Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-29
TWELVE PAGES
FRIDAY. DECEMBER %. 1899.
GAIN THESE THINGS BET

In an article on political Atheism
In Power" this paper has called at
tention to the great apostacy in this
country from the high principles and
ennobling sentiments which taught us
to regard liberty and morality as the
best heritages Of mankind. The most
sordid and brutal motives are now con-
fessed and Wanted. and liberty and
morality are recognized only as they
may be tributary to trade. or wealth,
or power. Benedict Arnold is chiefly
condemned because his treason failed,
and resulted In the hanging OF Major
Andre as a spy.
The doctrine Of the evolution of all
things, including man. is accepted as
the only true revelation OF the secret
and mystery of the universe, and It is
agreed that the supreme law is 'the
survival of the fittest," or the strong
est, and that ito The, victors belong
the spoils." Science has re-establshed
the gods Of ancient mythology in GER
tain laws or forces OF nature and
Nature Is made the omnipotent ruler,
to whom obedience is due from all
things and all beings. That is the
logical and necessary outcome OF mod
ern agnostcism, as adapted to prac-
teal life and Its concerns by practical
men. Among nations and individuals,
the fittest Chat is, the strongest)
must survive" and control.
The philosophers of the closet and
and midnight lamp modify these teach
ings, and reserve something to right
and reason. and even to conscience and
morality but the practical and ao-
tive operators in public and private
AFFAIRS, from the least to the great
est. go the whole hog" and wallow In
the mire. Manifest destiny" "the
course Of empire" "the irresistible
progress of the age" ''the persistence
Of force" ''thc consolidation of ener-
giles, monopoly" "the merciless and
remorseless march of nature" the
weakly and crippled fall OUT Of column
and perish by the way, or impede the
movement which tramplcs them under
foot" "the strongest survive" Nothing
is worth while, but force and its equi-
valents. Conscience and sensibilitv.
with their resultants, are but weak
nesses that beget utilities. Money
answereth all things.
Discussing the view which the coun-
trymen OF Washington and Jefferson
should take of the British war upon
the Beers Of South Africa, the N. Y.
Tribune tells us:
Our exports to the United Kingdom,
the most highly developed Industrial
and COMMERCIAL country on the globe,
are S5o0,OO0.0QO year. There
fore we hold this light which comes
from wall Street to be a TRUE ONE.
even though 1t does shine upon THE
Low PLANE OF SELFISH INTER-
Est. It Is to the unmlstakablc inter-
est OF the United States, materially.
sinanc1ally. industrially. commercially,
tnat Great Britain shall retrieve her
8disasters, that she shall conquer in
this war. that her great empire shall
oe preserved. and that the civilization
and humane genius of which shc Is he
exponent shall more and more prevail
throughout the earth.
$s Think of such sentiments being con.
ssistent with "thc civilization and
humane genius" to prevail throughout
the earth"
#of course, the Tribune boots at arbl-
3tration and peace. Every contest must
he q l'outrance, or till the weakest be
hurled to the dust. It says:
THE wariwa begun on the one side
TO establish, Dutch or Boer para
naountfy In South Africa, and was ac-