The Somerset reporter., 1898-05-05
Here and There. No. 7.

In war time life no longer flows on
with the gentle, musical purl OF the
happy streamlet, even the strong, deep
current of the older river seems to lose
its majestic air, now seeking our adj
miration by dashing exhibitions OF nn-
guessed power, now filling us with
terror, as it turns aside from its natural
course in it's mad frenzy, carrying de
VISITATION and ruin to lovely fields and
peaceful homes.
To-day our own flag once whispering
back to soft breezes peaceful dreams
and bright, happy visions of its nation.
who had for whole generation for
gotten war, no longer dreams. Fer
chance the swelling breeze bearing
proudly aloft the banners bright folds,
though it hear no wondrous story OF
glad days, when a grateful people did
homage to the brave defenders of their
nations flag, shall hear of another
people to whom peace has long been I'M
known. All, but the tale the flag tells
to the fast rising gale, is one of such
dire distress and wrong that the swell
ing folds suddenly droop aud, as the
wind listens to the shameful deeds, 1t
seems to come in titful gusts of rage.
Once more the flag speaks IL the angry,
shrieking gale, telling of our glorious
nation, SO rich and strong that she can
succor and free a land in distress, and as
the wind again bears aloft the glorious
j flag, not only the beautiful stripes are
seen but the unclouded stars SO fair and
pure shine forth.
In the stress of war time, in its hurry
and glare, people and nation take
what is at hand, be it little or much but
as the country is furnished or bare, war
succeeds or miserably, utterly fails.
Battle ships not only must be ready,
they might be quickly purchased, but
the gold must surely be in hand and
must certainly have been coined when
in peaceful times business tlourished
apace. But immeasurably beyond all
nations hope must be in her men.
| Thank God they are not wanting, but
twas in the time of peace, that unwit-
tingly the frail, gentle woman helped
to train her son for the coming fray, and
the fathers sword held deep and won
drous meaning when its story was told
by her who had hidden their hero go
where honor beckoned. Patriotism is
surely eloquent, nay well nigh I'M
answerable, when thus taught by the
first instructors of nations youth.
haracter blossoming suddenly,
whether in bravery or in whatever fair
grace, was long, long ago carefully
tended and nourshed, or, haply, stern
discipline hath had hand with mother
nature, the All-wise directing. We
seem but slow learners in the lessons
nature herself gives us and which
science so earnestly insists upon.
The excitement consequent upon war
makes large demands upon our store of
calm deliberation and Judgment. These
Imperative equipments are not needed
alone by the soldier as he marches
away to battle, but must be also in the
home circle. Peaceful days and years,
however, are needed to form judg-
ment that not even the whirlwind of
war excitement shall render unstable.
There is likewise grave danger in the
disarrangement of things generally, that
the industrious, happy people may be-
come restless and dissati, fed with their
life as it is. If the influence during the
time of peace and quietness has been
wholesome and strong and the home in
struction has been of the right nature,
then all will be well.
1t is only in peaceful days and years
that a great nation can be educated, for
it is then only that her people realize
the value of the individual, and remem-
Der that as the individual is true or false
even so is the nation glorious or in
famous. How strange it must seem 10
other nations, this training of our boys
for battle, for but few are on training
ships sailing proudly, resolutely into
knowledge of arms. Rather could they
be found in the little school house on
the quiet, peaceful hill; but even while
they studied the lessons of peace or war,
the flag above them now seemed to offer
protection, now to demand defenders.
Our standing army is largely increased
by the always ready veterans, whose
uniform for years, the citizens dress,
never for a moment disguised their
soldierly bearing and proud distinction
Ne cannot fail rightly to interpret the
signs of the times, and what our going
to war really means. May it prove to
be check upon absolutsm, wherever
found, May our sure victory guided
and led by the "God of battles, be for
ever an inspiration to struggling, even
despairing humanity, throughout our
wide world.
EMMA NJ. SMITH.