The age-herald., 1898-04-22

in favor of better roads, peter schools, and a constitutional convention.
 The Cuban question
 "But while justly concerned about local matters we cannot be unmindful of the fact that as this convention is about to assemble events are transpiring of immense impor- tance, not only to this common wealth, but to all of these united states. As soon as the first gun fires in the war with Spain the crickets will cease to chirp and the demagogues will take rest, and the real work of the country's defense will fall upon those serious earnest, patriotic citizens from whom little IS heard at this time.
 q believe I voice the sentiment of very large majority of the people of the south when l say that we do not want war. We have had enough of it and its consequences to do us a long while. But while this IS true our people, believe without excep- tion, stand ready to do their full duty In upholding the administration at washing ton. It is no time to play politics. What ever may be our differences as to the policy of plunging into war, we are all agreed that if war does come, the honor of the nation must be upheld, and foreign powers made to know that we stand ready to vim dicate and defend it at any cost of money, at any cost of blood.
 While in Havana within the past few years I was impressed with the difference in the policy of Spain and that of England towards her colonies. Our mother country learned something from the American rev. lution, and she had no colony which could not periodically join in celebrating the queens jubilee; subject in the colony is as free and as fully protected in his rights subject in London.
 Spain and England Compared
 "On the other hand, the policy of Spain has been one of intolerable tyranny. Even in time of peace and long before the pres ent war, armed soldiers, four abreast, w re marched daily through the streets of Ha- vana, and these in turn, succeeded by mounted cavalry, which continued at inter vals during the day. When l inquired what such demonstration meant in time of peace, was told by Cuban that 1t was to exhibit the power of Spain, and convince Cubans that resistance would be hopeless. Herein I was reminded of an incident re- lated of the seven champions of Christen- dom, which impressed me deeply. When called upon to select an animal whose image should be engraved upon his shie' q, as symbolical of the war-like temper of his people, St. George, the champion of Eng 1and-our mother country-seiected the lion, the king of the forest, an animal which fights in the open and represents courage, confidence and strength! But St. James, the champion of Spa'n, when called upon to choose the animal whose image he wished to decorate his shield, and repre- sent the aspirations of his people, selected the fox, an animal that stands for cruelty, concealment and cowardice; and it is only too true that Spain has not been able to progress far from the standard erected years ago by her then champion.
 'I suppose there is no true American who has not felt gratified at the unanlmity of sentiment which has come from the south as well from the north in favor of supporting the government if war be found necessary, in resenting the insincerity of Spain as exhibited in the DeLome incident, and the treachery displayed in the Maine explosion, and at the same time by inter- venton in the interest of humanity, to check the further loss of human life and save from extermination band of strug- gling patriots.
 The Southern Boys
 'As our soldier boys go from many southern home to join comrades from the north, to defend our southern shores; as our brave fleet sails forth to engage that of Spain, let them feel and know that they have behind them reunited country, over which no foreign oppressor con prevail; and as we begin to realize what a great government ours really is, what extent Of territory-what immense resources-what home of liberty and government, let us all rise to the full measure of patriotism, and say with Longfellow:
 Thou, too, sail on, o ship of Fate! Sail on, O Union, strong and great! Humanity with all its fears
 With all the hopes of future years,
 Is hanging breathless on thy fate!
 We know what Master laid thy keel What Workman wrought thy ribs of steel. In spite of rock and tempest's roar, In spite of false lights on the shore,
 Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea!
 Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee, Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our
 tears,
 Our faith triumphant OCT our fears, Are all with thee-are all with thee! v