The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-04-21
Mr.. POLLARD'S IMPRESSIONS.
What a Former Roanoker Thinks of
the National Capital.

To the Editor Of The Times:-As a for
f,er Roanoker my mind frequently re.
verts to old scenes, old times and old
friends. So word sent from tie ma
tion's capital by one who looks backward
with pleasure upon his residence in your
city may not be ami"s.
While Washington is very cosmopoli-
tan sort of a city and s.becoming more so
every year NIL Americans feel keen in
terest and just pride in the natioual
capital Just ut this time there seems to
be very deciued interest in this city, IL
one may judge from the large number of
patriotic Americans from NIL sections
who having saved the country" last fall
are now willing to keep it saved, if Presi-
dent Mckinley will only give them n
chance, at home or abroad.
think sometimes we Americans suffer
from too much politics, and keep our.
selves unduly stirred up In II republic
can form. of governments every man island
should be, in some sense politician, but
not politician all the time and nothing
more. Why, we have actually come to
believe that political parties make and
unmake prosperity. This is grievous
heresy. The political speakers of both
parties are largely to blame. They say
to the people: II you let our party in
and turn the rascals out the paradise of
industrial prosperity will be ut hand.
Thus the people look for prosperity from
legislation, rather than from their own
foresight and industry and.skill. Good
laws may help and bad laws my hinder
the people in their quest for an honorable
living and the pursuit of happiness. hut
after all it is we'll TO remember that it is
individual industry, prudence. economy
and Integrity that--we must look to for
IN al l,atx tL<,1
ton of one political party and another
las great rs their differences of principle
seem to bells not drop in the bucket in
comparison with the difference between
the true and the false in business meth
DDS, between the wise and the wild.
MIR. VIM. j. Bryan was in our city this
week. He called at the White House and
had pleasant chat with the President.
II the two chieftains in the late political
battle, as fierce as the conflict was, can
show this spirit of goodwill and frater-
nifty, surely all who played a minor part
can we'll afford to lay aside all grudge or
suspicion which they have entertained
for those with whom they did not agree.
One of the best signs of greatness of
soul is to be able to differ widely from
another and yet allow him every right to
his opinion, and all credit for sincerity.
Mr.. Bryan addressed the law students of
Columbia University, at the students re-
quest. He spoke upon the general prin-
ciples of government, but not upon party
politics. He made no attempt at oratory,
but certainly impresses enc who hears
him with an apparent candor and earnest
ness which carry the people with him.
Columbian University numbers among
its thousand students at least two Roau.
okers, Mr.. u. Lewis Daily and:Mr. Ru-
dolph Foster. The former is in'the school
of science, the latter lin the law School
Indeed, am frequently meeting friends
who once lived in your city. At the time
of the late inauguration, l had the great
pleasure OF meeting a number of Roanoke
citizens, among them two OF your off,
Gals, Col. Brooke and Councilman Evans
Rev. Mr.. Locke, who hadssmade::a host of
friends in the 'Magic City" is doing n
good work at his church here.
number of Roanokers are living in
Washington and ! believe are doing we'll
But we cannot boast of delightful'moun-
tain air or the sparkling water of Crystal
Spring
Now, Mr.. Editor, having rambled on
without h..pont or pith, I.shall stop
by wishing you and all Roanoke interests,
sacred and secular, the greatest success
Very truly,
EDWARD b. POLLARD.