The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-01-29
THE NATIONS FUTURE.

Governments and nations have their
origin in a higher than an inherent
power-henoe, like individuals, are
born to die, to live and serve their day
and generation-then perish Their
deeds are, and should be, put upon
record for future judgment by succeed
ing generations to profit withal. Like
individuals, they are subject to malg-
nant convulsions that threaten their eX-
istence at every stage by sudden and
open rupture, or, afflicted with diseases
milder in form that may be overcome
by reform, and prolong their existence
to more Nature age. Our country's
hope is in the rising generation. Since
all the flood gates of light and knowl-
edge incidental to science and art,
wealth and renown, civilization and en-
terprise have been lifted up, and the
mighty rush of general intelligence has
swept away types and shadows, ignor-
ance and superstition, and upon the
surface of the current carries the drift
wood of vice, immortality and crime in
every channel and avenue of liberty
and justice, forming formidable gorges
and distractions that either menace or
threaten destruction to society at large,
and more especially to society in local
communities. Hence we said, that in
the rising generation is the hope of our
country, since to them will be submitted
issues more profound and momentous
in Importance, hence, greater response.
bilities will devolve upon them. Re
formers are to-day upon the active
arena that belongs to future genera
tions, preparing the way by their praise.
worthy deeds that will lead to the
abolishment and exclusion of many
evils now sanctioned and protected by
law. This will be necessary result
for the perpetuation of our free insti-
tutions, and more particularly for
the protection against the continual
and unlawful cncroachments of evil
upon society. There are but two
classes that enter into the composition
of society, both of which struggle for
supremacy and leadership; and to fur
ther their causes make use of all the
power and influence they can bring to
bear upon each. These two classes
may be known as the law loving, or,
law abiding, and the insubordinate, and
in these two classes are visibly mani
fest the two spiritual kingdoms-the
"Powers of Righteousness and the
"Powers of Darkness. Insubordina-
tion is due largely to lack of exercise
of parental authority which gives rise
to insubordination to still higher au-
thority, and which is daily augmenting
both as to numbers and magnitude
And the final issue will be the strug-
gle between our liberties and despot-
ism. This end can only be ayerted by
wise, prompt and energetic action Of
the rising and future generations
They will not dare to parley and com.
promise with wicked and questionable
customs as their fathers did, as the
lines between these classes will be
more closely drawn as time rolls on.
The laws in the future will necessarily
become more speedy and effectual in
the punishment of crime, or, insubor-
dination will be kept at bay only at
the point of bayonet, All our cities
are governed to-day, more by police
force (O than by civil laws. On ac-
count of the lenity and delay OF the
laws and punishment of crime, the
lawless have lost all terror for civil
laws. Behold the chronology of crime
the press is daily exhibiting to public
view all over our land; then infer from
such record whether future genera
tions will, or not, successfully grapple
with many of the evils that are alarm
ingly prevalent to day. But we are
told that society has no cure for its
ills" "no balm for its wounds" If
that be true where then shall we look
or hope for the ideal society promised
by so many through reformation by
expulsion of many of the present eyils
through the enforcement of compulsory
laws 1t is evident to all that crisis
is approaching which many believe to
culmnate in deadly conflict between
"capital and labor" OF such a result
we have not the remotest idea. But i.
has the appearance of an almost end.
less conflict between lawablding citizens
and indiscrminate and insubordinate
communism. The furnace that is to
burn the dross and purify the golden
metal may not be clearly defined by
any one; but its fires are kindled an d
daily famed and the heating process
in full operations but the moulding re
mains in unseen hands Y.