The record-union., 1898-11-18
PRESENT DAY THOUGHTS.
BY G. Grosvenor Dave.

from Within than WithOut-fhat neF
generous help was rendered and the
blood of some of her noblest sons split,
When we were in sore distress last CEN
fury. 1t is of but slight moment that
some of her statesmen were undoubted-
~ using us as an excuse for smltlng
an ancient enemy; for we were in the
position of an endangered maiden VINO
has nothing to do with the mutual ha-
= treds Of her defender and her assailant.
1t is enough for her that her ravisher
was beaten off,.
Worked into the web and woof of our
national fabric is much that was water
ed and that grew on French soil. In
spiration came to our hard headed men
from some Of the fine-spun but imprac-
tlcal dreaming of French philosophers.
Yet that which TO them became most
awful license when transplanted from
the library of the thinker to the heart
of the common man was to us the be-
ginning Of a benefcent development, so
strong that it has withstood all strain
thus far. At the present day we are
therefore in the position Of being ex-
ceedingly grateful for all Of sugges-
ton that came from French sources,
Yet at the same time very regretful that
we cannot sympathize with her in all
her vagaries and impulses. 1t is as
though flax that grew on a farmers
land was used by us in making fine
linen to cover our nakedness, while the
FARMER saw in 1t only material for max
ing rope to hang himself.
A republic like France, that is a re-
public in name only, is horrid mock
cry. 1t raises mems hopes only to dash
them cruelty down. It produces a ma
tional stupidity that makes words"
seem worthy standards to rally around,
while the principles that the words
represent are trampled under foot The
stirring and moving and marching of
a nation is majestic thing, when the
welding power of the lightning flash of
wrong unites men of remotest distances
into one common resistance, like our
own century ago. But 1t is a million
times sadder than the foolishness of
one man, to see a nation that was once
awake grow so confused at the glare of
the light Of liberty created by itself
that it turns and oppresses the very
common people who first made it's re-
sistance possible.
"A republic or all governments should
be stable and sedate, for the guiding
hand Of those who have been governing
classes for ages is removed and unless
careful men, men of duty doing devo-
tion are in charge of affairs there will
be ways Of woes and Of uncertainty to
traverse. In a republic no one class
should be more unimportant than an
other, nor can any one individual be
n 00gpIA tod g. Il
man has, in a republic, a power for
good or for evil that may be exerted to
save or to endanger at a fateful mo-
ment.
NO prophesy of good can therefore be
uttered concerning France nor any
other republic, if it, neglecting the chill
dren and the weak, forgets that only
upon the intelligence and devotion and
ciear-headedness of each succeeding
generation can hopes be based for
maintaining the noble work of dead
hands that have laid down the task.
The character Of the unit of govern
ment, the voter, affects the strength of
the whole. The trite old remarks. "a
chain is no stronger than it's weakest
link, and water will not rise above
It's source are fitting, because they are
true. The value of that unit is al
ways, therefore, q matter of the su-
premest moment to a government by
the people, for though a man may not
be wise enough to govern, he is still
capable Of being evil enough to dis
turb; though he may not be strong
enough TO build, he is yet capable of
weakening foundation and tearing
down.
1t is impossible for sane govern
ment to be as uncertain as next week 9
weather; If 1t is uncertain it Is not
sane, If it is not sane it is not fit to be.
Tor government touches so many vital
interests at so many points that whim-
sical performances are crime. Addle-
pated youths may be excused for the
bravado that carries them out on thin
ice, for they are but young and they
feel no responsibility; but government
IS sacred trust that involves the
rights and protection of the weak and
defenseless against the voracious
strong The members of a government
are, therefore, trustees, from the least
even unto the greatest. and as trustees
there no longer remains to them the
right to do as they choose-to seek per-
sonar triumphs-to run fateful risks:
but rather to consider public good first
and private good last. or not at ALL
~
by easy transition we have now left
IN the somber background the dangers
of France, and it seems as though one
We're writing of ourselves to ourselves
Without being at all an alarnist. If il
right and fair to use Frances gradual
loss of liberty in the essence. as q warn
ing. 1t is not frea akishness to sonn7
alarms, for though the man may be
foolish who cries 'Wolf?" when there
is shadow he has his equal in the
man who cries "Sheep!' when i. Sc a
wolf. Not all things go we'll with us:
not all wrongs are righted. nor ever
will be; not all expressions have ceased
among US who profess to love liberty
This is all true, but by the grace of
our sturdy stock we can say with hope
fulness that each year sees more and
more Americans who despise personal
gain and who give themselves to work
ing for Improvements and reforms-and
gradually securing them. But even
their work will never be done, for a ma
ton that lives grows. and with growth
Games change, and with change read
justment. The nation that is dead
or is ready to die is the one that Is
self-satisfied. That feeling takes the
sentries off the walls and opens WIGS
the yates. Thank God. we are not
there yet. Let our closing words be
ANn naEna no