The broad ax., 1898-11-12
Two Rattle incidents.

President McKinley's proclamation.
asking the American people to stay the
feeling of exultation over recent victor
les, and reverently bowling before AL
mighty God, 20 give thanks for divine
help and pray for speedy peace, marks
US as Christian nation; but no less
significant has been the conduct Of our
officers and soldiers in the field. Among
other incidents showing the Christian
spirit in the midst OF the horrors Of bat
tie are two so tender and reverent as to
be worthy OF permanent record.
When the yellow and red flag on the
Spanish Cruiser Almirante Oquendowas
pulled down. during the destruction of
Admiral Cervera's feet, and the Ameri-
cans, flushed with conquest. were on
the point Of expressing their triumph
in a wild cheer. their commander gave
the order to his men, Don't cheer,
boys, the poor fellows are dying!" and
the flag came down in silence.
Was not this not merely an exhibit
ton of Christian magnanimity, but in
harmony with the gentle consideration
inculcated by the Great Teacher?
The United States cruiser Texas went
through the battle exposed to the enc
myis fercest fire. with only a single
wound and without the loss OF man.
At the close she lay on a still sea
alongside the Christobal Colon, the last
surrendered Spanish ship. at was
beautiful afternoon" writes Chaplain
Jones. Gods heavens never looked so
clear, and the stars and stripes never
seemed so pure as they did then" The
order went out from Captain Philip.
"All hands to muster"
The crew hurried to the quarter
deck. and soon the chief master-at-
arms reported the last man up from
below who could be allowed to leave
his station. All stood wondering what
their commander was going to do. The
CAPTAIN uncovered his head and said, in
q reverent voice:
81 want to make public acknowledg-
ment that 1 believe in God, the Father
Almighty. / want all you officers and
men to lift your hats, and from your
hearts offer silent thanks to God"
Every hat came OF and every head
was bowed. Not sound was heard for
nearly two minutes, and then with one
accord the whole crew broke out with
three hearty cheers for their gallant
commander.
Bayard Taylor's well-known line
sings. THE bravest are the tenderest."
We mean more than mere physical
bravery when we say the bravest are
the most reverent. All the reverent
tenderness Of these battle incidents
thrills us in the thanksgiving procla-
nation of our president. himself a SOL
der. The composition is one Of beau
~. but higher than its literary grace Is
the magnanimous spirit in which It re-
Dukes noisy exultation, and exhorts to
COMPASSION for the fallen. and thanks
to the God OF Hosts, "who has watched
over our cause, and brought nearer
the success of the right and the attain
meut Of peace"
In the midst Of this war against CEN
turtles OF human injustice, there Is
felicity in the fact that in camp and
shin and hospital our troops have the
best religious accessories Of a Cod
fearing nation, and that so many Oh
our chief military and naval leaders
are men OF Christian record and char
acter. The virtue and piety OF a war
rior lives In rugged surroundings, but
no fighting generation ever had more
Havelocks and Towards and Farraguts
than ours.