Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-31

1
But as no optimist ever reached a conclusion
as the result Of careful research and sound rea-
son his testimony is not conclusive.
Have We worthily tried? 1 think We have
where 1t was entirely convenient, and in all
cases where patriotic action did not initiate
against partisan advantage.
That we have seriously blundered in many
things the future historian will, in my judg-
ment, affirm. although the politician may dis
sent. For instance. at the close of the war we
had within the insurrectionary border nearly
1000, 900 of recently liberated slaves. Their
liberation. whether prompted by military ne
cessity or the higher behests of humanity, was
just, but no one will contend that any con-
siderable number of them had any full and just
conception of the duties and RESPONSE
bilities of citizenship, and vastly less number
had any idea OF the functions of government
Yet they. unprepared as they were and helpless
IA it left them, were clothed with the ballot,
ostensiblv as a measure Of self-defense and
common Justice to them. but really and actually
as a partisan measure. The result was the in
auguration of conflict of races. growing ont
of a race for supremacy in certain states. in
which conflict the national government proved
powerless to protect the oppressed or punish
the oppressor. When the end Of this conflict
shall come, ard in what manner and with what
result. presents serious problem, the solution
OF which is by no means clear.
AN UNFORTUNATE TENDENCY.
1t is not saying too much to affirm that there
has been tendency on the part of many
patriots to relapse into the partisan and to
determine the value OF a public measure from
the standpoint of partisan advantage.
In one part of the country lawless. ignorant
and corrupt immigrants are utilized: in another
the ignorant and docile black man is used to
win political victories. The result is that poll
tics has become game-a mere game, to be
played with all the advantages, and so greatly
fear it will continue until the end, whatever
that end NAV be.
Unfortunately for our country the ignorant
and corrupt are as potential with their ballots
as the intelligent and upright citizen. and al
ways more alert and active. The result is seen
in the condition of our municipal governments,
where it occurs not unfrequently that the power
and control OF a political bandittI levies
tribute or exacts ransom with more certainty
and safety than the brigands of southern Italy.
Our legislative bodies, municipal and
state. have fallen into disrepute.
Great corporations and enterprises are
the tolls or oppressive legislative enactmcnts on
the one hand. or to secure the opportunity to
practice extortion on the people on the other.
Al these things are well known to every in
teligent citizen that do not violate any OF the
prophecies of This time, place and occasion by
referring to them.
l mention these things in order to make
clear the sources of national weakness and
strength. and point out, il | can. the dangers
that confront us, and the possibility of avoid
ing them. This involves a discussion of our
duties patriots. and 1 can think of no filter
time. place or occasion than this to discharge
that duty.
Bishop Keane's Invocation.
An interesting feature of the exercises at Sol
diers' Home yesterday the invocation de-
livered by Bishop Keane, the rector of the
Catholic University.
His invocation was a fervent and eloquent
effort and made most favorable impression on
all his hearers regardless of creed or
denomination. He appealed to the heavenly
Father to accept the homage of their love AID
alteration and TO empty His blessings on Ill
the people of this beautiful land who
have united this day in decorat-
ing the graves of our brave soldiers.
1t was a tribute of gratitude and patriotism
asked why it was that the world should be
deprecated by war and the hearts of Gods
creatures filed with the pride of conquest. when
we are all equally called on to journey to
our destiny in the paths of love
to one another as well as of love 70 God? Why
can not fulfill the beautiful Christmas an
them, GLORY be to God in the highest, peace on
earth. good viii to menu Why is
it that the world is so blasted by
war and stained with blood? 1t is no wonder
our hearts are bowed with shame that it is So
But SO long as wrong and the fault shall
attack the right and the true, so long
must the right and the true be defended
These soldiers whose graves We decorate today
laid down their lives for their families and their
country. They have surely earned Gods
eternal blessing.
WHOLESOME TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD.
We are taught that lit is holy and wholesome
to pray for the dead" To these soldiers, there
fore, we offer the tribute of admiration and
gratitude in our fervent prayers. For we're
they not the instruments of Gods high and
adorable will? Erring hands-honest but
mstaken-were trying to desecrate the
country's sanctuary, AMI those now
lying here helped to maintain its integrity and
render inviolable forever the unity of our
country. They did Thy will. They
fought Thy battles. To them do we
attest our undyins gratitude. Do
Thou. oh, Lord. shower on them the
beatitude of Thy blessing Grant, oh, Lord.
Thy blessing on our land. the chosen sanctuary
of liberty and freedom and grant that the
hearts Of the people may be filled with
the true spirit of their country's mis-
sion. Quench all fratricidal hate.
the civil war; knit together forever the
north and the south, the east and the
west, so that all may unite in love for coun-
try and love for Thee. We ask the same
UNITY OF love Tor all the world. On,
God. drive from the people the spirit of evil.
so that the chant of Christmas morning may be
realized by all nations. We ask this in His
name. We ask it in that prayer He himself
has taught us: "Our Father who art in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us
our sins as we forgive those who tlespass
against us, &c.
After repeating the Lords prayer the rev.
erend speaker closed his invocation in behalf of
the soldier dead as follows: ''Oh. Lord eter-
nal rest grant TO them and let Thy perpetual
light shine them. We ask this In the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost
Amen"
At LOgan's Tomb.
There were special services at the
tomb of Gen. John A. Logan at the Soldiers
Home. but that his memory is still green
in the hearts of his admirers was
shown by the mass of beautiful flowers strewn
over his grave. The granite tomb was draped
with two large American flags. and
portieres of daisies and evergreens banked
the entrance. The bier bed of cut roses
strewn loosely it's entire length
At the head placed 1. large shield
with star pendant made entirely
of immorteres, red. white and blue being n
fac simllie of the medal awarded to Logan bv
Congress. 1t was contributed by the
Legion of LOYAL Women. Other floral
pieces were Loyal Legion button, a wreath of
immortelles with cross bar contributed by the
ladies of the q. \. Il. and other de-igns sent bv