New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-30
BLESSINGS THAT REACH FORWARD.

The greatest mercies are not always obvious
When thanks ascend for the countless ana con-
timing blessings which are showered upon lhis
Nation ms upon no other even the most CRATE
full heart NAV sometimes overlook the gifts
which reach furthest into the future. Not en-
dowed with prescience men cannot always
ruess what may be the value OF the bountles
thev reverently accept But IL events are sober
" weighed somewhat clearer conception OF
their meaning may al times be gained. The
Nation has not this year as much cause as in
some other years for rejoicing over the mag
nitude of crops The warm disputes about cot
ION and wheat serve at least TO indicate that
the Weld has probably not surpassed all rec
| ords and In hay and some fruits the year has
not been exceptionally bountful. That there
has been given enough for the Nations needs,
even though conditions have not been remarka-
bly, favorable. is one reason for thankfulness
which Is rarely missed by this fortunate land,
but is scarcely the chief occasion for thank
fulness this year.
The chief occasion may be found in the spirit
which the people themselves have shown. IL
has enabled them TO meet with honorable re-
suits unprecedented tests in their domestic
government and in islands for which they have
become responsible, and TO draw closer the ties
of friendship which 90 far TO insure future
peace and prosperity. 1t Is blessing the value
OF which none can now calculate that grave
responsibilities in the Philippine Islands have
been met with so much Of fidelity, Of sturdy pa
triotlsm at home and of herOsm in the field,
and with success in the work of pacifcation
which appears to be wellnigh complete. Had
the Nation faltered in unfolding its Govern
ment the consequences would have been last
ing and incalculable 1t is a blessing that
obligations elsewhere have been discharged
with so much of integrity and sound sense,
and that the errors which mar all human eff
forts have been so few and so far repaired.
In the middle Of the coming century sons and
grandsons at their thanksgvngs may measure
the work of this Nation in 1899 infinitely better
than we can now, and may find II of greater
value than any now conjecture.
The decision Of the people to uphold their
Government will have far reaching results IL
Is lesson for the future which Will not soon
be forgotten. Nor is II q small thing that Ma
tonal unity has been made more perfect than
ever by the events which have placed side by
side in patriotic devotion and In peril the men
OF the North and the South, OF the East and or
the West To the same broadening Of the
mental vision and better realization Of the Ma
tons future it may be largely due that won
derful spirit OF confidence and of development
has been felt in all the industries. They adj
vance to greater production and greater markets
with a more powerful organization of capital
than ever before, and II there appear mistaken
steps In the movement II is at least reasonably
certain that the Nation will hereafter be more
powerful and more productive than ever, end
able to maintain and extend the advance ia
wages Of labor which has been a distinguishing
feature of the year. That the many blessings
here touched upon are of priceless value to the
Nation may be gratefully recognized, even
though no human mind can now foresee how
much they may mean TO Americans of the
coming century.