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UNIVERSITY COURIER.
OUR SOCIAL STRUCTURE.
The organization of our social and political life, as it now stands, is a structure of the most heterogeneous composition. Elements the most varied, materials apparently the most discordant, enter into it. And yet from these most opposite extremes is produced a mean of wonderful character and harmony, with a stability difficult to be shaken, with an influence which is felt in every household.
Man is eminently fitted and adapted for association with his fellow man; he is endowed with those faculties which find exercise only in society; seclusion is inimical to him. A noble life is one not entirely spent in the interest of individual tastes and wishes, but in having a liberal and effective desire for the welfare of humanity. Under the genial influence of kindred spirits the soul of man expands with a fruitage unknown to the recluse or hermit. Mankind is bound together by subtile bonds and chains, whose influences are continually felt. Everywhere and at all times we feel the ties arising from a community of religion and party, from business and relationships. The motives of innumerable actions may lie in hidden sources, yet we can feel certain, that if we but knew their origin, we would doubtless find them to spring from the source of social life itself.
Our social fabric is wonderfully built; though comparatively new, it has as much, if not more, stability than older institutions; it has much the same characteristics, and it has its leaders; it has had those changes and vicissitudes which have marked the development of society in every country. The foundations of our social system were begun, when the Pilgrim fathers first set foot on the Western continent; in the face of obstacles the most stupendous, its walls were raised; under the influence of Christianity, education and freedom, it obtained those features which are now most prominent in it. Notwithstanding the influx of foreign elements it never lost its American character; these elements were absorbed and transformed, and by the almost magic power of a new life, were made to subserve the purpose of building up a people whose versatile genius and power the world never saw equaled.
Experience has shown that action is necessary to, as it is also the result of, life. Although our social structure has an apparent solidity, it is always changing and varying; for periods it changes slowly but certainly; then come convulsions, which seem to shake its very foundations. We may say it has its periods of health and sickness, as well as of youth and manhood. Upon our early life the world looked with curiosity, and without hope. We ourselves knew our weakness, and yet felt the vigor of new life. In time the world looked with astonishment, while we felt more confident and looked upon success as certain. We now think our experiment proved.
We have thrown open our doors to the world—nay, have even invited all to enter, and multitudes have come. Individuals are here of every race, color, party and sect, yet without serious contention or strife; peace reigns everywhere. Every shade of belief and opinion is tolerated—perhaps with too much freedom; liberty of speech and conscience is granted to all; places of honor are open to the trustworthy—as well as to the unworthy.
But we have passed through ordeals which have put our character to severe tests; we have even courted dangers, believing ourselves capable of averting serious results. And today it is with joy that we review our past history; it is with
exultation that we behold the wonderment of foreign states; it is with pride that we see the wonderful career which lies before us in the future, when as the guiding star of nations we shall lead all to a higher and nobler sphere of action.
C. A. P.
PREPARATION.
Two hostile armies are drawn up, each facing the other in battle array. Hurrying messengers are riding hither and thither, bearing the orders of the commander to the different divisions of his army. In obedience to these orders, a troop marches to an adjacent hill for the purpose of planting a battery. In the rear of the line are massed the veterans of a score of battles, ready to be hurled with resistless power against the enemy. Every soldier is prepared for the pending conflict, and confident of victory. All is animation without confusion. Every corps is in position awaiting the orders of the commander to begin the battle. Impatiently they wait the will of their superiors. They do not remain long inactive. The order for attack is sounded, and victory crowns the efforts of the brave. The army is that of Napoleon, led by its trusted general to almost certain triumph, or that of Meade at Gettysburg, driving back the Confederate army to its southern strongholds.
Turning to the more peaceful pursuits, we also see the necessity of preparation. Imagine a noble ship away out on the dark and heaving bosom of the Atlantic. Indications of an approaching tempest are noticed by her captain. Every preparation is made for the coming storm.
"And there she sits A lonely thing amid the gathering strife. With pinions folded—not for rest—prepared To struggle with the tempest."
By skill and tact she outrides the storm, and arrives in safety at the harbor.
Again, go with me, in imagination, to a machine shop. There may be heard an incessant clang of hammers upon iron. The workmen are making a boiler for an engine. Piece by piece the tenacious metal is riveted in its place; slowly and patiently the toilers progress until the work is completed.
Many illustrations from nature may be brought to bear upon this subject. One or two will suffice. As winter approaches, the foliage of green upon the trees gives place to one of many hues. The petiole of the leaf has accomplished its work. The tree is left bare of foliage. But ere the leaf was severed from its branch, the miniature leaf and flower were formed for the next years growth. Each bud is protected from the cold by a covering of bud scales. Every tiny leaflet, every petal of the future flower is formed, ready to expand and grow under the necessary conditions.
Again, what signifies that mass of timber with which the carpenters are toiling? Nothing to an unpracticed eye. Day after day they work on. Finally the stately edifice, or the beautiful ship answers our interrogation.
What lesson may we learn from these instances of preparation? The lesson is obvious. No young man or woman can wholly succeed in life without thorough preparation. The more thorough this is, the more certain is success. A great man has said that "nothing is sure to happen only the unforeseen," and therefore unexpected. The nation also demands preparation of all her sons and daughters for the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Never in our country's history