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FOR THE CHURCH OF ST. JAMES AT SOUTH DEERFIELD, MASS.

AT CHRISTENDOM'S CROSS

BY JOHN FINLEY

ON SEEING THE ALTAR PAINTING BY MR. TACK

MARY the Mother of Christ was there

And John whom He'd chosen to care for her; Simon who'd helped Him His cross to bear

And Joseph who'd offered his sepulchre;

He who had come under darkness' guard

And she that "loved much," on her bended knees, Magdalen, bringing her precious nard;

All Christendom stands at the Cross with these.

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M. P. for the Northern English Universities, President Board of Education in Lloyd George's Ministry, Author of "Studies in History and Politics," etc.

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T is fifteen years since I last visited the United States. A short time, maybe, if measured by seconds, minutes, and hours, but long enough if we take account of the great changes which have transformed the political landscape of the world during this crowded and momentous period. For consider just a few of the happenings of these stirring fifteen years the revolution in China, perhaps the most complete revolution in all history, the Great War, the downfall of the three European empires, the resurrection of Poland, the establishment of a Communist government in Russia, the dictatorship of Mussolini in Italy, the abolition of the Khalifat, the grant of autonomy to Catholic Ireland and of practical self-government to the three hundred and twenty-two million inhabitants of the Indian continent. A very crowded fifteen years! More than a century of change seems to have been packed into them.

are the questions which, visiting America after this interval of fifteen years, I naturally put to myself.

The first, the most obvious, and the most enduring impression which I have derived from my visit is that of a great advance in the diffusion of material prosperity and comfort.

Fifteen years ago America was a very rich country. She is far richer now, richer absolutely and richer by comparison with the rest of the world. There has never been in the whole course of history a society in which the means of material comfort were so widely or amply diffused as they are in the America of to-day. In England cabinet ministers cannot afford to keep motor cars. In America, thanks in the main to the enterprise of Mr. Henry Ford, a car is regarded as an essential perquisite to the normal working household. Professors and students, typists and bricklayers, the humblest operative as well as the wealthiest millionaire owns, or appears to own, a car. Little children drive about in toy automobiles. In Los Angeles there is a car to every four persons, children included. When winter comes the roads of Florida are black not only with the automobiles of the wealthy in search of change and sunshine, but also with the Ford cars of the workingmen. American civilization is on wheels. There are few problems which engage more attention than that of parking, and how beautifully developed the art of parking has become! With what neatness and dexterity is the machine manoeuvred into its appointed niche within four inches

What, however, of the United States? Has this great, conservative empire, so wealthy, so fortunately remote from the central storm-centre of world politics, so absorbed in its own business and pleasures, also undergone changes? Are there any alterations of mentality discernible to the close observer? Any change in the trend and working of institutions? Any new tokens of revolt and impatience? Any transformations in the constitution and customs of American society? Those Copyrighted in 1925 in United States, Canada, and Great Britain by Charles Scribner's Sons. Printed in New York. All rights reserved. VOL. LXXVII.-25

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