Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1898-04-22
IT IS WAR;

Thirty three years have been laid away
in the great accumulation of revolving ages
since that 9th Of April morn when up the
river gorge and over hills came the last
echoes of artillery from the field of Apo.
mattox, and the guns which Numbered in
the last charge sounded the last salute of
honor over . dead nation, and the civil arose
In proud and serene pre-eminence over the
military power.
The deluge was ended, the olive-branch
was extended, the war was closed and our
countrymen everywhere were able TO pro-
claim:
In the Cesar's hall and the martyrs prison
Ihe sleeper 10 awoke. the slumber is risen,
The reign Of the Goth and the Vandal 10
over,
And earth feels the tread of the Roman once
more"
With peace the arms of the nation were
stacked-tbe half buried cannons were left
as iron homes for the squirrels-the battle
flags of regiments and divisions, tattered,
covered with dust. black from smoke and
stained with blood, were carefully folded
and placed away In the museum of curlosi-
ties, or hastily draped and with mufied
hands and sad hearts laid tenderly and 90.
credly across the fallen ana shattered altars
OF dead hopes, now covered with the leaves
OF many autumns, bat around which still
fingers mournful charm.
Swords that were not drawn save for
cause,or sheathed 10 dishonor, were replaced
in their scabbards and hung where they
could silently tell Of the memories and the
many terrific and deadly engagements. A
brave, bold and free body of men, imbued
with lofty, fearless and superb reading of
patriotism. honor and its bonds, returned TO
their respective homes to battle with the
great emergencies and misfortunes which
grim visaged war had superinduced.
Thirty-three years, and once again, 10 the
glad month Of April. with the odor of bios
SONS In the soft air. In the midst of cheerful
voices shouting all around Us, with fields
that were moistened with human blood now
groaning beneath the products of hardy, |
honest, industrious and patriotic yeomanry |
-dourishing cities, spacious hsrbors, en-.
chanting prospects and charlottesville
fearful declaration Of war has been made by
the war making power Of the government
against Spain, and It is now ringing, howl.
ing and sweeping with all the wild fury OF
tornado over this beautiful land.
The inevitable declaration has gone forth,
and not without cause. at is the demand
of Religion and Humanity, of Reason and
Justice" Modern civilization has never
looked upon such suffering. such brutality,
such barbarity as Spain has inflicted upon
the brave, self sacrificing and patriotic Gu
bans-and that almost under the shadow of
the National Capitol. They have suffered
all, endured all. Even the sleuth. hounds
Of starvation were let loose with oil the
ferocity of . hungered tigress.-
From burnt towns and plantations, and
wasted fields, they took refuge In the noun
tain Businesses only TO recuperate their en-
ergies, obtain scanty stores and provisions
10 order 10 preserve their patriotic organiza-
lion and in the end secure their independ-
,nce.
The day Of their deiverance we hope and
believe 10 near at hand Spain is In no mil.
tary or naval condition TO provoke con,
linuance Of war with the United States upon
her present tremendous war-footing. The
end must come soon and with It the indie.
pendence of long-suffering Cuba. Some
small seaboard town may be sacked-brave
men fall-widows and orphans may be
made-the national debt increased-but II
Is in the interest of humanity.