The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1901-01-31


nocent. But let us not condemn the
people or judge them too hastily. Bear
in mind, France is to gain the greatest
of all earthly blessings: Biblical
liberty and social equality. Perhaps
that suffering is the price exacted by
Providence. 1t was to be forever i'm
pressed in the heart of every French
man so that in the future they would
more carefully, more jealousy guard
against the possibility of repetition.
The causes of the revolution were
many, the castrophe fearful, the
effect tremendous and far reach
ing.
The influence of France has always
been felt; and it was never so great as
when it swept away thrones, domina-
tions, princedoms and powers in a pre-
tended crusade for the "Rights of
Man." 1t had been a pastime for
LOnis XIV to shoot peasants; now it
became a pleasure to shoot or annihi-
late such tyrants. Before the revolu-
ton, liberty was but a theory; through
France it crystalized into an actual
fact.
The pre-revolutiOnary nobility gave
way to a new nobility of thought, of
action and of learning. France redeems
its decayed literature of old by new
class of books, which has inspired all
mankind with nobler thoughts and
sentiment. No man could read the
works of her later authors without
feeling the yearning for those. higher
7 ideals and higher standards depicted
with vividness and style not yet ap-
preached by any other nations au-
thors. Along educational as we'll as
sentimental lines the literature of
France leads all others. The art of
France is unique. The products of her
painters, sculptors and actors have
thrilled the world with a admiration
and delight. Its lofty motives, ingeni-
Gus execution and splendor of effects
have raised our conception of art to
higher standard. 1t has-to put it
briefy-bettered humanity. The
Church of France has also undergone
change since the days of revolution
and through its influence the policy of
the ecclesiastical world. In place of
being as formerly the oppressors of
the people, the Catholics and Protes-
tants now vie with each other in their
efforts to alleviate sufferings, to better
conditions and as far as possible coun-
teract the curse of mankind. The re-
volution was instrumental in 0urying
religious hatred and intolerance.
Was there ever a weak nation strug-
Cling for liberty and existence, which
was not encouraged and helped by
France? When George Washington
led his little army of patriotic bare
footed soldiers, leaving trail of blood
on the crusty snow, it looked gloomy
for America. Only for the aid of the
army and navy of France our history
would perhaps read differently.
Just nOw-upOn the worlds stage
there is being enacted drama. We
see one of the greatest and most power
full nations at war with one of the
weakest. One is fighting tor gold, the
other for life. All the world has heard
the Macedonian cry of dying Trans
vaal. We see the father of that little
people go out to seek help among the
larger households. He has reason to
expect it. He turns to Russia who,
not long since, took up the cause of
oppressed Roumania and Servia. But
England reminds the Bear of his re-
cent atrociOus deeds in Poland; and
Russia refuses to come to the rescue.
He turns to Germany, his own kin.
But England reminds Hoch der Kaiser
of the highway robbery of Schleisvig-
Holstein; and Germany will not act.
He turns to Uncle Sam. But England
reminds him of-let me avoid politics.
Uncle Sam will not help. The tradi-
tions of Bunker Hill have been sacri-
feed on the altar of commerciaIism.
But France speaks privately and
publicly. Had one or two more ma
tions spoken as did France, the great