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ilr. Eockefeller had not foreseeen. If Mr.
Eockefeller had had a half century imagination
he might have Sdiiie millions less of money
and several millicin.s more of appreciation.
Mr. Carnegie had a good imagination in
steel, better than most men. But his range
finder did not work beyond the horizon, therefore,
although he should plan fifty libraries before
supper in as many places the odor of his
name does not attract.
What these men need to do with some millions
is to establisli an institution to cultivate
imagination, a century imagination if possible.
That would beat the Peace Palace and the
Hague Conference. Only a primary course in
this institution would have saved William Hohenzollern
from a colossal crime and blunder.
It seems as if there would not be much sin left
or many sinners, if only they had an earned
degree from an institution which could give its
graduates a century outlook. Abraham was a
post graduate in imagination. He saw the
coming city. Isaiah had it. John glimpsed it
at Patmos. But it may be worth suggesting
that when the bureau of research in imagination
is established Jesus should direct the work.
All the really successful men have been his pupils.
TRANSFORMATION OR REFORMATION
By W. H. iMorse, M. D.
The closing week of October was signalized by
the biennial convention ot the Italian-American
Alliance at Wilmington, Del. For four days representative
Italians from all parts of the United
States were in attendance, and the Governor of
Delaware and United States Senator Salisbury
honored the occasion with tbeir presence. Those
who were in attendance, numbered about two
hundred, and the discussions were largely relative
to matters for the betterment of tbe Italians
in this country.
Italians were urged to become familiar with
American institutions, and to affiliate with them..
Several accordant notes were sounded. Counsel
was given that they should become interested in
American politics, and should decide for themselves
as to the best political party with which to
be identified, and after such identification, to
make an intelligent choice between candidates
and not to vote for a man because his name was
on the ticket wbich the discrimination of the
voter desired to support. Some American politicians
would have smiled at the advice to be a
Republican at one time, and a Democrat, Prohibitionist,
or Progressive at another!
Tbe teaching tbat was made plain was that
politics sbould not be cheapened by sale of votes,
but that tbe Italians should do their part in civic
government, and use all honorable means to influence
otbers to think and do as they did. The
subject of temperance brought out strong feeling
for the movement, and advice to declare in
its favor was emphatic. Socialism was not the
bone of contention tbat might have been supposed,
for it was shown that that which passes
under tbe name In Italy is radically different
from the American variety. Educational matters
THE CHRISTIAN NATION. Vol «l
were discussed in an intelligent and rational way,
parents being advised to send their children to
school, and not to remove them from school at
the age of fourteen, but to give them all tbe advantages
possible. Witb pardonable pride it was
shown that boys and girls who had persevered in
obtaining a higher education, bad become a
credit to their race. Business principles came in
for a share of discussion, and honesty, honor,
and thoroughgoing conscientiousness were inculcated.
"Stick on to your business," said one
speaker, "and make it stick on to you!" Immigration,
the tariff, taxes, and many other things
were canvassed, but there seemed to be a disposition
to avoid two topics that were predominant
in tendency,—the European war and religious
matters. This was, of course, because of a variety
of opinions among the delegates, some of
them Protestants, others Catholics.
The questions, however, advanced themselves.
The immigration debate started it. "What to do
when the immigrant is regarded as an intruder,
and made to feel instrusive" was the question.
Where Everywhere; and, among other places,
in going to the Catholic Church "Don't go at
all!" was followed by "Go to the Protestant
Church!" The characteristic Italian sentiment,
bred for forty years, asserted itself. A protestive
feeling against the interference of Rome was apparent,
and a spark flashed dangerously near tbe
powder magazine when it was suggested tbat the
principles of the Protestant Reformation still obtain
witb many Italians who, indifferent to Rome,
are readily led to register their protests. Naturally
the word "Reformation" suggested "Germany,"
and this was countered immediately by
"England," and a manifestation of English-sympathizing
attitude. The sympathy for England
was indissolubly connected with friendship for
America, and some of the delegates were in lavor
of cabling the Italian minister of foreign affairs
to stand for neutrality. "Germany" and
"Reformation" were not in the moment's favor.
If the meeting had been French instead of Italian,
there would have been a hubbub at once. How it
came to be suggested is not apparent, but "Transformation"
took the place of "Reformation," and
war politics fell into abeyance. Tbe idea was
developed that Italians in America should be
religious. If tbe Roman Catholic Church in this
country is different from tbat of Italy, and will
treat Italians as well as Irishmen, let it bave
allegiance. If not, then let tbe Italians identify
themselves with that faith wbich has enjoyed a
"Transformation."
The "Americanizing" proposition followed, quite
naturally. It was pointed out that the Italians
returning to the homeland from America are, or
may be "transformers," and that the introduction
of American ideas, American money, and among
other things, the American Bible (that is, of
course, the Protestant Bible in the vernacular)
will be "transforming." "We are here to get the
best we can," said one, "and we take home
what we get!"
Does it not follow tbat it is a matter of duty
for .\merican people to do tbe very best that
tbey can for the Italian immigrants These are
they who come here to improve their condition-—
perhaps, more especially, their financialcondition
—and as they are always bent on "going back
home," is it not our privilege and manifest duty
to see to it that they do "transform" Italy Is
it not becoming more and more apparent that
God brings them here for us to Christianize and
Americanize, for their own sake, and for tbat of
Italy
Hartford, Conu.
This Life of Lincoln which I am using as a
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