The herald., 1896-10-24
KEEP COOL

The philosophic observer Of current
affairs finds much food for reflection in
the incidents and evolution Of a presi-
Dental campaign. One who notes with
out passion or prejudice the varying
phases of the present contest will prob
ably be first impressed with the great
intensity Of feeling shown by so
many. He will hear heated discus
sions and the most violent and unreas-
enable charges and counter charges
until he may almost think that the
American people is untitled for self-gov-
ernment.
But If he will only suspend his judg-
ment and pursue his study of the situ-
alton he will arrive at more just, intelli-
gent and encouraging conclusions. The
noise and fury are but the ripples upon
the surface. The people are more quiet
and not so unthinking as many Of their
self-corstituted leaders. To hear the
arguments Of one side one might infer
that a complete wreck of society will
instantly follow the slightest amend
ment of our present monetary system,
while some of those taking the other
side would at times lead one to believe
that the nations very existence depend
ed upon an immediate and thorough
change of that very system.
If the people did not weigh such ar
guments and assertions for themselves
and submit them to the test Of common
sense, the result might and probably
would be disastrous. But it is quite ev-
ident that they do these things, and in
that fact is the encouraging feature Of
the whole business. This is essentially
business campaign. That is. the para
mount issue is a business question. 1t
concerns every man in the manner Of
it's final determination will affect his
business relations with his neighbors.
Extravagant partisans of one side in
sist that utter ruin will inevitably fol-
low the victory of their opponents,
while equally extravagant representa-
tives Of those opponents are equally
certain that through their victory alone
can such ruin be averted. The battle
grows fiercer and the din becomes loud
er, but the people are not noticeably dis
turbed. They go about their business
much as usual. Goods are bought, sold
and paid for. Everybody eats and
IA AiAhS, ohN ACoAiy CNCiyDoAy SAlOhSS,
goes to the theater, and otherwise en-
joys or amuses himself. Business
houses do not shut their doors because
a comparatively small minority has
become somewhat excited.
On the contrary, within the past few
weeks, we have seen in this country
one of the most remarkable revivals
of business ever witnessed; a revival
which still continues. This simply
means that the business men are
shrewder than many of the politicians.
They know the people, and have full
confidence in the majority. A change
of administration will not change the
character of the people or destroy our
resources The business men are not
afraid to trust the voters who are CIV
ing close attention to their business
affairs, and at the same time thought
fully considering the question which
they are to decide at the ballot box.
The observer can we'll entertain a
similar confidence, and regard it as a
happy augury for the future. He can
also at the present time console himself
with the thought that the campaign
is nearly over, and that the lapse of
very short time will eliminate whatever
element of uncertainty there may now
be in the situation, political or other
wise.