Could Study Lessons from Past with Benefit tyAmericans of the past did not escape major problemsAbraham Lincoln. |byPioneers who settled Indiana and other states had ,their full measure of woe, including the hazards from wild beasts and Indians, difficulty in growing crops andthe gruelling toil of clearing pristine forestsToll was exacted in the conquest of the West. Hardships were experienced by troops in the Spanish-AmericanWar and in succeeding struggles.Even sub-standard areas in large cities in the pastwere still regarded by occupants with a spirit of hope onthe part of immigrants..Migration from rural areas to cities in recent yearswas made, in large measure, in the quest for a better life.pected that the present administration, new in office, will be able to provide remedial action overnight. Improvement is certain to form a gradual transition — but progress can be made.Needed in 1969 is a realization that Americans of other generations faced grave problems. In a spirit of hope and determination they were able to overcome obstacles.Possibly, the most serious indictment of present-day behavior has been destruction of property rights. In a number of instances, lives were forfeited.If the same energy had been channeled into constructive effort for community improvement, much could have been accomplished.Despite what appears to be a gloomy outlook, some encouraging factors have loomed.One of these has been the unwillingness of countless responsible Negro citizens to have a part in destructive enterprises, although they share the goal of advancement of their race.Another has been the rise of a large band of teen-agers in a campaign against indecency. Thousands attended a “Youth for Decency” rally recently at Miami, Fla.Campus uprisings have been a frustrating experience for leaders of higher education at numerous colleges and universities. In some instances, there may have been some justification in complaints. In the wake of these disorders has come the rise of moderate groups on campuses, determined that the goals of higher education shall not be forfeited.Recent developments in opposition to insurgent minorities could lead to a calmer period in the days ahead. While correctional procedure may be required in many instances, disorders create new problems instead of curingold factors of dissatisfaction.Everything in the United States cannot be construed as bad. All Americans share the heritage of freedom, not available to peoples of many lands.Needed in the nation is a spirit of renewed hope, patience and tolerance, coupled with an attack on major internal problems. Likewise, present-day Americans need to realize that present-day achievements have been madepossible through toil and sacrifice of the past.ofand a sense of frustration.The Pilgrim colony in New England experienced a Scharrowing winter during their first year in a new land. vilt;During the ensuing fall they set aside a Day of Thanks- ^giving for their many blessings. L,George Washington and his Continental Army had .wvicissitudes during the Revolutionary War. Commenting on the plight of the Continental forces during the winter at Valley Forge, Lecky, the eminent British historian, commented that this was a time to “winnow the wheat fromto!shfO]the chaff. ’ i ghDuring the War of 1812 the nation’s capitol at Wash- sroington, D. C. was burned. haEvents during the Civil War brought heartaches to |esltioIisiceiph;rigpiegnIitathastrusewhMany succeeded in achieving this objective.However, there were many more with difficulty in adjusting themselves to a new life in poor and crowded J a areas. Gravity of large city problems came into focus wh about a decade ago, complicated by disorders and racial j anlt;Istrife.Unfortunately, these individuals had no new forest I saitract to assume. They turned to various levels of govern- jtritment for relief.Possibly, the problem became acute before urban imleaders recognized its intensity. At least, it would seem begthat “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” jeigmight have applied. Currently, concerted effort is being jtosmade to alleviate the situation. However, it must be i Cpointed out that many who took part in destructive prac- |nin tices were among relatively well-paid employes. i turCities face problems of an acute character. Previous nunadministrations did not solve them. Nor can it be ex- lanmaiMrsMiaedNtheanaSCO!yeaiEmMr.cityWandrolllt;vaiwouous and M tain Acr her fell M Mrs for the awa vin, mer to ^ M