The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1903-11-26

Down in Dixie the papers are fairly whooping
in their gee the recognition of Panama by this
government. They assert that by doing the United
States has explicitly and unreservedly if somewhat
tardy justified the secession of the Southern states
and the establishment of the Confederate States of
America. They feel that by recognizing Panama
this government has made it's former position un-
tenable that it has stuled itself and virtually adj
mtted that state number of states havea moral
and legal right to secede from the Union whenever
the occasion to do arises. Being Southerners
they naturally are pleased.
But they are building on shifting sands. Their
reason is blinded by their feelings That the United
States has taken precipitate action in the Panama
matter most people will admit. That it has moved
more in accordance with expediency than with strict
justice will also be granted. That it has set up
straw the isthmus in order to put through
it's canal seems probable. But that the secession
of Panama from Colombia is at all analogous to the
secession of the Southern states from the Union is
something no unprejudiced person will admit for a
moment
Why did the South wish to leave the Union
In order that the BLACKLIST of national sins, slavery
might be perpetuated. Why did Panama take up
arms against Colombia? Because it is an isolated
province and has been mismanaged by a coterie OF
grafters and petty tyrants for years. It was
an integral part of Colombia. Perhaps there was
a mixed motive; perhaps American gold was strong
argument in favor of revolution, but admitting
this the fact remains that Panama was justified in
rebelling against Colombian misrule This does not
say, however, that the United States was justified in
recognizing and assisting the young republic before
she had proved her worth.
The real issue between the North and South in
our Civil War was slavery, and when people take
up arms in behalf of such institution as the traffic
in human beings, civilized nations are very chary Of
lending them moral and financial support. There is
connection whatever between the secession of the
Southern states and the secession of Panama. TIC
say there is shows that is biased and lacking in
common sense.
The critics still keep adding to the wntery frost
which Mr.. Rudyard Kipling received on the recent
publication of his book of poems, "The Five Ma
TONS" They unusually caustic and characterize
his latest work mouthings, bubbles which
were adduced during that period of adulation in
which he was the reel ient of the homage of both
the American and European press. That Mr.. Kipling
has lost great deal of his popularity will deny;
and those who know his work best not in the least
surprised at the unfavorabe reception accorded his
latest work
It seems that Mr.. Kipling has become altogether
too POPULAR and like Arstides he must be ostracised
in order that few lesser celebrities can bask awhile
in the sunshine of publicity
Whether his latest poems lack that virile
force and vivid originality which distinguished
much of his former writings, the fact remains that
by his recent arraignment Of British officialdom
and Englishmen in general he has succeeded in
making himself persona .g7uta abroad. It isn't
so very long ago since Mr.. Kipling was very much
admired poet to whom the reading public looked
forward with expectancy and whose writings we're
eagerly devoured. But it seems that the critics
have succeeded in hurting him from his lofty pin
nace. Where he formerly had large following of
enthusiastic Kiplingites who believed him to be the
coming apostle of poetry, he now has army of
critics His sway over the young poetical aspirant
phenomenal, but many of these erstwhile enthu-
siasts have become apostates and are fingng spon-
dees and dactyles at his declining glory
Such is fame! However, Mr.. Kipling cares as
little for adverse criticism parlor coal stove
for the beautiful magic tracings which adorn window
panes on frosty morning Such ironical satire he
views with an insouciance that battles description
He is used to it. His true friends and sincere adj
mirers still believe in him and consider him one of
the brightest stars in the poetical armament the crit
les to the contrary notwithstanding.