New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-04
THIS DAYS LESSON.

This day has as many meanings as there are
shades Of character or grades or mental de-
velopment From those who know IL only as
a day for personal enjoyment to those VINO
hold it as n memento of the uprising OF colo
MES TO cast off British rule there is wide df-
ference; but greater yet is the difference De-
tween the historic conception of the day ana
the educational. Those level-headed, conscien-
tious builders of freedom, the Puritan Revolu-
tionsts. held il worth one day in the year 10
consider how far the community had advanced
toward the highest ideals Of public duty, ana
their addresses gave some sentences 10 tne
heroic past then near and deeply impressed
but devoted hours TO examination or the MODES
Of government they had thus far developed,
the results thus far attained, and the higher
results toward which they ever looked and
pressed The Nation in growing great has NOT
outgrown the need OF educating both mind ana
conscience More than ever it needs at least
one day In the year for serious thought or the
Nations progress and duties.
This anniversary brings TO all Americans OBJ
legations which they never had 10 face prior
10 the destruction of Spanish power of santiago
Harbor a year ago. The blow which made an
end of Spanish domination and responsibility
in this Western World did not annihilate. but
only transferred, both. Responsibility for every
foot of territory and every inhabitant neces-
sarllv went somewhere on the instant tnat IL
fell from Spanish hands. The millions VINO
had never known better rule became az once
entitled to the best the conquering Repuphc
could secure The nation which strikes GOWN
established authority anywhere, whether in
hasty wrath or in grave and conscientious pur-
nose. takes upon itself OF necessity, absolute
fha fnfp of
priceless value to mankind II rightly used, and
of HELPLESS inhabitants stunted and dwarfed IN
the faculty of self-dlrection and self-defence
by centuries Of oppression
Thus for the first time this Nation finds itself
invested with tremendous responsibilities be-
vond the seas. II has conquered. subdued or
ganized and assimllated foreign lands before
lands vastly more extensive than the original
colonies possessed. but these were continental
and contiguous This year whether we like IT
much or not at all, the destiny of the Republic
,tsa,f has been indlssouby bound up with that
of islands from which Spanish authority has
boen expelled. Indlssolubly, for II self-govern
mont were established in them or any OF them
.ho United States would be forced to guarantee
ora nrotect H. This country could never con-
cant "a ifs overthrow by European Powers, ana
oor,d NOT hermit nj It's very doors the anarchy
rrh,ch beginnings OF self-governmcnt by I'M
trained people OF mixed races usually produce
"Am my brothers keeper" is a question
which this Nation has 10 answer as christian
neon,e must, to whom brotherhood Is just os
near at Manila as at San Juan or Havana ana
the answer involves the same sacred duties
This Is the day to reflect that II we ran IN
-, arties the necessary outgrowth OF our
90 of,ort for civilization and justice, we SHAH
- ,h,s Nation dishonored in the hearts OF
-. NC II Is not possible TO escape lasting
-. 800 - the blessings Of order and Justice 40
Oh. ro,ovv the flag. II this Nation falls 10 ma
honest and At men to exercise authority II VIII
atand dIsgraced. and its sons century nence
will grieve for the failure II sn ,ras o o@
with mean selfshness or cowaroiy lea, " "a
snopsbity, and turns over to cSfrup no nnr
onpressiye minority Of natives anywhere pO"e'