Governor Russell's Speech

The brilliant young orator anc statesman, Hon. William E. Russell, of Massachusetts, made a very able address in University hall, Friday evening. The audience was highly pleased with the lecture given by the polished ex-governor, who well represents the young man and the scholar in the field of politics. Many were heard to exclaim, after hearing the address, "Well, I am not surprised that young Russell got to be governor of Massachusetts. His ability entitled him to it." Mr. Russell took as his subject, "Individualism in Government, - A Plea for Liberty. ' ' The lecture was thoughtful and philosophical, and was written in splendid English. Although the address was read, still the speaker had his matter well in hand, and was not closely confined to his manuscript. His reasoning was that of the statesman rather than that of the politician. Through all appeared the expression of the cultured man, the close and careful scholar. In opening, Mr. Russell spoke in a humorous tone. He then referred in an earnest way to the importance and inspiratipn of college life. He said that the mission of education was service, not contemplation. He spoke of the place of young men in oolitics, also referring to democracy n its broad sense. He said that to him it meant a political conviction. Continuing he said: "Utopia is not here. We are engaged in an abstract discussion of government. When combinations are being considered it is well to turn to a consideration of the individual, to assert the power and place ot the individual in free government. I propose to pay homage to the idea of individualism, but do not mean to uphold crankiness. I mean individualism in which is traced the root of man when God breathed upon him and he became a living soul. All society is built on individualism. All the commands of God are addressed to the individual. The commands of law, too, are addressed to the individual. "In earlier ages the individual was not recognized. Now he is, and the question arises: 'How far may the government restrict the individual?"1 The speaker then analyzed socialism closely, showing how it would weaken civilization rather than advance it. He argued that any system running counter to individualism was wrone.