LECTURE ON AMERICA

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1929, Page 6

LECTURE ON AMERICA

Last night at St. Andrews’ Hall the Rev. Professor Hewitson delivered his lecture on America, under the intriguing title “I Could Love Anybody in the World Except an American.” This tj.e lecturer explained was the remark of Samuel Johnson in 1778, a typical Englishman of the 18th. century and a deep dyed Tory embittered by the revolt of America, and the War of Independence. But though this was so strong a statement, and as they could see, could not be taken at its face value, still it was true that there was still a deep anti-American feeling in Britain, and also a strong anti-British feeling in America. In the lecturer’s judgment the feeling in Britain against America was stronger than the feeling in America against Britain. Dealing with the causes of this feeling, America’s late entry into the war, and her refusal to join the League of Nations was dealt with; also the way in which America cut into our trade in motors, telephones, refrigerators, implements etc. The lecturer maintained that America could not have come into the war earlier than she did, and lier attitude upon the other matters was explained and defended. It was asked: “What could be done to improve the relations between tlie two countries?” America’s history should lie studied'aiid ave should try and recognise and,-gi’asp' the .facts: of. the present. The whole’ question should lie approached with sympathy, and breadth of vision, remembering that there were other standards and customs besides our own. Sources of knowledge were open to acquire such understanding in persona] fellowship (for Americans were very accessible) in travel, when you came into contact wijth some 1 of 'the .best and worst types, and in reading books such as Bryce’s “American 'Commonwealth,” Siegfied’s “America of To-day,” and Spender’s “America Comes of Age.” There were certain facts to he remembered and realised in forming a true judgment. First, the nation was voting, while British history commenced in the 3rd. century and American history did not begin till the 18th, century and it was only 153 years old. Then second, it was horn in protest and the effect of such an origin was well known in personal and national life. Then there was its rapid ‘increase of mixed peoples, there being no parallel to it in history. Immigrants poured into America-at the rate of one mil-, lion a year. In a town of 40,000 inhabitants there were 26 languages:, spoken. There were ten million negroes* in the States aiid- a constant stream, of Canadians went into the country. The enormous extent of the TJ.S. was referred to, 3000 miles across, with extraordinary natural features in mountains, plains, deserts and grand; canyons and lakes like seasthe vastness of its industries, with all its thorough organisation; its cities like New York with 6 millions, Chicago 3 ‘millions and Philadelphia 2 millions. Then there, were its great and important educational institutions, an eminent British authority declaring that twelve of the host universities in America were equal to anything in Britain, including Oxford and Cambridge. What asked the lecturer were the reaction of the people of America to these facts? There was still the feeling of “hands off 'Europe.” The moral effects of such progress and success were seen in keenness -of business aind in some quarter in a certain swagger. The forces "both of good and evil were tremendously strong. Murder had been spoken of by a noted authority as “one of the safest of crimes.” On ■ the other hand the spirit of beneficience had never been more strikingly manifested than in , America, Rockefeller had given 100 million pounds to philanthropic objects not confined to his own country, while the Carnegie gifts had totalled 800 million pounds. The whole lecture which occupied two hours was listened to with the closest attention and: was lit up by many illustrations and asides which added to the interest. It was an illuminating anch-spirited defence of America and an earnest plea for the promotion of : Anglo-American friendship. A 'At -the conclusion, votes of thanks iyere passed to Professor Hewitson for his able and interesting address, on the motion of Rev. J. W. Hayward, seconded by Mr W. T. Morpeth. A vote of thanks to the Mayor, who presided, concluded a very enjoyable evening.