38 Anderson William Clark 



The order of studies pursued and methods of training are far 

 from being perfect, but who would advocate the abohshment of 

 our pubHc schools? The state is morall)^ bound to her citizens 

 to maintain and improve the educational system. If we recognize 

 this principle in the matter of education we must recognize it 

 also in dealing with law-breakers and with orphan children, and 

 in all departments of charity and correction. How could prog- 

 ress be made towards the high ideals of the people without the 

 state's recognition of moral obligation to each citizen? 



This moral obligation is often grounded in the claims of indi- 

 vidual citizens upon the state for services rendered. For exam- 

 ple, a man served his country in the Civil War. Afterwards he 

 was industrious and self-supporting. He filled important offices 

 in the state, and in many ways served the community in which he 

 lived for many years, when misfortune overtook him. He lost 

 his home and all means of support, became a cripple for life, and 

 was found in absolute dependence for food and care. Who 

 would say the state helps him simply on the grounds of self- 

 protection? It might as well be said there is no public con- 

 science, no public sense of right and wrong. 



Others have stood ready to perform such services but were 

 never called upon. The state is under the same obligations to 

 these as to him. Thirty years ago President M. B. Anderson of 

 Rochester Universit}^ stated, "A nation is a moral organism which 

 owes certain duties to its members."^ Dr. C. R. Henderson wrote, 

 "Much charity flows from a race instinct of sympathy." "This 

 instinctive sympathy is the natural basis of the ethical demand 

 for charity — part of our moral view of the world." "It is a so- 

 cial duty to protect every citizen, without regard to character, 

 from extreme misery and death."^ The state is morally bound 

 to aid every citizen in times of need. It is a matter of simple 

 justice. This principle is not yet generally accepted, but is gain- 

 ing ground. The time will come when, in the light of this truth, 

 popular notions will be dispelled and no thought or feeling 

 of humiliation will come to those who receive such charity. 



IN. C. C, 1876. 



"Dependents, Defectives, and Delinquents. 2d edition, pp. 41, 44, 45. 



394" 



