacea of total abstinence as a remedy for prevention of drunkenness has thus far failed to fully accomplish its object, the disease increasing with the remedy, and whenever a vacancy occurs in the ranks of the bachanalian army by the death of a veteran, there are always recruits springing up to fill the vacant place. Some few years since a young friend of my acquaintance who had be- come a victim to intemperance accosted me with the remark that he was going to turn over a new leaf, and that he had taken the pledge. Well, I replied, and what else are you going to do? Don't I tell you, he answered, that I have taken the pledge. Ah ! my friend, I replied, that will not be sufficient, you must do something to fill the void of former (ionvivial excitement, — learn short-hand writing — learn to play the fiddle — write a history of your life — the moral might be useful — in short do something. He did neither one or the other. The poor fellow had no resources; the pledge was broken again and again, and at the early age of thirty he ended his days in some miserable hut at Nanai- mo. I do not mention this circumstance in disparagement of the value of Blue Ribbon Societies, but merely to show that when the pledge alone is relied upon as sufficient security against intemperance there will be frequent disappointments. I have often heard It said that because of the prevalence of Intemperance It is a duty Incumbent upon every one to be- come disciples of the Blue Ribbon movement. I by no means subscribe to that doctrine and regard such assertions as a reflection upon the Intelligence of the age. To say that In ■mm mrces of tinually 1 wants, hat will js. But ;he good al absti- ig them- jrphosed nee as a failed to ivith the ks of the •e always ome few had be- e remark b he had are you t I have will not void of ^'riting — life— the He did ■esources; early age t Nanai- ragement to show b security ntments. alence of le to be- I by no ssertions ly that in tMhlM'deA^ry heh&i^sh'nii^^^^ had been atfensed, there is nootker' tehiedy than Its abihdonittient, Is to repre- i^ent the w'orld as Inits dotage. ' (Granted that indulgence to e±<ie6§'iri the cixiiiiiititttig beverages has been productive of misery, on the other hand tfefeir reasonable enjoyment has been a sourioe of much happiness. , Excess In anything ie of course hurtful, but in these days of advanced intelligence, the world mttet Mueate itself Up to the proper use of things, and avoid the abuse not only as to what is drank, but in other matters. Such educating influences are at work, and when ftiUy developed will furnish more substantial security for the maintenance of temperance than the administered pledge. In the meantime Blue Ribbon Societies do good service, and meet a requirement, but it by no means follows that because of such usefulness they should be so extended as to become of universal adoption, and the liquids partaken of should be limited to lea, coffee and water, and why not ? because wine, beer and spiritous liquours are the legitimate beverages of civilised man, and when taken in moderation are conducive to health and happiness. Continuing my observations upon current events I must not omit to mention amongst the eccentricities of the age what the inarch of intellect is doing with the letter R in our alphabet, causing it, in certain circles to sound as if it were the letter U, and thus depriving it of present force of expres- sion. I will illustrate what I am speaking of by placing be- fore you a verse every line ending with the letter " r." In the first place as generally rendered : "This very place now covered over, Was once sown with wheat, or perhaps of clover, With a tree here and there, for the cattle to get under, Out of the way of the lightning and thunder." . I now give the verse as adopted by certain select classes, pretending to superiority : *' This very place now covered ovau, Was once sown with wheat, or perhaps of clovau, With a tree heau sCnd theyau, for the cattle to get undau, Gut of the way of the lightning and thundau* " 18 u\ 1 Parsing from these affectations of elegant reflntiment which though trifles are nevertheless entitled to notiv^e, I now come to speak of more important matter. Amongst current events there are few occurrences attracting greater attention th^n the influences arising from the CLOSE CX)NTACT*OP THE WEST WITH THE EASTERN WORLD which the quickness of transit of the present age has brought about. Western civilization has now the opportunity of re- paying some of the obligations that in former days it received from the East. Great Britain from her vast possessions in India, and from her recent acquisition of Egypt has contin- ually manifested such disposition by efforts to introduce Western civilization amongst the people of the East. But turban and flowing robe are very slow to recognize its advan- tages ; hence issue is joined. If there be one thing more than ai^other distasteful to the Eastern mind it is innova- tion which Western civilization pre-supposes. TLore still exists former antagonism of crescent and cross, while the Koran entering as it does so largely into all the relations of Eastern life, with its indifference to the moral influence of woman, and countenance of the Harem stands right in the way of Western civilization. At the present moment India is in the throes of excitable agitation arising from apprehen- sion that the Ilbert Bill which proposes to extend the juris- diction of native Judges, and give them power over the lives and properties of Europeans, may, if adopted, loosen British hold of India ; while the difficulties in the way of establish- ing good government in Egypt seem almost insurmountable. Thus it will be seen that our country in her endeavors to regenerate the East by implanting Western civilization will have difficulties to encounter which are continually increas- ing ; but the genius of Christianity will give her a power that will be equal to the emergency. What a matter for congratulation that Eastern civilization when spreading to the Western Hemisphere became purified by the change. In the first page of the New Testament it is written, " Wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, saying. Where is he that is bom King of the Jews, for we -have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship him," and when they ; n'diuent OtivTC, I juongst greater WORLD brought ty of re- received eions in i contin- atroduce ist. But B advan- tig more I innova- j^ore still hile the atioQS of uence of it in the nt India pprehen- he juris- the lives a. British »tablish- mntable. lavors to ition will increas- a power atter for ^ing to change. "Wise ere is he star in lien they 19 were come to the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother, they fell down and worshipped him, and open- ing out their treasures presented gifts of gold, and franlsin- cense and myrrh. It is that star of the East extending its illumination to the West, and shedding its effulgence upon our beloved country that has contributed so powerfully to her exalted position. In the past it has nerved to action, and to victory in many an hour of trial, and is still by its influence sustaining her. It is that star of the East that has followed our people round the belted globe, and wherever the British race have established themselves, whether amid the blazings of a tropical sun or the snows of an arctic clime there by its heavenly inspiration guiding and controling and enabling them, though far away from the fatherland, to sus- tain the honor and dignity of the national character. Some three weeks hence will occur the anniversary of that great event which led to the appearance of the star in the East. That anniversary will be celebrated in Christen- dom by general rejoicing, and no where more joyfully than with the British people. Amongst the various gifts then presented to relations, to friends and suffering humanity which have bepn prompted by christian love and kindness, it will only be in thci power of a few to present such costly offerings as those presented by the wise men of the East ; but it will be in the power of all and everyone to offer up to the Supreme Being that which will be not less acceptable, viz., the adoration of grateful hearts for blessings innumer- able received.