Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-06-30

ample OF ErealnhbS anu true q merlcan
"Sharman. who marched to the sen
ard had his full share Of the glories
ami triumphs of war, gave his own de.
scription of IL in his own style when no
said, War is hell.
The dasniug and impetuous Sheri.
dan declared long after 'Shsridsn's
ride hah besn read and sung. and after
his experience of war at hume had
heen supplemented by his observation
of war abroad, the more | have seen
OF war, tho more | have despised II.
We are told by the brave and gal
liant Admiral Dewey. whose recent dar-
ing achievements and successes in war
nave added new glOrips ami lustte to
MS chnntry's namc, and aroused the
enthusiasm and admiration oil every
Ametican, whils waiting in furoigp
port for tbs command that sant him 10
the scene Of his victury, wrote these
words to his sister: But, after all, war
is terrihln thing and some way nut Of
the dilemma may lie found without re,
sorting to it..
WHEN WAR Is \ DUTY.
While thus suggesting to you tho
forhiddIng traits O; war, | should lie
guilty OF an attempt to mislead II
fail to promptly remind you that there
are conditions which not only Justify
war, but make resort TO it duty.
No nation, however pcaGefully inclined
Hnu whatever Inc consequences may
be, can determines that il will in no
circumstances engage in war. Bud as
it ia and deplorable as it's incidents
arc, no government can refuse war at
the risk OF imperlling it's existence or
sacrificing tho rights ana interests il
holds IN trust FOR its people anu for
humanity and civilization. or course,
VIC cannot be entirely exempt from the
conditions which may forro nation
into War any rlpre than an Individual
can be exempt from the Incidents that
may force the most peaceful man to
personal encounter.
In viaw of such nm uneucnnnbls
liability, 10 ne broush face to face
with tne question Of war and in yiaw
OF wars real nature and its dsmorHliz-
ing eiiect upon our national life and
character, We cannot fail 10 be most ser.
ously impressed 10y the reflection that
We have expressly authorized those to
whom we have entrusted our public
RHair5 to determine for De the moment
Gus mission OF peace or war. and that If
the Differentiation DO for war, our ready
and uhquestioned acquiescence becomes
PATRIOTISM aud the support Of our coun-
try's intention becomes good citizen
ship.
How than ehall the peopls protect
themselves against the folly of de
rarturo from their national purpuaea
Rnd against the crime Uf unnecessary
and unjustiiiahle war? Manfestly by
an intelligent study OF their part of the
character OF this government aud the
eHaction OF clear apprehension on the
part of those VINO would represent thnm
in public life, of their naiion's mission
and Of the bRlefnl effect of war unun q
nations health This consideration
should he emphasized in the strongest
possible manner, the Importaucs OF a
large participation by thoughtful and
educated mon in political affairs
NATIONAL CONSCIENCE ANp COURAGE.
Nothing, however. will he found
sufficient aB protection of the neonle
against betrayal, if conscience and
moral courage are LACKING. Iutelli
gence, study and knowledge are not
protective agencies unless they are rsp
ular and guided by conscientious and
serious desire to do right and by an
unsworvlng adherence to patriutio con-
viction.
Il have thus indicated the combina.
ton of conditions and forces that prom-
lse protection to our people against the
needless sacrifice OF the safety and
prosperity which peace insure ana
which will prove adequate for the IRE.
servation OF that consistency to national
motives which waits 10 bless and crown
our future, and these combined conii
tions and forces constitute genuine
American good citizenship.
10 our present predicament of war
Wa need have no fear that American
courage in battle will fail to bring us
victory but | pray you not to forget
that, when the claeh OF arms is stilled
and the courage of the soldier has done
its work, we shall probably nsed, in
dealing with a problem that will con
'front.' u.s. a steady and uncompromisinp
moral courage. which, upmuyed by
clanUr and undisturbeii by the excite.
ment OF triumph, will demand the
things thai trne American cItizenahip
desires To be right and just and safe.
ln conclusion let me assure you,
who are soon to meet the responsibili.
| lies tuai attend the activities of Ameri.
can life, that if you would obtain the
highest usefulness of good citizenship
you mus not only clearly auprehend
our national purposes and missions,
but must also cultivate the assertiye
and constant moral courage that alone
cau make your patriotic intention Of
iective. III you are tempted to pleas
antly drift With the current Of thought
less popular Bsntimeut, look carefully
TO see if the stream runs in n safe
direction, Remember that to descend
10 easy. Rravely resolva that with
heart within and Gnd overhead YOU
will determine your obligations to your
country by the tests Of right and con
science. Thus when you are called Ia
service in the ranks of good citizenship
you will be armed unh equipped with 4
correct apprehension of your cuuntry's
nced, with hearty Willingness ID
strive for Ter safety and with moral
courage that will never surrender in
her cause.
"IHE pEoPLE THAT DELIGnT IA
| H.fR"
| Christian Burke. -.r.-