Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-01
Is1l-Is12.


finished. Our chief duty now is to glance
at the page. it has written, briefly recall
its events, and perhaps consider the in
fluence they have exerted or will exert.
While the year has not been without its
calamities, none Of wide-reaching and
remarkably disastrous character have oc-
Cured. The great fire at Chicago, rem
dering hundred thousand people house
less in day and night, may be reckoned'
one of the most serious calamities. But if
the stroke was sudden and terrible, the
relief afforded was prompt. efficient, and
noble with christian sympathy and prac-
teal charity. The fires in the woods Of
the West are only second to the fire at
Chicago. The deaths and suffering by
the latter were more than those caused by
the former. These were the heaviest and
most notable conhagrations of the year.
From pestilence the world has not suf-
fered heavily. The cholera has ravaged
some districts upon the Eastern continent,
and almost obtained a foothold upon this,
yet its march has not been very destruc-
tive or wide. The spread and fatality OF
other diseases are not specially noticeable
Along with the famine in Persia, which
has been severer probably than the ac-
counts received make known, there has
gone sickness, occasioned by restitution,
which has been destructive to human life.
Pestilence is usually co-worker with
Famine. Persia will long remember the
year past on account of the visitation of
those fearful agents of the grim Reaper.
BY sea the loss of life and property has
been less than usual The elements have
been propitious to those who find their
calling upon the mighty deep. The loss
of the Arctic whaling feet was the great
est calamity. Earthquakes have shaken
our foundation in various places. but with
no serious or alarming consequences. In
railroad disasters the year has probably
been unsurpassed, yet the actual loss OF
life is very small. In comparison with
the amount Of travel, mere bagatelle.
We fear that the criminal records for 1871
present dark history. The gallows has
been in almost constant use in ovr land.
Jails and prisons have received many in
mates. We judge the millennium is not yet
at hand.
Turning to the brighter side ofthe picture
we note with pleasure the close OF the great
war between France and Germany, the es-
adjustment peace between the two coun-
tries, the overthrow OF the Commune, the
end of the one-man power in France we
hope, and the foundation of republican
government Though Theirs is beset by
faction and fierce opposition, we trust
France is seeing the dawn of lasting free
dom. Spain also has found a govern
ment, but the political elements of the
country are in a ferment, and what stabil-
ity has been secured for the new ruler re-
mains to be proved In spite Of all the
efforts of the government the revolution
in Cuba continues. The occupation of
Rome by the king as the capital Of re-uni-
ted Italy, is an important event, to the
world, as well as to the Papal power. The
union and consolidation of the German
States under the Emperor William, &C.
complished this year, places that govern
ment in the front rank of European pow
ers. The year closes with Europe and
Asia generally at peace. Below the sur.
face, however, there is violent agitation
among the working classes, and schemes
of crowned, discrowned, and would-be
crowned. heads, that may change the
scene to strife and bloodshed. On this
continent war continues in Uruguay and
Cuba, and revolution has begun in Mexi.
co. Brazil has honored herself by meas
ures for the abolition of slavery in hel
borders.
The United States government is al
peace with all the world. By the ratifica.
ton of the treaty Of Washington. the diff
ficulties between this country and Great
Britain are put in a way to be finally set
tied. so that they may not stand as a con-
tinual proyocation to war, jeoparding the
peace Of the two countries. This is a
grand work, over which the peace loving
people of America and England nav
rejoice. Our country has been prosperous
in its industrial enterprises during the
year. Bountiiul crops blessed the hus-
bandman, and labor has been generously
remunerated in field, forest, factory and
mines. The national debt has been large
ly reduced. Taxes have decreased. Cor
ruption has been rooted up in politics. Re-
form of the civil service has commenced
earnest. Never since the nation began
has it shown greater strength or higher
promise than in the year 1871.
With this hasty glance at some of the
leading events of the last year, we turn
from its ashes to the New Year, to learn
if we can what 1872 may do for the world
and US. To the young it presents visions
OF brightness and felicity to the old the