The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1901-07-17
117Main ST., Post Office Block, Columbia, S. G.

political system Of government which re-
cognized the truth that governments were
made for man. and intended to make him
a responsible moral as we'll as intellectual
subject; that they were intended to secure
human freedom, freedom of conscience,
freedom Of intellect, and freedom Of ac-
tion; that they are to be founded on the
great moral law proclaimed from Mt.
Sinai, and that nations as we'll as individ-
uals were to be subject to its commands,
and that they were intended to be the hu-
man agencies not only to bless their sub
jects but the world. The republican gov
ernment of the United States is the most
perfect the world has ever seen. 1t is a
government based upon the rock founda-
ton of the peoples rights to govern them
selves under the sanctions of an enligbt-
ened conscience and of the moral law.
Perfect individual and national liberty
is guaranteed by it, and its great purpose
is to promote the general welfare. Truly
the hand of God has been in this wonder
full age of hhman progress, and has been
instrumental in raising up our republic as
a beacon light to the world and the gov
ernmental instrumentality which is to
spread the blessings of human liberty and
civilization.
GODS PURPOSE IN EXPANSION.
With this heaven appointed destiny,
what splendid opportunities are afforded
US as nation. Some are disposed to talk
flippautly about the advent of the United
States into the arena of the struggle
among the great powers of the earth.
They oppose the extension of our terri
tory, of our commerce. Of the blessings Of
our political institutions and Christian
civilization because it increases our ma.
tional obligations. They forget that no
nation ever acquired power and influence
without inviting increased responsibilities
and marching forward with unflinching
boldness towards its destiny. A shrinking
from responsibility is cowardice, and the
American people are not towards
Carthage, with the richest merchants
and the finest shipping in the world. at
extending her territory, and the result
was her destruction, because there was no
unity between her and the people with
whom she dealt Our own great city Of
New York could not continue to exist II
all the states except New York were fo1-
eign territory. London's continual pros
perity rests upon the intimate relations be-
tween Great Britain and her colonies.
Paris, although numerically great. has no
power rs a commercial city Of the world,
but contents itself with leading only in
fashion and scandal.
What would Rome have been, without
IN extension OF lei empire, but an insig-
niicant city on the banks Of the Tiber?
Without her expansion the pages of his
tory would have never been blazoned with
the glories of the eternal city. Without
the expansion Of her empire Greece would
have been little speck on the map Of the
world. ani the splcndors Of Athens and
the glories of Marathon would never have
been recorded as tributes to human learn
ing and valor. In all ages nations have
had national obligations imposed upon
them, and, when discharged. they have
f1ourished for Il time but they finally per-
lshed because they were not equal to their
increased responsibilities Shall we, with
the experience Of the pas before US,
shrink from cur obligations as a nation
and prove recreant to the high trust OF
being sponsor for the Christian religion
and bearer of the glad tidinCs of great Joy
to all peoples? Shall we fail in this auspl-
cious hour Of opportunity to enjoy ana
strive to perpetuate the freedom which is
the birthright of the race and TO work for
its universal enjoyment: Shall we foun-
der on the rock upon which all other ma
tions have foundered. Away with such
unpatriotic and unchristian objections to
the expansion of our political institu-
tions.
The line of duty marked out for US as
nation is straight and narrow way. There
is no need for us to mistake it. We have
the pillar of c.oud" by day and the pill
lar of fire. by night to guide us. II we
watch those with steady gaze we VIII
safely pass through the Red sea- OF dan
ger before us. and at last reach the goal
of our national aspirations and o2portun-
tiles
Our land IS the most favored of earth.
We have diversity Of soil and climate
unequalled Our diversity of production
is marvellous. Our versatility Of scien-
tific and inventive genius is the wonder of
the world. We are able not only to feed
our millions of population but the hungry
Of all nations. We can clothe the hun