The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-05-03

Of washington's Republic, create one Of the
great grainxrfes OF The world and open ex-
haustless reservoirs Of National wealth
During this generation, civil war Of
unequaled magnitude caused the expendf-
ture and loss Of eight thousand millions of
dollars, and killed six hundred thousand
and permanently disabled over million
young mon, and yet the impetuous prog
ress of the North and the marvellous in
dustrial development of the new and free
South have obliterated the evidences of de-
struction, and made the war q memory,
and have stimulated production until our
annual surplus nearly equals that Of
England, France and Germany combined
The teeming millions OF Asia till the patient
soil, and work the shuttle and loom as their
fathers have done for ages; modern
Europe has felt the influence and
received the benefit of the incalcu-
liable multiplication of force by inventive
genius since the NapOleonic wars; and yet,
only two hundred and sixty nine years after
Plymouth Rock, our people, numbering
less than one fifteenth OF the inhabitants of
the globe, do one-third Of its mining, one
fourth Of its manufacturing, one-fifth of its
agriculture, and own one sixth of its wealth
Steam and electricity have changed the
commerce not only. they have revolution
lied also the governments of the world
They have given to the press its power,
and brought all races and nationalit es into
touch and sympathy. They have tested
and are trying the strength of all systems
to stand the strain and conform to the con-
influences of American Democracy. At
the time of the Inauguration of Wash
ingtOn, seven royal families ruled as
many kingdoms in Italy, but six of them
have seen their thrones overturned and
their countries disappear from the map
OF Europe, Most of the Kings, Princes,
Dukes and margraves OF Germany who
reigned despotically and sold their soldiers
for foreign service, have pas ed into his
tory, and their heirs have neither prerOg
atives nor domain. Spain has gone through
many violent changes and the permanency
of her present government seems to depend
upon the feeble life of an infant Prince.
France. our ancient friend, with repeated
government of Bourbon and Con-
yention,. Of Directory and Consul
Of hereditary Sovereign and Republic,
burg and the Hohenzollsrn, after convul-
sions which have rocked the foundation of
their throne, have been compelled to con-
cede constitutions to their people and to
divide with them the arbitrary power
welded SO automatically and brilliantly by
Maria Theresa and Frederick the Great.
The royal will Of George Ill could crowd
the American colonies into rebellion and
wage war upon them until they were lost
to his kingdom. but the authority of the
Crown has devolved upon Ministers who
hold office subject to the approval of
the representatives of the people, and the
equal powers of the House of Lords have
become vested in the Commons, leaving
to the Peers only the shadow of their
ancient privileges But to-day, the Ameri-
can people, after all the dazzling develop
ments Of the century, are still happily liv
ing under the Government Of Washington.
The constitution during all that period has
been amended only upon the lines laid
down In the original instrument. and in
conformity with the recorded opinions of
the fathers. The first great addition
was the incorporation Of Bill of
Rights. and the last the embedding
into the constitution of the immortal
principle OF the Declaration of indie
pendence of the equality of all men before
the law. No crisis has been too perilous for
its powers, no evolution too rapid for its
adaptation, and no expansion beyond Its
easy grasp and administration. 1t has as
simulated diverse nationalities with warning
traditions, customs, conditions and Ian
guages, imbued them with its spirit, and
won their passionate loyalty and love.
The spirit Of Washington fills the Execu-
tive office. Presidents may not rise to the
full measure of his greatness, but they must
not fall below his standard Of public duty
and obligation. His life and character,
conscientiously studied and thoroughly
understood by coming generations, will
be for them liberal education for
private life and public station, for
citizenship and patriotism. for love and de-
votion to Union and Liberty. With their
inspiring past and splendid present, the
people of these United States. heirs Of
hundred years marvelously rich in all which
adds to the glory and greatness of a nation
with an abiding trust in the stability and
elasticity of their constitution, and an
Astounding faith in themselves hail the
coming century with hope and joy.