The times., 1899-12-25
MONDAY. DEFENDER 25. 1880.
hristInas-

VIII its evergreen and holly, its toys
and tinsel. its good cheer and merry greet
ings. its happy children and gratifed grown
folks its feast and friendship, its reunited
friends and families. its paeans OF praise,
and is worshipful thanllfulness for The
blessings OF the year. Christmas Day again
is here.
il is the festival Of all the year, the
greatest day in the Christian calendar, the
first in the hearts Of the people. On no
other occasion do busy millions abandon
themselves SO completely 10 the sway Of
The festal spirit. the inspiration OF good
fellowship. the satisfaction Of making
others happy through which each becomes
a sbarer Of the enjoyment that is universal
Whether cold winds blow and heavens
blue is wrapped in clouds or whether
golden sunshine bathes the earth with It's
ehulgeut rays Christmas Is the same; Il
is z day FOR the dreside, an occasion when
the Lares and Penates rejoice TO witness
the healing Of broken ties. a time for the
gathering at the feast Of those who have
been sepaTated by the fluctuations Of life,
the tdiosyncrasies Of fortune-an anni-
versary. perhaps. for the return OF thou
sand prodigals.
On Christmas more than on any other
day. the frantic strife OF human kind is
paused; the machine becomes the man;
the busy brain. loaded with a weight OF
csres. IS given respite from the maddening
problems of the hour grinding occupations
sease and rosy cheeks and grey hairs fol-
ow in the Joyous train Of the great festi-
RAILS patron saint.
So the dsy Of peace and good viii has
Egain dawned- But even Christmas cannot
temporarily convert the cynie from his
way, for as be hears the chime that heralds
peace Oh earth and good viii, he breaks
the refreshing spell by the ironical re
mark that there are two armies sent by
civilization now on the battlefield, rot
withstsndine the celebration Of the humane
sentiment proclaimed at the nativity
Cynics are seldom consistent, however.
This particular Christmas morning speci-
men, 20 whom The children's tree, with its
bsubles and ispers, its toys ana sweet
meats. It's harvest OF JOY, is almost an OBJ
tect Of derision, forgets that war is and
ever has been the price Of peace; that out
OF righteous conflict has come all the i'm
munity from savsgery and oligarchy which
we enjoy today. He ignores the history Of
his own country and the glory Of its flag,
he fails TO appreciate the blessings and
benefits that have sprung. like imperisha-
bic flowers. from the blood Of patriots. and
in the enjoyment Of which he is an un-
grateful participant.
That the worlds people shall press on TO
the goal Of perfection is as inevitable and
as natural as that the world itself shall
pursue its course around the sun; that evil
forces which band themselves against the
common good OF man must be ezterminatel
is ar necessary IS that Law divine and bu-
man, must prevail
The cause Of civilization is moving on
ward with q pace that is irresistible. its
highest aim is 10 accomplish its destiny BY
The genJlest influence and without violence:
but as evil has challenged good 10 the con
tict. the triumph OF The commendable must
be accomplished. else The victory Of the
condemnable is assured. Such a calamity
would change humsnity's goal from perfec-
ion 10 chaos
War is the dernier resort OF civilization
70 protect its integrity. II the most pro
gresslve elements Of humanity lack the
courage to press forward with heroic meas
ures, after all ordinary methods 10 attain
Its ends have been exhausted. then civiliza-
tion must 90 10 pieces When war rs
waged against an oppression proud Of lis
ignorance and defiant Of all efforts to bring
and persisJenJly maintained, the conflict Is
g. beBefcent one. and ont Of il must come
that peace on earth, good VIII to men,
which will gradually extend 10 every quar-
ter Of this globe Of ours.
The man who has an abiding faith lu the
enlightened human race believes that an
Nher Christmas viii find the advance
guard Of civilization far ahead Of where
camps today. And when the cruel marks
Of war have been eliminated. 81 Will be bet
Ser understood that the patriots who fight
IND die under the banners Of progress
-,ere as much inspired for the cause cf
EGmanent peace and good viii as the in
sividual who never drew a sword or fired
gun
it is written that intelligent, conscien-
tious. active humanity shall one day dom
mate every land beneath the sun. This is
as obvious IS the fact that light viii scat
ter darkness or shat strength viii con
quer weakness. The modern tendency is
10 avoid aggression, 70 be patient until
patlsncc ceases 10 be a virtue, and 10
fight for the cause Of universal well-being
when The occasion has proved that peace
ful overtures make no more impression
upon the recalcitrant than wcu paper
balls upon the Pyramids.