The record-union., 1898-07-10
PRESENT-DAY THOUGHTS.
By G.. Grosvenor DAVE.

Just as the strength of a block of
granite is derived from the atoms that
compose it-not in the form OF inco-
hesive dust, but in the form whore. each
atom bears part of the burden and
clings with firmness 10 its neighbo-
atom; SO national durability consists IN
distributing the burden of government
upon as many shoulders as possible ana
IN the measure that those shoulders are
able to bear, to the end that there shall
be none either great or small who es-
cape the feeling Of responsibility toward
the nation as a whole. Measured TN
such a standard none Of the grea- ma
'lons OF the earth approach i more
nearly than Great Britain and the
United States
II II be true that moral powcr is fur
ther reaching and more enduring than
physical. and that history shows many
instances where the influence Of aman's
great thought will go on through the
centuries, while his physical strength
perlshes at death or if exerted during
Hfe extends as far as his arm can reach
and no farther; then it will not be un-
lair TO insist that the nations most like
iy TO exert present influence and to live
on and on are those that have the best
comprehension of moral duty toward
the individuals within or toward other
nations outside. Again measuring UP
the great modern nations. we are forced
TO the conclusion that notwithstanding
many human mistakes and many indi-
vldual and national lapses Great Brit
ain and the United States come The
nearest to this standard AS pointed
out last week, they allow the individual
most rights. They compel from him no
special form of belief and enforce upon
him the fewest forms of silence Both
OF these nations also have been side by
side in sending out to others the great
est civiliZing, educational, medical and
spiritual influences. Both nations have
gotten of good and then in truest altru-
istic spirit have endeavored with en-
thusiasm sometimes mistaken to PASS
it along.
On the score of both political and
moral enlightenment these two nations
are placed in the van of the never-ceas-
ing generations of men. Though con-
stitutional monarchy is on one side
and democracy on the other, these TWO
are one in impulse, one in thought, one
in racial destiny, from which neither
can wrench free. Henceforth sirce tbs
American Colossus has learned to stride
from island to island halfway round
the world, both are to meet one prob
lem-the performance Of duty toward
alien, unciviliZed, down-trodden people.
Again the genius of the race viii force
the declaration that not by DhVSical
power shall il be done, but by the exer-
else Of justice and mercy. by the grace
of God defender of the faith is en-
graved on English coins; BY the grace
Of God, upholder of human rights"
must be now engraved on the hidden
tablets Of Anglo American hearts
Such a destiny thrills the imagina-
tion. 1t excludes all boasting; for the
opportunity to hold high the light Of
leadership carries with it apprehension
of falling short of duty AS pointed
out few weeks ago, the ever recurring
temptation will be to rely on physical
force. 1t has already presented itself
in the proposed offensive and defensive
alliance with Great Britain. Surely
that would be retrogression indeed af-
ter painful centuries that have declared
the moral in national life to be more
enduring. than the physical. If coop
GRAFTON is to exist, it must be on moral
lines, lest we set back the progress Of
others by arousing in them jealous and
forceful designs upon US.
1t is our united opportunity to place