The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-13

ilS enforced the spirit or the Constitution
secured to us by the noble self-sacrifice and
ffaF-seeing sagacity of our ancestors. We
nave avoided the temptations of conquest
10 the spirit of gain with an increasing love
for our institutions and an abiding faith in
their stability. We have made the triumphs
of cur system OF government In the progress
and prosperity of our people an inspiration
to the whole human race. Confronted at
this moment by new and grave problems
We must recognize that their solution will
alrect not ourselves alone, but others of the
family and nations.
MUST FOLLOW OUR DUTY
I'm this age of frequent Interchange and
mutual depndency we cannot shirk our in
ternationaI responsibilities if we would;
they must be met with courage and
wisdom and we must follow duty even If
desire opposes. No deliberation can be too
mature or seif-control too constant in this
solemn hour of our history We must avoid
the temptation of undue aggression and aim
to secure only such results as will promote
our own and the general good. 1t has been
said by some one that the normal condi-
ton of nations is war. That is not true Of
the United States. We never enter upon
war until effort for peace without it has
been exhausted. Ours has never been mill
tafy government. Peace, with whose bless
lngs we have been so singuarly favored,
IS the national desire and the goal of every
on the 18th of April for the first time
Tor more than generation, the United
states sounded the call to arms. The banners
OF war were unfurled. The best and bravest
from every section responded; mighty
army was enrolled: the North and South
Wed with each other in patriotic devotion:
enective weapons; factories were rushed to
supply equipments; the youth and the vet
Grams joined in freely offering their serv-
ices TO the country: volunteers ard regulars
and all the people rallied to the support of
the Republic. There was no break in the
line, no halt in the march. no fear in the
heart, no resistance to the patriotic impulse
at home. no successful resistance to the
patriotic spirit of the troops fighting in dis
tan5 waters or on foreign. shore.
from the standpoint of patriotism and
achievements. The storm broke so sudden
~ that 1t was here almost before we re-
Shzed 1t. our navy was too small, though
forceful with its moderate equipment and
most fortunate in its trained officers and
sailors Our army had years ago been re-
ouced TO peace footing. We had only 19, 0C0
aVaAl9ble troops when war was declared.
but the account which officers and men
gave Of themselves on the battlefelds has
never been surpassed. The manhood was
there and everywhere. American patriotism
was there and its resources were limitless
Inc courageous and invincible spirit of the
Ri ,st,pp proved glorious, and those who
little more than third of century ago
We're divided and at war with each other
were again united under the holy standard
or liberty. Patriotism banished marty feel
ing; fifty million dollars for the national
9efense was appropriated without debate or
DIVISION. as matter of course, and as only
ao, mere indication of our mighty reserve
OUR GREAT VICTORIES.
But II this is true of the beginning of the
war what shall we say of 1t now. with hos
tlHties suspended and peace near at hand
as we fervently hope? Matchless in its re-
suits! unequaled in it's completeness and
the quick succession with which victory fol-
lowed victory! Attained earlier than it was
believed to be possible; so comprehensive in
its sweep that every thoughtful man feels
the weight of responsibility which has been
so suddenly thrust upon us And above all
ard beyond all. the valor of the American
army ana the bravery Of the American
navy and the majesty of the American
name stand forth I'm unsullied glory while
the humanity of our purposes and the mag
nanimity of our conduct have given to war
always horrible touches of noble eener,
osity, Christian sympathy and charity, and
examples of human grandeur which can
t.ver De aos1 70 mankind Passion and bit
ssrness FORMED no part OF our impelling
motive and IL Is gratifying to feel that
humanity triumphed at every step of the
The heroes of Manila, and Santiago. and
Porto Rico have made immortal history
Ihey are worthy successors and descend
Jones, Decatur and Hull, and of Grant.
Sherman, Sheridan and Logan of lFarra-
gut Porter and Gushing, and of Lee, Jack
New names stand out on the honor roll
OF the Nations great men and with them
and the forecastle invincibIe in hattie and
accomplishing in death. This Intelligent
loyal tndomitable soldier and sailor and
marine, regular and volunteer. are entitled
to equal praise as having done their whole
duty, whether at home or under the han
tism of foreign fire.
Who will dim the splendor of their
achievements? Who will withhold from
them their wel-earned distinction?. Who
VIII lntrude detraction at this time to be-
nttle the manly spirit of American youth
and impair the usefulness of the American
navy. VINO Will embarrass the government
Dy sowing seeds of dissatisfaction among
the brave men who stand ready to serve
ana ole, II need be, for their country? Who
VIII darken the counsels of the Republic
IN IN, this IS hour requiring the united wisdom of
All snail we deny to ourselves what the
rest of the world so freely and so justly ac-
cords TO us? The men who endured in the
short but decisive struggle its hardships
It's privations, whether in the field or in
camp, whether on ships or in SIEGE planned
and &C. ieved its victories will never toll
crate impeachment either direct or indi-
rect, of those who won peace whose great
written
nized the hand of Almighty God in the or
zeal through which we have passed. Divine
tavors seemed manifest everywhere In
Hghtlng Tor humanity's sake have been
signally blessed. We did not seek war To
avoid 1t, If this could be done in Justice and
honor to the rights of our neighbors and
ourselves, was our constant prayer. The
war was no more invited by us than were
the questions which are laid at our door by
It's results. Now. as them we will do our
duty. Inc problems will not be solved in a
day. Patience will be required: patience
combined with sincerity OF purpose and un-
shaken resolution to do right, seeking only
the highest good of the Nation and recog-
nlzing no other obligation pursuing no 9th
er path but that of duty.
Right action follows right purpose We
may not at all times be able to divine the
future, the way may not always seem
clear; but If our aims are high and unset
tlsh, somehow and in some way the right
end will be reached. The genius of the Ma
ton. its freedom, its wisdom, its humanity,
its courage. its justice. favored by divine
Providence, will make il equal to every
task and the master of every emergency
Mr.. Smiths Speech.
The inspiring conclusion of the Presidents
address was the signal for a scene of wild
pcplapaaffON ROvVinp and cYniliro ~ the