The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-06-10
A NEW CHAPTER IN HISTORY.

pCihS Witch lO-Oc1y. L liz AAoNio1A9 NrAf~
blindfolded in the paths that overrul-
ing wisdom marks out for them. The
scheme of creation and the ultimate for
man direct the activities that shape
the policies of the world. In that
scheme we have reason to believe that
the American republic is to be bounded
by no constructing lines, but is to take
ats place among other beneficent influ-
ences as one of the arbiters of the des-
TIMES of the races of men.
We have-not earlier felt the action of
the Irresistible forces which spropel ma
tons to their destiny because we have
had room in plenty within which to ex-
pand, develop and rise. With civili-
zation upon our north like unto ours
and in sympathetic accord with it,
with Mexico upon the hither side re-
covering from the degradation into
which Spanish conquest and cruelty
had plunged her, now rising slowly but
surely to a level that will comport with
neighborship with US and make US akin
in sympathy in the fullness of time, we
lift our eyes abroad.
We refuse to adhere longer to the
policy Of internal growth merely, which
is policy of unthinking selfshness. We
cannot any longer pull down the Win
dow and refuse the loaf to those who
beseech us and appeal to US to do our
duty by them. The traditions of the
fathers bind US only to the extent that
they had knowledge Of conditions af-
feeting growth and nationalism. Ripe
in bud we are now about to burst into
the full flower as one of the nations Of
earth fit and of right to have our pro-
tests considered
We have right to say to Cuba,
''Thou art free" We have a right to
say to Hawaii, Thou shalt not perish,
the prey Of rfonarchical greed" We
have a right to say to Spain, Thou
shalt not longer Cypress and exclude"
We have a God given right to say to
the nations of the earth, our feet must
have resting places, and beneath the
tropfc shade or the shelter of. Arctic
ieebergs we wilt assert the right to
pause and rest
We Are not a conquesting nation God
forbid that we shall ever be, for it will
be indicative of decline when we join
the plunderers. But the limitations
heretofore put upon US are no more
binding. We are the arbiter of our
own destiny. the officer Of civilization
and mercy, the voice in the world that
can be no more stihed in the counsels
that dispose of the footstool.
If the changing policy OF the nation
appears to some sudden and explosive.
let them study the whole long drift of
our nation in development in all direc-
tons, and answer to history whether
tide that has risen so grandly and
beneficently is to subside and no more
bear hope and liberty upon its wave
to men.
Is~is simply impossible for American
democracy to stand still It must go
ahead or retreat. We must assert the
right to move, and we can do it in but
one direction, forward.
The war in which we have now en-
tered even though it is against a weak
nation Is but the beginning of the full
Towering Of the American plant. II
has united US as people. It has closed
forever the gaping wounds of inferno
cine strife. 1t has put aside, we hope
forever, the thought of again graphing
6 each other by the throat. 1t has given
us new conceptions of duty to each
other. 1t has taught labor and capital
their interdependence and the need for
each of a strong, humane, merciful,
peaceful and benevolent government.
The war has opened up for US already
new channels for the escape and relief
Of national energy. That escape will be
in directions for the betterment, not
only Of ourselves, but Of mankind He
is shortsighted, If not purblind who
cannot see that a new Daniel has come
to Judgment, a new David risen with
strong arm and righteous purpose Be-
fore these the earth is to stand and
give some heed.
We are no more to be set on one side
and smiled or frowned upon when 1t
pleases princes and princelings. Oppor-
tunity opens to us the order for extern
sion Of our national influence, not to
rob and prey: not to seize and enjoy
the possessions rightfully others; not
to divide the spoil of plumber; not to
raid our neighbours houses and carry off
his household gods, as Spain has done
these hundreds Of years.
The purpose of the American republic
is righteous and benevolent. But it Is
aggressive enough and defiant enough
from this time forward. to demand TO
be heard in councils Of the nations.
where our own and humane interest
propel US, and to have vote in the
determination of policies which involve
the destiny of mankind.
Walter Avenel. in his paper on Jour
nalism as Profession" in the Forum"
tells truth which those who aspire
to enter the ranks should have well