Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-01

The growth Of a nation is marked by the
gradual accumulation Of occasions for cele-
bratInn. Anniversaries become the mile
stones Of their progress They are recos-
uized from time to time to commemorate
the birth Of great statesmen or soldiers or
perhaps Of phiIanthrOpists- the beginning OF
important epochs. the institution of great
reforms the creation of new features or
government. the happening of momentous
events. Occasions for such commemorative
celebration steadily gather in number as
the organization advances in years and It's
experiences multiply. In course of time
those. Of lesser Importance become obsolete
and a perspective is established. This is
the making of history.
Dewey Day is not yet recognized by
national enactment OF by general agree
meut with any formal ceremonials 1t Is as
Vet too new an anniversary TO be given its
right place among the republics red letter
days 1t is perhaps too early to assign to
it its full historical value. But it assurediy
seems impossible ever to detract from its
Importance. 1t would appear to be beyond
the power Of future events. however stir
ring or consequential. to diminish the rela-
tive significance of this day in its bearing
not alone upon the fortunes of this nation,
but upon the economy of the world
Judged from the prt-ent the future value
of this anniversary one of the nations
most significant items in its historical
chronology is assured.
The record is not yet fully written The
victory achieved one year ago today in
Manila Bay by the naval commander whose
name has since spread in fame to the utter
most confines of the earth has not yet
worked out its full consequences Judged
a remarkable performance. particularly in
the extraordinary immunity Of the con-
qUerors from harm Il was by no means an
altogether one-sided fight in the character
of the weapons Of war employed. 1t was
aston-shiEgly one-sided in results, revealing
q preponderance Of capacity on the Ameri-
can side which startled the world.
No one has ever been heard to deny to
Admiral Dewey the full measure OF praise
due 10 him and his men for their glorious
work Il year ago merely DecaIse their con-
quest was apparently easy Their predica-
nent was perilous in Itself. They were al
most half the circuit of the world from a
home base and in the enemy's country"
Defeat would have been appaIliEgly disas-
trous. That their courage and discipline and
efficiency won for them victory which left
no scars while demolishing the foe reflects
the greater circuit upon I1tIl instead OF de-
tracing from their achievement.
But it has been in its results as a power
for national development that the victory
of year ago mas been chiefly considered
10y the world. Admiral Dewey's admirable
bearing since the fight, his wisdom, discre-
ton. patience. modesty and his loyalty to
his chief have in themselves been magnifi-
cent, setting examples for his countrymen
which have doubtless caused d quickenng
of the national spirit in all quarters. And
in the progress Of events which the victory
terminated Admiral Dewey has remained a
steaGfast factor for the advancement of his
country.
The world is better today for the fight of
Il year ago The blood then shed should in
time MAKE fertile d spot which nature de-
signed for mans happiness and advance
mvut, but which under tyranny and repres-
sion had become barren place on he
sorlIs surface. 1t should he renewed
many thousaudfold in the veins of the peo-
Do II the republic. Tor the strengthening
VI the nation and the vitality of its prin-
cIp.es.
The war with Spain was in large meas
ure decided on this day q year ago The
first stroke Of the struggle was virtually
the decisive stroke. The demonstration OF
strength and capacity and readiness which
Dewey save Ut Manila set the pace for the
war and disheartened the enemy. Future
generations may thus reasonably celebrate
- nrst Of May d time Of general re-
kIcIns over the proved ability of the re-
-lbiic to fight its battles when necessary,
We'll as to solve its civil problems
s "
The kaiser as an extreme advocate of
concentrated power. may feel called upon
10 grow Indignant over the inherent dislike.
which number Of COMMUNICATIONS have
Tor the word -Imperia..s1n"