The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-15
EVERYBODY'S WAR.

We would not have II appear that The
Times IS the champion of any one class
OF the American people. We have little
respect for the professional organ for
tho newspaper that Essays to represent
this or that class. IT is the great aim
md object OF The Times TO obliterate
class distinctions or let us rather say
TO prevent the drawing Of class lines In
the United States.
II there is ono great principle Of our
Government st IS the equality OF every
man before the law. We have no nobility.
no artistocracy, as those terms arc APP
plicd abroad. The whole people Of the
United states constitute our nobility.
There are necessarily social distinctions
for Il IS the privilege Of every man TO
choose hs own associates. and those OF
the same kind will naturally flock to-
eether. But we deny that there are as
some contend. two distinct classes in this
country. divided into the rich and the
poor. and it has been our endeavor 10
show that the attempt Of certain men 20
organize what they call the plain people
against what they call on the other hand
the "plutocrats," and 70 excite preju-
dice which has no justification. IS mis-
chievous and dangerous. It is for this
reason, and in obedience to our own sense
of fair play, that we have from time TO
time defended the rich against these
demagoglc attacks.
There has been a studious effort FOR the
past six months or more to make 1t APP
pear that the rich men Of the country
were utterly without patriotism that they
were willing to sacrifice the countrys
honor 20 business. and for that reason
that they STAYED off the war as long as
possible; and now that the war has
begun. from the same source the cry is
raised that the poor are doing the fight
ing. while the rich are luxuriating at
home.
We have contended and we contend
that the rich men have Of late given
abundant evidence that they are quite
as patriotic as any other citizens, and
we have cited many instances in sup
port of that assertion. In further proof
We submit the following from special
correspondent of the New York Herald,
who was on board the United states ship
Manning at the Norfolk Navy Yard.
We quote:
If there IS any one manifestation Of
patriotism more attractive than another
/ think that the naval militia must be
that instance. The Norfolk Navy Yard
is now the scene OF the rendezvous Of the
Maryland and Michigan Naval Reserves,
and affords a sight unequalled in the an
nails of warfare. These reserves are al
most exclusively men of standing, and
quite a large proportion Of them are
wealthy, or at least earning large sala-
ries. As / was coming through the navy
yard gate a small party Of them from
the receiving ship Franklin was coming
out. One Of the party wore delicately
adjusted gold spectacles. one, cox
swain had a lanyard OF the whitest SILK
and some beautiful embroidery on his
cap. evidently worked by delicate fingers.
Clean cut features. white teeth and soft,
white skins on the bare breasts belied
the rough uniforms.
Many were the sensations that Norfolk,
long familiar with seafaring men, expert
enced. "CiscO's Dewdrop Dining Rooms
were deserted. and the best hotels din
ing-rooms overlooked with "Jackies.'
The House Of Blood Steak joe" on the
water front. was appalled, at the sight
OF scores of liberty men passing its bac-
chanalian sign-board. and the sight of
a charming society woman driving with
sailor man in her perfectly appointed
trap was good to look upon. At the old
and staid Atlantic Hotel bo'suns. quar-
termasters, cOxswains, ordinary and able
seamen were cheek by jowl with promi-
nent guests.
Never had the FOUNDERS seen the bill
lard room full OF blue-jackets eXpertly
playing pool for Principles. and the Mer-
rlmac Club next door feeding Jolly tars
on panked shad and Neirsteiner.
Even the navy yard, after decades OF
cut and dried etiquette. red tape and
blue ribbon. felt a thrill Of emotion as
the free and easy salt made free with the
seat on the lawn at the afternoon band
concerts and looked the girls over with
well-bred assurance.
one Of Norfolks afiiueht men vent
aboard the old Franklin 20 see friend.
and found him engaged in a row shout
his hammock hooks This common sailor
was a University OF Virginia class mate,
and he had given up a $4,000 year po-
sition for his present life.
I was told that the Michigan reserves
have one or two millionaire Yacht owners
al Ong them.
our esteemed contemporary. the West
Point Plain Dealer, reproduce some of
our remarks on the same subject. with
nor a sectional war. as some Of the
chronic lamentators claim. but is a war
OF our country and should be supported
by all of the people,
And we respectfully submit that 1t is
supported by all the people, the 'lamen-
tators" 10 the contrary Notwithstanding.
1t IS everybody's war and there are no
classes in IT.