Based on the context of the excerpt, according to the author, American society in the late 1800s and early 1900s would improve if American Citizens are willing to improve.
The author's message in a passage or book is a term that is used to describe the "big idea" of the text or a part of the text.
Generally, the author's message is defined as what the author wants the reader to learn or take away from reading the text. There may be more than one message in a text.
In this case, the author center his message on helping people that are ready to receive help from an external body.
In his words, the main consideration should be to help those who will help themselves; to provide how those who desire to improve may do so.
Therefore, in this case, it is concluded that the correct answer is that American society in the late 1800s and early 1900s would improve if American Citizens are willing to improve.
Learn more about American societies here: https://brainly.com/question/13323062
#SPJ1