Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-11-25

triumph who can tell how splendid are
the destinies which will then await this
country. One feeling the love of
liberty will cement together all the
nations Of the earth though speaking
different languages and inhabiting
different regions there would be but
one people united in the pursuitsof one
object that of freedom for all. At
the head of this truly holy alliance if
faithful to her trust, will then this
nation be found the first that taught
them to be free, the first to reach out
and grasp for true liberty. At the
feet of our beloved country they would
lay the tribute of universal gratitude.
The will of each nation can be ascer-
tanned by allowing them to select that
form Of government it chooses. IF
the majority are willing to be slaves
no power on earth can make them free.
Its their misfortune, but physical force
can do no good. We may extend to
them every facility for the dissemina-
ton of knowledge This we owe to
them belonging to the human race, but
having done this We have done all and
must commit them to an all wise and
holy power. 1t is evident then, that
all we are called upon to do for other
nations in the cause of liberty, must
be done at home. Our power resides
in the force of our example.
1t has been proven that a
part of our Nation can lift the
flag for the freedom of woman as we'll
as men by extending to her the right
of suffrage. What are the reports
coming from Libertyville, that all is
well, that the fire of wisdom is shin
ing from hill top, to hill top, and is
rapidly bounding through the villages.
May the breeze that watts good tidings
reach our noble state ere long, not for
getting by any means the step we have
gained in the educational department.
We trust that we shall prove so bene-
fetal not simply by voting but out of
the fullness Of the heart shall speak in
such manner that having gone thus
far will be allowed to go still farther.
We are cutting the channels by
which knowledge may be convey
ed to every individual Of our
mighty population. 1t remains for US
by means Of these very channels to
instilI into every bosom an mistaken
reverence for the principles of right.
The will of God requires us, not to
elevate few by depressing the many
but on the contrary to seek the great
est good to the greatest number. Hence
what means are to be used. Educate.
knowledge is generous and communi-
catlve and Jealousy at It's progress is a
sure symptom Of it's want. The day
has come when it cannot be successful
ly resisted Superstitution may have
condemned Galileo for his improved
astronomy, but the earth continues to
turn round with all its stupid inhabi-
tants revolving into light. The more
distractions are thrown before the
flooding tide Of knowledge the more
destructive energies will be developed
The force of cannon may quell mobs,
but education will prevent them.
Moral power creates the strongest mu-
milton of salty while arbitrary compul-
sion degrades both the tyrant and his
victim. We expect few will cry out
against this increased Illumination. 1t
is the same now as it ever has been the
ranks Of the great army of mankind
are marching with lock step over the
tie Id OF time, some to great conflicts
and others to eternal reward. The insti-
buttons that are ruling to-day are only
the heightened shadows of individual
minds. We are told that the race has
not made a step but what has left its
plain vestige behind The 10th century
was known as the age of painters, the
18th the age of writer's, the 18th OF
philosophers, the 10Th the age OF
apostles and prophets. To satisfy the
10th century, we must be the
painter of the 10Th, the writer Of the
18th, the philosopher of the 18th and
it is also necessary to have the innate
and holy love of humanity which con-
stitutes an apostolate and opens a
prophetic vista into the future. The
sooner we march to the music of the
grand thoughts that are given to US
to-day by the noble women Of our land
the sooner we will see life as it shOuldbe
equality here and happiness hereafter.
Therefore [ again welcome these
ladies. We do not Cry havoc and
blood shed but we do say, let there be
| light.
RESPONSE.
l. The members Of the National and
Wisconsin Womans Suffrage Associa,
ton gratefully,-t houghfully-accept
your generous hospitality; the cour-
teous welcome to your homes; to your
county building; to your city;
Gratefully, because it is always JOY
to meet with earnest friends consecrat,
ed to the work securing equality of
human ri0htS