New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-27
THE DAY md ITS LESSONS.

THANKSGIVING is the spring whence have
flowed MANY blessings and victories. No other
holida, in American life has its justification III
, deener philosophy. and probably 10 other has
had a more strengthening influence upon
.mor;can character During the last year
martial failure of crops has soreiy disappointed
multitudcs of farmers. a prolonged reaction in
securities has brought losses - many indus
tries, and great defeat has visited those VINO
feel that the prosperity OF the Nation can be
secured only by Republican policies. But IN
material things the reasons for profound thank
fitness are only brought home to the clearer
comprehension of all by some reverses. The
greater prosperity OF this than OF other corn-
tries is more clearly seen. The farmers re-
ioice in better prices for the crops their TABOR
has raised and saved. The prosperity OF the
Nation is so broadly based and sohd that, IN
spite of all losses, the great industries rise TO
n fuller productivencsS than they have prcVi-
ously attained and the labor of the Nation j.
omploycd at wages never surpassed TO the
thoughtful patriot it does indeed appear that
all this prosperity may be arrested by severe
and prolonged reverse, if the financial and IN
dustrial policy of the Republican party is to
Run may be found necessary preparation for
a Gettysburg and an ApponattoX OF the iu'ure'
This reverse has taught the upholders OF
good cause that they cannot afford bad leaders
in any State. However great the cause, II they
place il at the mercy Of men who Sacrlhce pub
lie welfare for private ambition or greed de-
feat must he expected. More unSclfshneSS and
wiser management in some localities will make
the good cause stronger when the Crisis comes
Defeat has taught Republicans that they can
not neglect the duty OF educating voters. Dllhd
faith that the people will somehow know the
truth, when small pains are taken to inform
them, but mighty efforts made to miSlnlofm
them. is unworthy of an American leader. But
behind these remedial influences of a great
reverse there is deeper cause for thankfuncSN
The last election has brought out into broad
daylight a tendency toward class legislation.
toward government for the benefit OF part
and not of the whole which must be maniully
met There is no room for doubt that the
people resent and will surely rcbukc such mis-
use of their government. Whoever brings an
open mind to the reading OF returns can see
that multitudes resented what they deemed eN-
cessive grants of pensions. Even the mistaken
hostility toward the new tariff was proof OF a
CONSCIENTIOUS opposition Ia provisions when
were rcl.-cSented H. burdensOmc 10 the many.
and comforting unreasonable favor, on special
classes When experience and better informa-
ton shall have tlught the people that this erca,
measure is for the benefit Of all and burden
some to none. their verdict need not be feared.
4 powerful body now demands legislation
for the special advantage OF farmers IL ScIa-
rate class or of the small proportion OF wage
earners whc seek through organization mo-
n, poly of labor. The measures thus proposed
will now be subjected 10 the test by which all
Others must be tried. II they are for the good
of the whole people, we'll if not, All over
whelming majority will resent the attempt Il
use their Government for such purposes. II
is a reason for thankfulne>> that this threat
ening tendency toward class acton has no"
| been placed before the country IN such form
| that the true nature Of measures proposed must
| be well considered. At an intermediate cleo
ton. by which the National policy could 10,
| be altered the people have been challenged &
investigate these demands. and 10 determine
| whether they shall control the mkt Presidential
| election. It is blessing that the issue ha,
| been made at this time, and in such way that
voters will be prepared to decide whether the
measures proposed are for the good Of the
people or only for the apparent benefit OF 4
| class.
| This Nation has been guided safely through
many and great peris. The peril OF com
munistic assault upon the freedom and cqua
opportunity of all property and all labor may
vet have to be met. The defeat which bring
the Nation to recognize that peril may yet be
| recognized as cause for profound thankful