Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-01

created from the territory which the Louis,
lana purchase gave US. Every feature OF
our celebration should remind us that we
memoralize a peaceful acquisition imme-
diately OF territory for truly Amtric@n uses,
and we should rejoice not only because this
acquisition Immediately gave peace. and
-contentment to the spirited and deter.
mined American settlers who demanded
an outlet OF trade to the sea, but also
because 1t provided homes and means OF
livelihood for the millions Of new Ameri-
ears OF the expectant fathers Of the re-
public, and whose stout hearts and brawny
arms wrought the miracles which our cele-
bration should interpret.
we are here TO dedicate beautiful and
stately edihces, but as we do this, let US
remember that the soil whereon we stand
was a century ago dedicated to the genius
Of American industry and thrift. For every
reason, nothing could be more appropriate
as an important part Of the centennial eom.
memoration we have undertaken, than the
gathering on this spot Of the things thar
are characteristic of American effort, and
ment: and how bsppilv will this be supple
mented and crowned by the generous,
magnanimous and instructive contributions
from other and older lands, which, standing
side by side with our exhibits, shall mani
fest the high and friendly regard our re-
public has gained among the governments
OF the earth.
Recalls Past incidents.
I cannot, however, rid myself of the feel
ing ina the lnSplraIOn attenulnH suCH al
exposition may be anticipated, II on this
dedicatory occasion we promote appropriate
reflections by a retrospection. of some OF
the incidents which accompanied the event
we celebrate.
We all know that long before the treaty
of 1903 our government had q keen appre-
citation of the Importance of an arrange
ment permitting products to be. exported
by the Mississippi. This need of our set
tiers had been met In a limited and not
Spain. This privilege was entirely with
drawn in October, 1902 the territory having
been In the meantime transferred to France
The situation thus created was extremely
delicate. There was presented on the one
hand the injury to western settlers through
the loss Of their trading outlet, and on the
other the perplexing question of affording
them relief by means of diplomatic agree
ment, or by some other methods. The
abandonment of our settlers was, of course,
not contemplated. II soon became appar-
ent that delay did not suit the temper OF
Americans chatting under a sense of wrong
President Jefferson wrote to a friend IN
February. 1903: "Our circumstances are SC
imperious as to admit OF no delay. We
existence for its maintenance" He APP
pointed an additional envoy to cooperate
with our representative already at the
concession that would cure the difficulty.
Another incident which we may recall
with, profit grew out of the conduct OF the
president when the treaty had been re-
turned to him for ratification. He was
originally quite firm in his belief that the
constitution as 1t stood did not authorize
such an extension of our limits by purchase
But not daring to risk the delay of an
amendment to the constitution prior Ia
sistency with duty by procuring a con.
nrmation of the treaty by the senate and
comprising its unquestionable validatior
by a subsequent constitutional amendment
May Think Highly of S~cruples.
In view OF the conclusive settlement sine.
that time of this constitutional question
against Mr.. Jefferson's original opinion
and considering that We have since i'm.
mensely increased our area by the acguisi.
ton of distant Islands, we may be inclined
to think lightly of President Jefrerson'i
scruples.
There were wise men near our president
in 1903 who dinered with him, and the So
men did not fail to maxi known their dis.
sent. Moreover, in the senate, to which thS
treaty was submitted tor confirmation
there was an able discussion of its con.
Judgment OF that body was emphaticany
twenty-four were cast in favor of con.
hrmation.. An amendment to the constitu,
ton was afterward presented to congress
but its first appearance was its last.
Thomas Jefferson never furnished better
evidence of his greatness than when, Jus
before the submission of the treaty to tn,
senate, he wrote to a senator who difere;
II confess IN 1 think it important t.
set an example against broad construction
by appealing for new power to the people
If, however, our friends shall think differ
entity, certainly shall acquiesce and WI
correct the evil of construction when 4
shall produce Ill effects" q :-G..f
We are glad Jefferson was wrong, anC
glad he was liberal-minded enough 10 Sc,
he might be wrong. Yet may We no
proitably pause long enough TO contras
the careful and reverent manner in whicl
the restrictions of our fundamental Law
were scrutinized a hundred years ago. witt
the tendency often seen In later times L
fippantly attempt the adjustment of ou
constitution to the purposes of interest an
convenience?
We are all proud of our American citi
zenship. Let us leave this place with TIL
feeling, stimulated by the sentiments borl
OF the occasion. Let us appreciate NOR
keenly than ever how vitality necessary /
is 20 our country's veal that everyon
within its citizenship should be clean
minded In political aim and aspiration, SIN
cere and honest in his conception OF GU
oountry's mission and aroused to highe
and more responsive patriotism by the re
Election that II is a solemn thing to belonI
to a people favored OF God.
The exercises we're closed by the bene
dict.on pronounced by Bishop Potter o
New York.