The Savannah morning news., 1901-08-07
OF Things Temporal.

Editor Morning News: The question
who shall be our next Governor" oc-
cupies the public mind. OF the many
candidates mentioned there seems
practical unanimity and general agree
ment that, other things being equal,
South Georgia should have preference
when selection is made.
The visit of Maj. Ryals calls atten-
ton to the candidacy of Col. Estill, and
1 have yet to hear objection; there is
| a feeling that the personal qualities
which have enabled him to build up a
great conservative newspaper, which
has exerted, and is exerting, an infiu-
| ence for good all over the state, that
! these qualities especially fit him for the
| position to which he aspires. Maj. Ry-
| ais also had another mission, which
| was to convince Gov. Gambler that a
prize fight would be a valuable addi-
ton to the attractions of Savannah at
the projected Fair. Maj. Ryals has a
genial winning way with him which is
usually effective, but the Governor
| seems not more than half persuaded,
| and ii may be needful to add to his
influence by sending Col. Bill Clifton
| here; both are always welcome visit
ors, and usually successful in their I'M
| dertakings.
| l find myself rather favorably dis
posed toward the heroes of the prize
ring and see no good reason why a
| community desiring such display
| should not be gratified.
| The pugilist may become a reformer
| By teaching 1.-The manly art" we may
| reduces the use of the pistol, the knife,
| or the deadly razor; so long as human
nature remains combative, so long
there will be outward and visible sign
of pugnacity; and fancy pugilism is the
| least harmful manifestation of our
lower nature, our lust for blood.
When we have advanced to that
| plane where we recognize the value of
| this culture, and elevate the hero of
| the prize ring to the same level as we
| do the military and naval champion,
we shall be able to crafty ourselves
| by exhibition of courage and endur-
| ance at much less cost than now, and
| the loss of life will be reduced to
| a minimum, there will be a return to
| the classic conception of Greek days,
a wreath of laurel will amply reward
the victor instead of as now an i'm
| mense pension and other honors, and
even this does not satisfy, for the re-
tired heroes find much ground for con-
| tentions and the people grow weary of
| the strife. And then it costs so much
and is so very unsatisfying.
When we read the long drawn out
complaints of the contending admirals,
the charge and counter-c charge, there
comes a feeling of satisfaction that
there is to be a court of inquiry which
| shall finally settle the question whether
! our heroes are really heroes or some
thing else.
In 1920, when Commodore Decatur
and Barron had similar contention it
was settled by challenge. which was
] w.as ,av,e1 til -
| in which Decatur was killed and Bar
ron seriously wounded. although he
| lived for twenty years. 1t is question:
able whether we have advanced or re-
trograded since that day. Admiral
Sampson may we'll exclaim as he con-
| template the work of the historian who
has carried the methods of the penny
a-liner into what he calls history,
Save me from my friends" for in his
venomous zeal Edgar Stanton Mac
Iayan, employee of the Brooklyn Navy
! Yard has inflicted an irreparable in
jury upon the cause he advocates. IT
will require overwhelming evidence
from the partisans to set aside the YER
dict of the people already formed,
which is in favor of Schley.
1t is at best an unseemly quarrel, and
indicates the danger of mixing politics
and naval affairs.
Possibly the admirals may be like
| the mother-in-law-in the family. a
luxury. rather than an actual need.
The people in the up-country are
| learning the truth that Savannah is a
pleasant summer resort free from ma
laria, famed by the sea breeze and in
| every way place of rest.
What answer can be made to the
| question. How can outrages against
society be prevented? Have we found
the remedy? There must surely be
| remedy. If we cannot accept the ira
ditions of the past let us find something