Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1899-03-03


Whether q man steals much or little
may depond upon his opportunities,
but whether he steals at all depends
upon his own volition.
$50 with our nation. If we em-
bark upon a career Of conquest, no
one can tell how many islands we
may be able to seize or how many
races we may be able to subjugate
neither can any one estimate the
cost, immediate aud remote, to the
nations purse and to the nations
character, but whether we shall enter
upon such a career is question
which the people have a right to de-
eide for themselves. -
"Unexpected events may retard or
advance the nations growth, but the
nations purpose determines it's des-
tiny.
"What is the nations purposei
That purpose is set forth clearly and
unmistakably in the first sentence of
the constitution:
"'Wc, the people of the Uuited
States, in order to form a moro per-
feet union, established justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide for
the common defense. promote the
general welfare, and secure the bless.
ings Of liberty 10 ourselves and to
our posterity, do ordain and estab-
lish this Coz stitution for the United
States of America
''It will be seen that one of the
main purposes of the founders OF
our government was to secure for
themselves and for posterity tho
blessings of liberty.
That purpose has been faithfully
followed up TO this time. Our
statesmen have opposed each other
upon economic questions, but they
have agreed in defending self.gov
ernment IS the controlling national
idea. They have quarreled among
themselves over tariff and finance,
but they have been united in their
opposition to an entapgling alliance
with any European power.
RESULT OF TIE POLICY.
"Under lhis policy our nation has
grown In numbers and in strength.
Under this policy it's benefcent in.
huence has encircled the globe. Uu-
der this policy the tax pryers have
been spread the burden and the
menance OF a large military estab
lishment and the young men have
been taught the arts of peace rather
than the science of war. On each
returning fourth Of July our people
have met to celebrate the signing OF
the Declaration of Independence
their hearts have renewed their vows
to free institutions and their voices
have praised the fore-fathers whose
wisdom and courage and PATRIOTS IN
made it possible for each succeeding
generation to repeat the words, my
country it's Of thee. Sweet land of
liberty, Of thee I sing.
This sentiment was we'll nigh
universal until year ago. 1t was
to this sentiment that the Cuban in
surgents appealed; it was this senti-
ment that lmpelled our people to
enter into war with Spain. Have
the people so changed within a few
short months that the are now will
ing to apologize for the'war of the
revolution and force upon the Filipi
nos the same system of government
against which the colonists protest
ed with fire and sword,
"The hour of temptation has come,
but temptations do not destroy.
they mrely test the strength of indi-
viduals and nations; they are stumbl
ing blocks or stepping stones; they
lead to infamy or fame, according to
the use made of them.
benedict Arnold aud Ethan
Allan served to Cether in the Cont
mental army and both we're offere,
British gold. Arnold yielded te
the temptation and made his name
a synonymfor treason; Allan resist
ed and lives in the affections of hi,
countrymen.
Our nation is tempted to depart
ffgom its standard of morality ant
adopt policy of criminal aggress
ion.' But. will it yield?