proceedings: anthropological society 333 



LaFlesche, Rev. John M. Cooper, Dr. E. D. Morgan, Miss Frances 

 Densmore. The society then Hstened to the address of the retiring 

 president, Mr. W. H. Babcock, on Some anthropological and national 

 factors in the present war. 



The speaker reviewed the series of papers on national subjects which 

 had been deHvered before the society during the past year. 



"The war is a contest of nations, conditions, and racial aspirations; 

 between the central Teutonic empires, with originally Turanian adher- 

 ents, and the surrounding republics or liberal monarchies, chiefly Latins, 

 Slavs, and the English-speaking peoples. But the difference in kinds 

 of government had less to do with beginning the war than the vehement 

 hostility of races and national ambitions. 



"A 'race' and 'nation' are variable terms. Language does not al- 

 ways accord with either. No people is homogeneous. What counts for 

 most is a conviction of national identity and racial affiliation sustained 

 emotionally by an ideal of patriotism. When this is violently over- 

 ridden, a sense of outrage and sacrilege is evoked — the most fruitful 

 source of devastating wars. The best preventive would be such 

 political redistribution as would end alien oppression and make aggres- 

 sion very difficult." 



The speaker sketched the human movements which have evolved and 

 defined the peoples of Europe; also the special changes needed. The 

 same victorious powers of civilization which must effect the latter could 

 also maintain them. The prospect of a general and lasting peace was 

 never so good as now; for the world is nearly full and well under control, 

 excepting as yet the Central Powers and their auxiUaries. There would 

 be no danger from outside barbarians, such as wrecked the long con- 

 tinued, but territorially restricted, dominion of Rome. 



Frances Densmore, Secretary. 



