Darwin- Wallace Celebration. 



In looking at the theory of Evolution, we have to ask not 

 is it desirable, but is it true. 



But if Evolution has 110 bearing on Theology, as regards 

 conduct it is eminently encouraging, and the general outcome 

 of Evolution appears to be as Darwin himself pointed out 

 that those Communities which include the greatest numbers 

 of the most sympathetic members will flourish best. 



In these and other points of view, Science, and even those 

 branches which seem to have the least practical application, 

 are of inestimable importance. 



Mr. Balfour, in the speech to which I have already 

 referred, paid a generous tribute to Science though, as 

 President of the Sociological Society, I must demur to his 

 exclusion of Sociology saying that : " More than to the 

 work of statesmen or to the elaboration of social systems, or 

 to the study of Sociology, I look to Science more than any- 

 thing else as the great ameliorator of the human lot in the 

 future/' 



With that we here shall agree. Well, indeed, would it be 

 for the world if the fellow-feeling which exists between men of 

 Science to whatever nation they belong could be extended to 

 other sections of our European Communities, and if the nations 

 of Europe and their rulers would diminish, we cannot hope 

 that they would abandon, their enormous military and naval 

 expenditure, and spend a small part of the saving in the en- 

 couragement of scientific experiment and research. We pay 

 dearly, indeed, for the hatred, jealousy and suspicions which 

 disgrace our so-called civilisation. 



The amount of work done by Darwin and Wallace was 

 marvellous, and in Darwin's case all the more so as it was 

 accomplished in spite of very bad health and daily suffering. 

 It would have been impossible, but for the wise and loving 

 care which watched over him from the time of his marriage ; 

 and every one who enjoyed the inestimable privilege of Mr. 

 Darwin's friendship, will always look back on Mrs. Darwin 

 also with gratitude and affection, not only for all she did for 

 him, but for many acts of kindness to them. 



Darwin, himself, was not only a great man and a great 



