The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-07-08
Judge Van Zile's Grafton.

NE iihro lcSiCls ucIlS dDIe W pup
lish only brief summary of the splen-
did oration delivered in this city on
Monday by Judge P. T. VanZile, of De-
troit. He said in part.
At these annual mile-stones of the
nation it is mete and proper that we
should discuss questions that call our
minds away from the strife and tur-
moil of business push and financial
problems, to questions of national life
and national living.
These are days when we can look far
beyond all party differences or local
contentious, and contemplate Ameri-
canism in its broader and higher life
not in boastful manner, for we have
boasted enough. Not by way of self
glorifcation but in the light of more
wise reflection.
No less does strength of purpose and
high aims make exalted manhood, than
do pure and exalted ambitions and
policy, devoid of selfishness and greed
make for grander national life.
have always believed that there was
God of nations, an over ruling direct
ing power that shapes and governs this
nation of ours. And in the light of the
history of our country it has been so
clearly so, that he who runs may read
We have never fought for conquest
alone. We have never been beaten,
and never will be so long as we contin-
lie to strive only for grand principles,
principles which uplift and better hui
manity.
But, my comrades, today our eyes
behold scene that we had never ex-
pected. How often have we said that
our eyes had seen the last of armed con-
tiict, that our ears had heard the last
clash of battling hosts for America, but
we did not reckon Alright.
Today we are at war ann with foreign
foe. The time for asking why has passed,
and no one should demand its discus
sion. Our country, victory for our
arms, and Old Glory victoriously plant
ed upon every contested field, and
floating from the mast head of every
opposing war ship should be our de-
mand, and will be our realization The
American people, however, so thorough
ly believe in the justice of their cause,
that there is no hesitancy in turning
aside at any time to state and fully ex-
plain why. And to this why, that
often is asked even now, by some of our
people, it seems fitting that l should
address myself today.
The United States is not engaged in a
war of conquest we have in our 1903,
600 square miles, territory enough; with
soil that cannot be surpassed, settled
upon and titled by our agricultural citi-
zens who own their broad acres in fee
simple, and occupy and own the houses
which shelter their happy families, sup
piled with luxuries unsurpassed and
unequaled in any nation, with rich
mines, producing all the precious met
ais in abundance with coal and iron in
abundance, with railway and steam
navigation unsurpassed, if not un-
equaled in the world; with system OF
education grand beyond description,
and free to all, where the poor mans
son may drink at the fountain with the
son of the millionaire; with a civilization
unsurpassed. What need have we OF
conquest? With all this and more we
i, are content.
But strange as it may seem with
many this does not settle the question
. involved. Our friend who persists that
) there is no reason why the United States
should war with Spain, uses these very
facts | have just mentioned as argu
\ ments why we should not be at war
. If we have acres enough, if we have q
prosperous people and happy homes, i
I we have civilization of which we are
Q proud, and to which the world points
: as splendid example, and worthy o.
imitation, if our system of education Il
: our bulwark of strength and our pride
if America can point to more happ,
homes and educated children, and chill
dren of greater privileges than any 9th
er nation upon the earth, if our coun
J. try is taking her position in the fore
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