The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-05-03

halt before entering the desolate country
between Furrah aud Candahar."
"
TIE MAJORITY AND THE REMNANT.
There appears to be q widespread desire
on the part of the American people for war
between England and Russia. II is not
altogether plain why such thing as blood
shed and destruction of property should be
desired by our people. Whether il be from
a notion that such q war would be q COM
mercial advantage an d make business bet.
ter" in this country, or whether 1t bs that
there is desire to read of and talk of bat.
ties and sleges, is not material for the pur-
pose OF these observations. Whatever may
be the foundation OF the wish Ii is certain
that 1t exists. 1t is expressed by the press,
openly in some instances, and between the
lines in others. 1t is talked on Change, in
waiting depets, in hotel lobbies on the street,
and at the home and freside. II Is safe to say
that 1t Is the desire of the majority. This
desire for war is contrary to popular educs-
tional carons. The teaching has been that
the safety OF nations lies In peace, and not
in war. The abolition of standing armies
and the total destruction OF munitions OF
war have been discussed. The settling of all
disputes by arbitration has been widely adj.
vocated. These things have been proclaimed
by the press, preached from the pulpit, COM
mended in public addresses, put in our text
books and taught in our schools. Yet in the
face OF all this is prevalent and pronounced
desire for war, whereas according to all oar
teachings and tenets, the desire should be
for peace. This condition OF things illus
trates the wide divergence between morals
taught and professed and morals practicsd.
To be plain, it illustrates popular sel6shness.
No matter how loud the professions when q
supposed busins So advantage lies in bloody
war the professions are smothered. 1t would
seem that the correct teachings have not
taken root. Who of US has not seen In the
play the heroine evade and finally renouncs
tie wealthy suitor who attempted to control
her by the power of money. and seen her
cling to and marry the choice of her heart
because she loved him2 and, though they
were poor in purse, they were wealthy ia
affection. And who has not applauded the
girl and felt glad at her choice? Bat are
these sentiments practically approved be.
yond the walls of the theater? Are they
praciiced in the choosing OF q husband
for the daughter or in approving
the choice of the sister? On the
contrary, marriage is in too many instances
q compact of financial consideration or
other advantage. The spirit which ap.
plauded the heroine Is often not present.
In practical life 1t is doing no violencs to
the truth to say that the majority do not
observe the sentiment they profess to ap.
prove and teach. The saying that virtue ia
seldom rewarded save in the fifth act OF
the drama, is not without foundation. There
is in our moral code methiug akin to that
OF the Greek notion OF honesty: that there is
no harm in stealing: the only cul pability /
IN being found out. Evil things may b
thought and connived at, but they must
not be talked openly. Such condition of
q considerable part OF the public consciencs
would seem to be the result OF some
moral contagion Of the time or ths
latent wickedness OF mankind triumphant.
IL there is a condition OF things existing
that the majority rejoice in the prospect of
tooaAy SOLAtOt tCtWtCn iOACibn POWc.c, IA
that majority is 50 enslayed by mammon
and individual gain as TO wish such dire
events, it is indeed to be looked on with
alarm. There is in il the elements OF dIsso.
luton and destruction to the Government.
What is there 10 restrain this spirit from
plotting war and devastation among our
own people, or wishing or plotting misfor-
tune to neighbor or friend in the hops OF
individt al gain2 Would patriotism even
restrain il? II may well be doubted. This
hypocrisy OF the heart must be an element
OF great danger and weakness in the Nation.
The subject under consideration Is a striking
illustration OF the attitude OF the majority
and the remnant The latter, rs Matthew
Arnold has we'll said. remains true to its
convictions aud professions, and In II lies
the salvation of governments. The former
Is true to neither. 1t temporlzes, departs
from the right and hopes to profit by the
misiortunes and disasters of others. The de-
sire for war comes from the majority. The
safety OF the nation lies with the views OF
the remnant.