Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-04
The OLD YEAR AND TUE NEW.

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.
Draped in a shroud of scared and yell
low leaves, 1898 is laid to rest in peace
from the turmoils of human strife in q
war which, though to us as a nation
ore of unbroken victory, has still left
an aching void in many an American
heart and home, which for the cause of
humanity has sorrowfully though un-
grudgingly sacrificed its best beloved
on the altar of patriotism.
The year just closed will be recorded
on history's scroll as one in which much
has been accomplished, and the seed
sown for future triumphs in the pro-
gress and establishment of peace and
order among the nations of the world.
Though it may appear contradiction
in terms SO to say, yet we claim and
believe that England's war with the
Ralipah, whose sword and torch were
tie chief tools of his life and business,
and our own war with cruel Spain, have
p srformed a sacred, noble and humane
task for civilization and peace and for
The triumph of justics and right over
brute force and tyranny.
There are times in the lives of ma
tions, as of individuals, when all things
seem dormant, when, if in motion at all,
we seem to be drifting aimlessly back
ward. Surely 1898 is not to be placed
in that category. For America vital
questions, unsettled at the close of
1897, have been largely determined for
veal or woe. Hawaii is annexed, Cuba
is in our possession as moulders and
guardians of it's future independence;
Porto Rico and the Philippines are ours
to do with as we will in justice and wis
dom to them and ourselves.
In domestic affairs we find cause for
hearty self congratulation. The world
locks on and wonders at our prosperity.
In 1897 our exports were $1,099, 714,-
600; in 1898, just closed, 81, $50, O00,-
600. The exports of silver will add
$30,000,000 to that amount. Our i'm
ports are less than in 1897. We are
making more and more of the goods we
formerly purchased abroad. Americans
have beaten their European competitors
in the home markets of Russia, England,
India and Australia. The output of pig
iron (eleyen and one half millions was
by two million tons the greatest ever
reached in our history. The gold stand
ard ard the republican party in the
house and senate triumphed in the fall
elections and, therefore, the tide of
prosperity cannot be stemmed by free
silver debasemenL Of our currency and
ruin of our credit with the nations OF
the world.
To those who feel worried and
perplexed about this annexation
business" we would offer few words of
comfort and hope. We shall take one
step and break one stick only at time
We shall wisely and benefcently admio-
lister our newly acquired territory. The
task before us is, admittedly, difficult.
The year just closed has altered our ma
tional course. 1t is for each of us, in
or out of authority, to do our part In go
moulding the national policy that the
dawn of the twentieth ceLtury will find
us working in new felds, now ours, on
the broadcast, wisest, highest principles
of justice and right. We hold and be-
lieve that the American people are fit
and ready to dare and to do this.
With the felicitous past and en-
nobling future in view, we feel justified
in wishing our readers most hearty
HAPPY NEW YEAR.