These strictures are themselves one-sided, exaggerated and, especially from a German standpoint, unwarrantable. As though Germany herself had not been dominated by a machine—a military, militarist, State machine! In Germany, materialism triumphed alike in philosophy and in practical life, while German science and thought subordinated themselves to Prussian and pan-German domineering. True, some members of European reigning families, and of the aristocracy of all countries, have been wont to woo American dollar princesses—as the Gotha Almanac bears witness—and it is comprehensible that such people can feel but little liking for the entirely non-military humanism of America. But if this is evidence against American democracy, it tells equally against European aristocracy. American civilization appeals to me, and I believe it appeals also to our emigrants who form a notable section of our race. In America we can and should learn not merely the mechanical side of things, but love of freedom and individual independence. Political freedom in a Republic is the mother of the peculiarly American simplicity and openness, in social as well as in political and economic matters. The American humanitarian ideal has been practically realized in exemplary hospitals and in welfare work. In America, a philanthropic and generous use of money has been developed, and in not a few respects America is creating fine precedents for the civilization of the future.
American Literature.
I do not and cannot assert that there is no dark side to American life, or that it presents no hard problems. Antiquated forms of Puritanism and its narrow-minded rigour have long been censured in American literature (Hawthorne’s “Scarlet Letter” appeared as early as 1850 and he was by no means their first assailant) in the same way as the parochialism of cities great and small and of country districts is being attacked to-day. The younger generation of critics tilts at the lack of artistic sense, at the failure to understand social and socialistic thought, and at the stereotyping and standardization of culture and intellectual life. If the American philosopher, Baldwin, insists so emphatically upon aesthetic sensibility as the primary need, the conclusion may be drawn that American life is devoid of it.
In American literature, moreover, the beginnings and the growth of decadence may be studied. A number of authors
