The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-19

distinct step towards world concord. She
mas drawn 10 her forces which, acting IN
conjunction with her, will make her word
henceforth word not only of power, but
of peace. Europe knows America to-day as
she has never known America before. 1t
knows America to be mighty, it knows
America TO be puissant not only in indus
try but IN arms. 1t knows that this coun-
try when it speaks will speak for humanity
and Justice and that it will also speak with
authority America has in these last few
months grown more before the eye Of the
outer world than she had in the hundred
preceding years. The nations of Europe
democracy; now they know her to be a
mighty dynasty, but, thank God a dynasty
for righteous ends and for the glorious
issues of liberty and happiness.
More than this, these latter months have
completely unified this country. There is not
a square mile of this Nation that is not per-
fectly loyal to the Union this Sabbath day.
everywhere there is perfect unity one ma
tion, one people, one, not conventionally
merely, not according to the rhetorician's
phrase, but really in thought, in sentiment,
in purpose North and South are one, East
and West are one, a perfect unity blessed
and beautiful fraternity of kindred spirits.
AND not the least of all the priceless re-
suits of this unhappy war has been the DEM
onstration 1T has brought to us of the en-
nobiing tendencies of our civil and political
institutions. 1t has shown us that power
and responsibility in a democratic govern
ment tend to make men great as the situa-
ton In which they are placed demands
revelation of the dignity, the manliness, the
composure, the largeness and benignity of
spirit, the superb craftsmanship of the man
who has been lifted up by this Nation TO
the position of honor and responsibility that
belongs to the chief executive
These are the rich and splendid positive
contributions of the past crucial months of
war on land and sea to America and the
SPIRIT spirit that is truly patriotic will
t finIeny ,' dwell upon these contribu,,
life. Rather than complain we ought to re-
golce in the new grandeur and dignity that
nave come by the consent of all the civil
Ized peoples of the earth upon our Nation.
We should rejoice that America has spoken
with the authority of her arms an imperious
word for equity and humanity; we should
rejoice that our national consciousness has
become so extended as to be worldwide
this Sabbath day, and we should rejoice in
the majestic sense of destiny that has burst
upon our people.
ENTHUSIASTIC NOT CARPING.
In these great and exalting contempla-
lions our thoughts as a people should re-
volve. Not that we should not criticise
neglect, not that we should not speak a
word of censure against inccmpetency and
infidelity and corruption. if such be revealed
when the light is turned upon the secret
history of this war; not that we should be
wholly mute before wrong, wherever wrong
be found. whether in the individual or in
the Nation. Honest critics we must be. but
the critical spirit should be very second
airy spirit. In the light CT our stupendous
accomplishments as a people we ought to
be exultantly enthusiastic; enthusiastic in
our affirmation of the ilustrious achieve
ments wrought by our sailors on the sea
and our soldiers on the land enthusiastic
in our appreciation of all the great positive
moral contributions this war has made not
only in our national life, but toward the
liberation and betterment of the larger
world. Our patriotic note to-day should ac-
cent accomplishment; it should be the posi-
tive note of praise and not the negative
note of censure.
Next to the wars for independence and
for the Union, this is the grandest moment
in our history as a Nation, and every sin
cere patriot this Sabbath day should, there
FORE eXult in the proud consciousness that
he is citizen not only of the strongest and
the freest, but of the best of countries"