The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-10

HE TIMhS COMPANY.
Richmond. Va.
rMPERoR WILLIAM A. MODEL
There is ut least one notable charac-
terisiic OF the present manly young
Emperor of Germany that entities him
TO the respect and admiration OF all
men who lore their country aud cherish
its social and political institutions. we
refer to that determined deposition
which he has shown on so many occs-
.ions 20 be first and last n German
who honors all the traditions OF
his fatherland, adberes firmly to ITS
principles. exalts its manners ana Gus
toms and follows unsweivingiy Its
rules of life and modes of thought. IL
would be unjust to this sturdy sue
cessor Of the Great Frederick to at
tribute to political.motiyes his resolute
course of conduct in following so
closely the general habits and ten
dencles of his people. and in raising
Upon an eminence at every opportun-
ity. the empire which he rules. We
have no doubt that this disposition on
his part is due TO the most unalioyed
patriotism, patriotism intensified by
all the romantic and impuisive en-
thusiasm Of youth. In the exhibition
Of this feeling. he may have shown at
fines both arbitrariness and narrow
ness, but it Is better to err on this side
than on the side Of a liberality tina,
does not consider first the claims of one $
native country.
Tie people of the South can appre
ciate as warmly as any people ON the
globe. this side Of the young Emperor >
character. for who have given more
proofs of possessing the spirit Of the
most vivid and enduring patriotism
than they hayey This spirit has been
tried in the furnace Of defeat, misfor-
tune and SANDER. That outburst OF
sorrow from them or the announce
mcnt OF Mr. Davis death was as muck
an expression Of their love OF country
as deserved tlibute 90 the services
which he bad performed for the South,
and TO the elevation and purity
Of his character. The same in
teusity Of patriotism that distm-
guishcd the older generation OF
Southerners has been developed
in the generation that has come for
ward upon the stage of active life in
the last decade, largely by the prescrip-
tive policy which the Republican party
has pursued, and is still pursuing, to-
wards the people Of the Southern States.
All the inspiring lessons of Mr.. Davis
career come as closely home to this gen
Grafton as TO their fathers, whose emo
tions were touched by their recollection
Of the great events and vast upheaval
of the civil war.
This feeling is not at all Inconsistent
with the firmest loyalty TO ;he National
Government, which the men OF the
South are prepared to support in the
hour Of great emergency with their
fortunes. and if necessary with their
lives. Let them foster this devoted
love for their section. AS its wealth
Gccumulates, its population increases
and its communication with the world
grows more intimate, they should still
initiate the example of Emperor Will
liam and nourish as "a sacred rule Of
their lives those special characteristics
that have given the South so lofty a
position in the eyes OF all whose esteem
aud respect is 10 be desired.
Sir William Jones has expressed
with the force and eloluence OF the
finest poetry tie eternal truth that
what constitutes State is not the
material monuments which strike the
eye and impress the mind, but "men,
high minded men, who understand
what are their rights and have the
courage to maintain them. Following
this definition. the old South was en-.
titled to the very first place in the
ranks of the greatest States in the
history Of the world, for what country
in the same length OF time has furnish
ei so many names illustrious for all
that the highest personal and civic
virtue. the most profound aad cult
waited intellect confeIs.
Material prosperity is a very proper
object for the South TO keep always il
view, but if it is to be attained at the
sacrifice OF those social and political in
fiuences that produced Washington, a
Lee. u Jackson and a Davis. it's far bet
ter that we should make no material
progress whatever. Local patriotism ID
the root Of all political excellence. The
more we cherish the noble social and
political traditions of the South, the
more we adhere to the customs and
feelings that have ONE down to us from
our fathers, the more VIC yenerate our
heroes. whether statesmen like Davis,
or soldiers like Lee, the greater we will
be as a people, the more we will be en-
titled to the respect and admiration Of
mankind.