ck
self-government of men." These evils cannot be overcome by law, by
formula, by resolution or rule of thumb, but rather by long, patient
study, research, and work of many master-minds in co-operative
leadership, who will create a sound international public opinion. The
international mind needs entire regeneration, not dominance of the
powers.

The recent war was but a stupendous breaking with the past. It
furnished opportunity for human society to move forward in a new
adjustment on a larger and broader plan of life. Whether it will or
not depends upon the use made of the opportunity. The smashing process
was stupendous, horrible in its moment. Whether society will adapt
itself to the new conditions remains to be seen. Peace, a highly
desirable objective, is not the only consideration. There are even
more important phases of human adjustment.

SUBJECTS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. What were the results of the first (1899) and the second (1907)
Hague Conference?

2. What is meant by "freedom of the seas"?

3. Should a commission of nations attempt to equalize the ownership
and distribution of the natural products and raw materials, such as
oil, coal, copper, etc.?

4. How did the World War make opportunity for democracy?

5. Believing that war should be abolished, how may it be done?

6. What are the dangers of extreme radicalism regarding government and
social order?

7. The status of the League of Nations and the Court of International
Justice.

8. National selfishness and the League of Nations.

9. The consolidation or co-operation of churches in your town.

10. The union of social agencies to improve social welfare.

11. Freedom of the press; freedom of speech.

12. Public opinion.

[1] Cosmos, _The Basis of Durable Peace_.

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CHAPTER XXXII

THE TREND OF CIVILIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES

_The Economic Outlook_.--The natural resources of forest, mines, and
agriculture are gradually being depleted. The rapidity of movement in
the economic world, the creation of wealth by vast machinery, and the
organization of labor and industry are drawing more and more from the
wealth stored by nature in her treasure-houses. There is a strong
agitation for the conservation of these resources, but little has been
accomplished. The great business organizations are exploiting the
resources, for the making of the finished products, not with the prime
motive of adding to the m