The times., 1899-05-18
THURSDAY. MAY Is, 1899.
Let There BE Pence.

In preparing for the Peace Jubilee it is
important not to lose sight of the fact that
il is 10 be a peaceful occasion, and not an
opportunity for reviving old animosities.
This Peace Jubilee has nothing whatever
to do with the war between the States, ex-
cept as the Spanish war has emphasized
the fact that the country is once more
united. II should be unnecessary TO explain
that scenes from the Civil War, or allu-
sions to Northern victories, are neither
Wise nor tactful.
There was once Peace Conference
whose members got into such wrangle
before the close of the meeting that moth
ing whatever was done; and there have
been reconciliations more dangerous than
conflicts. The bravery and devotion of
leaders North and South during the ter
rible struggle of 1S61-e5 no one can ques-
tion. and the men who fought that war are
most ready TO admit the courage of their
former enemies. and to join them in max
ing this country what it ought TO be. Men
OF both sections have helped to settle the
great West, which at the close of the Civil
War was almost undeveloped; men from
Northern and Southern States fought
in the war with Spain, on both land and
sea. There are still many mighty prob
lens awaiting this young nation, and as
one sagacious old soldier said just after
the Civil War. when he saw the effect on
Northern politics OF big fortunes made in
army contracts. "All the honest men North
and South viii have 10 pull together yet
to save the country from its rascals."
1t is time TO stop recriminations, and
taun,s. and illusions of nature to offend
the patriotic people of either section. The
mistakes. even the crimes, Of the past,
must be forgotten, except as they serve as
warning against future pitfalls. There
may be honest blunders failure to under
stand standards different from our own
and there always will be some of these so
long as the standards are different-but
there need not be deliberate misrepre-
sentation and wiliful prejudice. Every
honest man ought TO be not only willing,
but eager to understand his neighbor and
avoid injustice. Every man who wishes to
avert public calamity and private suffering
should inform himself as fully as possible
p- al siies OF Qu1SllonS NHlcD aHSct the
nation. There are too many scamps ready
10 seize the reins of government for true
hearted men to waste time in calling one
another liars.
The majority OF intelligent people, North
or South. harbor no Ill feeling toward those
who fought against them generation ago.
They recognize the fact that there was
honesty and patriotism on both sides. The
Northern child is not taught that the South
was all wrong. but that great mistake
was made. The Southern child is not
taught that all Northerners are vandals
ana hypocrites; in that case Northerners
would not speak enthusiastically. as they
do. of the kndliness of the Southern peo-
pie. II the two sections do not come TO
understand each other thoroughly it will
not be the fault OF the people who really
comprehend the situation. There should
BE- no attempt. either deliberate or
thoughtless. TO stir up feelings which are
only relics of the white heat of battle
thirty-fve years ago and have no relation
TO the life Of today.