New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-21
A NOBLE SPEECH.

The President has made many remarkable
sneechos and one Of the best Of them was that
which he delivered at the jubilee banquet III
Chicago on "Wednesday evening. 1t was
speech fit for President of the United States
10 make on an occasion appropriate 10 the de
livery of n solemn message 10 the people ny
their Chief Magistrate. 1t was sober, weighty
ncrvadcd with a sense of profound responsible
itv and as admirable in form as il was i'll sub
stance l. is possible, and fOr some persons
easy. to sheer ut such a speech, as is proved by
The fact that those to whom nothing in conduct
or utterance which they have not themselves
dictated is eXcellcn: are already sncering; but
no intelligent citizen can read II with an open
mind and fail to be impressed by its serene WIS
dom and noble spirit. 1t contains from begin
uino to end not one word 10 which any good
,ran of any party or political creed can take
honest exception It's keynote is fidelity to duty
to duty as II is disclosed TO those who seek II
with anxious care and with a firm resolve 10
rorform il in the fear of God Doubtless the
solcmnity of the speech. its frank ayOwal OF
faith in an overriding Providence and of an
abiding purpose to pursue the course which
Providence appoints, appears weak and silly 10
minds of n certain calibre. There were those In
Lin
his second inaugural address. But such per-
sons are few in any generation OF Americans
and they are not important. their chief use ana
value living in the contrast which they furnish
To the vast majority of the people to whom
such words as these make Il deep appeal:
This Is not the time to fire the Imagination
but rather discover in calm reason the way 10
truth and Justice and right. ana Wncn ulScoN-
cred to follow 1t with fidelity and courage. with
ont fear hesitation or weakness. The war mas
nut upon the Nation grave responsibilities. lnc'I
extent was not anticipated ana could not wen ne
foreseen. We cannot avoid the serious questions
which have been brought home 10 US by the
achievements Of our arms on land and sea. we
are bound in conscience and honor TO Keep ana
perform the covenants which the war mas sa-
credly sealed with mankind furSuihS
dutv may not always lead by smooth paths.
Another course may look much easier ana more
attractive. but pursuing duty for dutys sake is
ALWAYS sure and safe and honorable. II IS not
,vitbin the power of man 10 fOrctell the future
nnd "a solve unerringly it's mighty problems.
Almighty God has His plans and 1nethods lot
human progress. and not infrequentlY they are
shroudcd for the time being IN lnpeheuape
mystery The war with spain was not
~ our seeking and some Of its consequences
NAV not be 10 liking our vision Is often
defective Shortsightedncss is common NAL
Gdy. But the closer we set to things or thty
get TO us the clearer our view and the less OBJ
scure our duty Patriotism must be faithful as
wei as fcrvcnt: craftsmanship must he wise as
well as fearless-not the craftsmanship which
will command the applause or the hour' Out inc
iudcmcnt Of pOsterity.
! 10 these acknowledgements Of obligation and
these pledges of fidelity the Nation assuredly re-
| snonds and we believe that It's response will DO
found 10 include an impressive assurance OF
confidence in the sincerity and wisdom of Presi-
dent Mckinley.