The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1904-01-01
1904.


fuller of stirring incidents than the one
which has passed. An ordinary Presi-
Dental year is thrilling enough, but
this one is intensified by the excite
ment which centres in St. Louis, where
the world will eel, brate a momentous
movement in our history; by the situa-
tion at Panama, where there may be
complications and where work may be-
gin before long; by the omincus deter
mination of Russia and Japan, and
our own interest in any conflict which
may occur; all these dynamic proha-
bilities added to the unexpected, which
has been so vigorously happening to
US in recent years. Nations no longer
fight from bravado, as small boys do
owe a chip, but they still fight for
what they deem essential to their well
fare, and it is a loug time since there
has been a clear clash of interests as
essential as those which Russia and
Japan have at stake in Asia. A war
once started may be ended by the two
beginners, or it may easily spread, so
great are the prizes lying about the
Orient. No such possibilities face US
in Central America. There the great
est difficulties are differences Of con-
science, which might be rendered
acute if Colombia should experiment
with a little fighting. Fortunate is
our position, which puts US beyond
the line Of danger, and our circum-
stances, which promise plenty to eat
and wear ahead. The spirit in which
we greet the entrance Of 1904 is one
of confidence and good cheer.
Resolutions for the NV Year are
not made by nations, but it seems well
enough to look about, nevertheless,
and see what the objects arc for which
we should particularly strive. There
is a provelb that nobility implies obi
cations, and there might equally we'll
be one good fortune has it debts. we
are very rich, and free from trouble
and so governed, by tradition and by
law, that all our people have a chance
at progress and education. In some
cases duty, is clear, the "stern daugh-
ter of the voice of God. as Words
worth called it, "a light to guide as
we'll as "a rod TO cLeck tile erring and
reprove."
"Thou dost preserve the stars from wrong;
And the most ancient heavens. through
Thee, are fresh and strong"
That the spirit of moral obligations
applies to nations as well as to indlvi-
duals, is a beliefthat has grown OF late
and is one of the most spiritual results
of government by public opinion.
When q situation is not clear, but
consciences differ honestly, as about
our duties on the Isthmus, it is a case
for reasoning and information more
than for impassioned appeals to moral
sense, and the same truth holds of as
two sided a problem as is offered by
the presence of the negro. Other mat
tiers, however, clearly call for nothing
but a moral spirit and determined
effort. Justice to Cuba, justice to the
Philippines-generosity, indeed if
possible, to both-an absolute stand
against the corruption in national,
State and city government, that is so
large a blot upon our record-these
tasks belong to US all, of any political
faith; and to the members Of each
great party belongs the obligation to
choose for the approaching fight a
leader who shall represent what is best
in the party's principles. The Demo-
Gratis should avoid a demagogue and
the Republicans a boodler.- Golfers
Weekly.