OCR Text |
Show .1 Fearless Generation One thing this scientific area has done for civilized man ; it has removed his superstitious fear of new and strange objects. To a generation which accepted the advent of the airplane and radio with much enthusiasm but very little awe, it seems impossible that a mere steam locomotive could have inspired people with panic fear. During the recent celebration of the centenary of the railroad in England a picture of an early steam engine was shown, accompanied by a description of the popular reaction to its first appearance. The train was known as "Locomo- 1 tion No. 1." I "The immortal No. 1, having been constructed at New- castle, was brought to Aycliffe in a large truck drawn by many horses. In many bosoms the arrival caused the great-I great-I est consternation. They fled in abject terror, many hiding I themselves in the church, others seeking consolation in the bottle, while some of the more courageous climbed into trees ; and at a safe distance from the moster's claws watched it j pass." ! Some persons fear that the spirit of .wonder has been outlived along with this unwarranted fear. This would be regrettable, if true. But is it not possible that a finer spirit j of wonder will develop as fear is outgrown and deeper under-standing under-standing takes its place? |