The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-04-05

This is 4 time OF joy,
IN the Christian world the sombre
garb of sorrow, WITH its attendant self
denial. has given way to the vocal
chorus. "The Lord is risen" and 4
wholesome enjoyment of the best gifts
that God has bestowed upon his people.
The voices of Nature, long hushed by
the chill of winter, have found new
song, and upon tree top and bough
the birds chant their matin hymn in
very ecstasy of joy.
The cheerful whistle Of the plough
man as his plow turns the fresh earth,
with the thousand voices of re-aW AIKEN
cd life with which field and forest are
musical, give vent to the Joy of the
whole animate world.
The blossoming of flower and shrub,
making the garden and the woods a
paradise of beauty and fragrance, add
to the mighty chorus Of universal re-
ioicing and gratitude that marks this
Easter-tide.
liz the birds and the flowers, the
ploughman and the grateful earth, and
Christian men and women lift up their
heads in JOY and gratitude, should
there be lacking the rejoicing that a
great industry has grown and pros
pered here among US under the bless
ings OF Providence?
There should he as much gratitude
in the hearts of those whose toll and
foresight have been signally rewarded
as fills the birds OF the fields upon tie
return Of the season OF life and warmth.
Not only should the hearts Of those in
diyidually blessed be sxectened with
''the fuflness of content" but all who
rejoice in a prosperity that ditfuses it,
self must also feel their hearts lifted up
with rejoicing at the steady growth OF
a great State industry.
There can come at the best no great
measure of that general diffusion oil
knowledge" whica General Washington
deemed the surest foundation Of the
Republic, without large and profitable
business and manufacturing opera
tons.
lit is the men of large means and
great liberality who alone can give the
impetus which comes from large pro-
vision for the intellectual uplifting Of
the people. Happy is that people whose
great industries prosper, and bring
wealth into it's borders! Happier still
is that people whose prosperous sons,
untainted by the splendors that wealth
can give. regard themselves as, in Il
sense. stewards of that Providence that
has smiled upon their enterprise!
The tobacco interest of North Caro-
lima has not only brought wealth TO tie
manufacturers, but it's cultivation has
been one of the few staples that has
enabled the farmers togain recompense
for their labor, and the profits that
have come to tine manufacturer, dealer
and farmer, and to the army Of men de.
pendent upon it for the support Of their
families, has brought the blessings of
education nearer in the reach of the
mass of the population. and in an hum
dred other ways been a beneficence to-
the State
What better, then, ON this Easter oc-
casion OF general rejoicing. than re-
view Of the great tobacco Industry, and
a study Of tile men who have brought
it out Of the day of small things to the
largest single industry of North Caro-
lima.
Let us, then. rejoice that North Car
DINA stands first Of all the States ~
the production Of the bright golden
leaf, anil that its production and manu-
faetpre are daily adding to the wealth
of the State.
let MS rejoice that this wealth has
been in the main used not only To glori-
fly the Material, but that it has gone 10
bless the sick. help the orphan, pro-
vide churches in which the gospel IS
proclaimed. and send the. gospe, to
those who sit in darkness.