Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-31
The Passing Year.

The year which closes at midnight has
been period of notable disasters, OF re-
markabe Industrial occurrences, of great
business prosperity and of world peace. I'm
fortunately the events which give the year
its most striking character in a review are
sad ones, causing deaths and distress. But
nevertheless there Is much on record FOR
which humanity may we'll feel thankful.
The war between the British and the Beers
In South Africa was brought at length to
an end and the great work of restoring
prosperity to the war-riven lands was be-
gun under favorable auspices. The leaders
of the two sides were brought into commu-
nication and found that their wfsest course
lies toward mutual aid and confidence. The
cause OF peace has lately been forwarded
by the developments in the dispute between
Venezuela and certain powers OF Europe,
her creditors. After the situation had de-
veloped practically to the war point the
United States has been able, through the
good offices of it's President and its minister
at Caracas to secure a submission of the
differences to the permanent International
court at The Hague, thereby not only avert
ing useless. one-sided struggle, but
Strengthening the cause Of arbitration be-
tween powers.
The record Of disasters Is appalling. The
earth has belched forth it's fury and has
quaked In convulsve tremors in many
places destroying thousands Of lives and
causing terrible sufferings among survivors.
Seldom before in history has there been
such a series Of cataclysmic physical
changes. The civilized world, however, has
had fresh opportunity through these disas-
tiers to demonstrate more strikingly than
ever before the community of interests and
sentiments which now animates all peoples
The response which was given to the cry
for help uttered by the stricken regions
was instant and abundant. AS never be-
fore was the character of the inhabitants
Of the earth as members Of one great
family demonstrated.
In this country the people have been har-
red by anxieties caused by remarkable de-
velopments in the industrial world. The
cost of living has been increased, first
through the operations Of the corporations
controlling the beef supply and more re-
Gently in consequence Of the great coal
strike and the resulting fuel shortage. One
Of the happiest events of the year was the
success of President Roosevelts interven-
ton to end the coal strike, by the appoint
ment Of a commission to arbtrate the diff
ferences between the mine owners and the
been caused by the shortness Of the coal
supply it is not difficult to believe that this
action prevented a public calamity Of vast
proportions.
The relations between the United States
and the powers Of Europe have been more
closely knit during the year. Throughout
the illness of the King of England. just
prior to his coronation, the sympathies of
the American people were most warmly ex-
pressed, and 1t is indubitable that the two
peoples were brought to a better under
standing and a stronger friendship. The
visit of Prince Henry of Germany too had
its excellent effect in stimulation of bet
ter sentiment on both sides. AS the years
pass these advances in mutually Of
thought and feeling make for a closer world
union and for the advancement of civiliza-.
ton. To the extent that 1902 has contrib
uted thus to humanty's highest needs it
has benefited the world.