The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1871-04-01

illuminated letters. The residence of the Consul,
and those of several German residents were ilu-
minated during the evening, and congratuiatory
calls were made and received. Altogether tne
German Peace Festival was a notable OCCASION
The details of the demonstration were carried
out successfully and in an orderly manner winch
at once reflected credit upon the discretion OIL Sne
German element in cur population, and mani
tested their strong love of Fatheriand. and their
responsibility in point of numbers But IL Is
only fair to state in addition, that there has been
no little amount of criticism evoked among the
foreign community at large, extending even 10
Germans as well as others, IN regard TO what mas
been termed the exclusive spirit displayed IN the
management of the celebration. in failing to M
vite the cooperation and sympathy of ali nation-
alities on the OCCASION. 1t has been observed,
and with manifest Justice, that the final conciu-
sion of a gigantic war and the restoration OF
peace wasan event in which the whole world Is
alike interested, and its celebration an occasion
on which all peoples and races could appropriately
join their thanksgiving and their mutual con-
ordinations. The right to publicly express the
general satisfaction and Joy upon the welcome
return of peace to Europe, p~ertained aa much to
Americans and Engiismen as TO Germans and IN
a higher degree to Frenehmen. whose country
has been so sadly ravaged by the horrors of war
1t was not an occasion on which to indulge IN
feelings of triumph over victories won, or of prin-
ciples of politics involved, bnt, in accordance
with the sentiment expressed by one of the grand
old HYMNS sung in the church, a time. for all To-
thank God.
In thI1a Ufvinu rrfta,-nT1aas IN the nuUIIC> San6l-
ment which has prevailed and been freely ex-
pressed in regard to the exclusively national
character maintained in the late celebration, we
are far from sharing In the approximations which
have been frequently declared in the liberal press,
more particularly of England, and which we have
have heard repeated in conversation, to the effect
that the establishment of the new Empire of
Germany will bring with it danger to German
political freedom, and to the progress and ciyili-
zation of Europe. 1t is true, that the rule of the
Emperor, though it may be judicious, mild and
successful, is emphaticaliy a personal Govern
ment, with no responsible ministry a e%0nstitu-
hunal monarchy indeed, but no parliamentary
Government. But there is no lack in Germany
of the fruitful germs of political development.
The rising stream of democracy is o~veriiowing
that country as well as the rest of the world ana
in the Capitalization of the Empire the national
unity finds to-day its surest safeguard. A grand
career of leadership in human progress is now
opening up to Germany. Even now, all offices
are open to men of every class all property is
transferable and divisable- Compulsory educa-
ton, and compulsory military service for all
classes without exception are gradually removing
all distinctions between man and man. In the
commanding position which the German Empire
has so suddenly assumed in the affairs of nations,
we recognize, not a foreseen result of the selfish
schemes of statesmen. but the finger of God,
pointing onward to the coming millennium of uni
versal civil and religions liberty.