The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-16

shows that progress has come so natur-
ally and steadily on the heels of the new
and grave responsibilities that as we look
back upon the acquisition Of territory by
our fathers we are filled with wonder
that any doubt could have existed, or
any apprehension could have been felt
of the wisdom of their section or their
capacity to grapple with the then un-
tried and mighty problems.
"Thc republic is to-day larger stronger
and better prepared than ever before
for wise. and potitable developments in
new directions and along new lines.
Even if the minds of some of our own
people are still disturbed by perpleXing
and anxious doubts. in which all of US
have shared and still share, the genius
of American civilization will, believe be
found both original and creative and
capable of subscribing all the great in
terests which shall be conlided in our
keeping.
Forever in the right, following the
best impulses and clinging to high p,lr-
poses, using properly and within right
limits our power and opportunities, hon
orabe reward must inevitably follow.
The outcome cannot be in doubt.
''We could have avoided all the diff
the nation if Il few months ago we had
coldly ignored the piteous appeals of the
starving and oppressed inhabitants of
Cuba. If we had blinded ourselves to the
conditions so near our shores and tnrned
n deaf ear to our suffering neighbors
the issue of territorial expansion in the
Antilles and the East Indies would not
have been raised.
but could we have justified such q
course? Is there any one who would now
declare another to have been the better
course? With less humanity and less
courage on our part, the Spanish flag, in
stead of the Stars and Stripes, would
still be floating at Cavite. at Ponce. and
mt Santiago. and chance in the race OF
life would be wanting to millions of hui
man beings who to-day call this nation
noble, and who, / trust, will live to call
it blessed.
''Thus far we have done our supreme
duty. Shall we now, when the victory
won in war is written i'll the treaty of
peace and the civilized world applands
and waits in expectation, turn timidly
away from the duties imposed upon the
country by its own oreat deeds. And
when the mists fade and we see with
clearer vision may we not 90 forth re-
ployed solely for humanity and always
tempered with justice and mercy. con
fident of our ability to meet the exigen-
cies which await us because of conf
dence that our course is one of duty
and our cause that Of right?
WHEELER AND HOBSON.
After three cheers for Mckinley had
been given with a win at the conclusion
of his speech, General Wheeler rose from
his seat on the platform. Then came
such enthusiasm, such pandemonium as
is seldom seen. For three minutes the
audience cheered and yelled and waved
their hats. Over and over again this
little Southern General tried I'd begin his
speech, and over and over again he
was compelled 10 wait for the cheers
to stop. Then the band played 'sDixie"
aud once more the crowd broke into fran
tic cheers.
General Wheeler eulogized the Presi-
dent and expressed his great pleasure
at the reception given to Mr.. Mckinley
by Georgia. A
IIobson responded to loud calls with
an impassioned speech in which he drew
the attention. of his hearers. not only to
the bravery Of the American soldiers
and sailors, but to the chivalry aud
bravery of the Spanish soldiers, and es-
pecially of Admiral Cervera.
Generals Shafter and Lawton scarcely
more than bowed their acknowledge
ments to the plaudits, and the meeting
closed with short speech from Governor
Johnson. of Alabama, in which he re-
ferred to his States honor in possessing
two such distinguished sons as Wheeler
and Hobson.
The Presidential party then drove
back to their hotel On the way the
carriage in which were Generals Shafter
and Lawton was run into by a street
car, and the two distinguished officers
We're thrown to the street. Neither was
hurt and both were taken into a ear
riage securcd by Private Secretary Cor
telyou. A public reception at the Cover
nor's Mansion had to be postponed on ac-
count of the lateness Of the auditorium
affair.
BANQUET AT KIMBALL HOUSE.
In the beautifully decorated dining
room of the Kimball House tonight, the
Atlanta peace jubilee, which brought to
this city the President of the United
States, several members of his Cabinet
and many distinguished figures of the
war with Spain. and resulted in utter
ances by the Executive which have ce-
mented nard and fast the bonds between
the North and South was brought to II
fitting close by an elaborate banquet.
Covers We're laid for 300.
All the city's distinguished guests We're
present and seated at the Presidents
table. The Atlantians attending the ban
quet were representative of the city's
wealth and business interests. Many
prominent men from all parts of the
South also graced the tables.
Hon. Clark Howell, editor of the At
lanta Constitution, acted as toastmaster.
At the Presidents table were seated:
The President, Governor Allen ID.
Gambler. Hon. Il. A. Alger Lyman J.
Gage, Hon. John ID. Long, Chas. Emory
Smith. Hon. James Wilson, Major Gene
raj VIM. II. Shafter, Hon Charles +.
Warwick. Lieutenant Richmond F. Hob
son. DIR. II. ID. Spalding. Hon. Stephen
O'Meara. Major Livingston. Hon. John
Addison Porter. Captain Il. ]. Lowry. |
General A. c. NJ Pennington, Governor
Voorhees, of New Jersey, Hole Smith, u. |
q. Fem. Hon. Frank p. Rice. General
Henry W. Lawton, Rufus B. Bullock, |
Hon. George Il. Peek, Governor Jos. Il.
Johnston. Major General s. B. NJ. !
vo,,,c HIM r. Il SattIa Maio, Come i