The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-08-24
Reasons for Pride.

| From the New York Tribune.
Il is good time TO be an American.
Every American who is patriot has res-
son for certain pride in these days. He
may be proud of his President, the cool,
self poised, long headed man who knows
what the nation requires and does il. lie
may be proud of his army, Of the soldiers
of whom the Spanish officer said: II
never saw such fighters" He may be
proud of bis navy which, counted as sixth
i'm the world estimation four mon lbs ago,
and counts as second now. He may be
proud of his people who have asked alb
sSlutely nothing for themselves, and take
what comes only because they cannot
shirk a responsibility. In these days the
American who is not prond of his country
shows that he has something out of order
in his mental constitution.
This nation does not want much, and
can set an exsmpl to all the worldoffree-
dom from territorial greed. Our people
conquer an extensive territory. aud then
with great hesitation consider whether
| they will take and keep any part OF it. If
"
more care and responsibility, but because
they cannot see how 10 get rid Of it. That
also is q thing OF which Americans have
right 20 be proud. Their refusal To claim
half that they might under international
laws does not hurt them in the eyes ofthe
world, nor does their refusal to shirk
legitimate duty.
-:,.lxt 49, 1. - 81
spirit shown by their Congress. The ma
tion needed large sum. and could not
judge how much. Its Representatives
promptly. and its Senate after less talk
and delay than is customary in that body,
voted about Sl59.GO0. 900 additional taxes
and authorized the Govern nent 10 bor-
row S209, ,0O0. 600. It's prop Dsal TO borrow
was met by offers Of a thousand millions
or more, aud il was made clear that many
times as much could be had If the nation
needed il. Ii we say that no other nation
is financially as strong as the United
States we state nothing bat the fact which
the record of last years foreign trade
demonstrates beyond dispute. Aud the
nation is strong because the people hav-
ing greater wealth thar any other nation.
are ready to support their Government
with the last dollar they have at COM
mand, and can begin drawing upon the
resources Of the rest Of the world because
they are creditors of all. Il has ceased to
be point of annoyance that the rest Of
the world holds American bonds or
stocks, or has other evidences of invest
ment in this country. Whenever the
foreign holders want 10 sell, Americans
are ready to buy, aud glad 10 take for
themselves the profits on the foreign cap
ital invested here.
A financially powerful nation might be
weak in national spirit or in fighting
qaalilies. But this Nation is not weak in
either respect. II has never been beaten
in any war. though compelled in IFS child
hood 70 contend against Great Britain for
lis freedom. 1t advances TO a leading
place among nations, not because it has
sought that or any other responsibility.
Its people perceived their duty and OBJ
liged their Government 10 recognize it,
aud 50 it quickly came 10 pass that the
Republic OF the New World was found
sufficiently powerful TO be respected and
feafed. but without the disposition to en-
gage in combat with any other nstion.
Americans desire above all fair dealing.
and have felt quite sure tina; SO much no
other nation would refuse. Ifthey gain !
ia consideration and in power 1t is not |
because they have demanded these from /
the outside world. but because the |
world has come 10 recognize what they
can do if any need presents itself.