Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-31
The Closing Year,

The year 1904 closes record of momen-
tous events. internationally it has wit
messed the beginning of a titanic struggle
in the FAR east the end of which no man
can clearly foresee and which holds vast
possibilities for changes in the political
map of the old world. This war has been
remarkable for two reasons the continued
success and unmstakable superiority of
the smaller nation and the general pre-
pcnderance of sympathy among almost all
peoples for Japan. 1t is unsafe at this
stage of the case to forecast the conse-
uuences of the contest whether internal
tionally or locally as affects the future of
Russia. That the cars empire is in a
serious state of unrest and that conditions
are steadily working toward radical move
ments many men today confidently believe.
The seeds of trouble have sprouted in the
heat of battle and may expand into deadly
growths.
Nationally the year has been chiefly no.
table for the phenomenal results of the
presidential election. 1t was an extraordi-
nary exhibition of a preponderant public
sentiment, and in its completeness of decis-
ion it leaves a serious problem to be solved
in the reforming of partisan lines for the
maintenance of a compact and progressive
opposition party. The people have Endorsed
the policies which have been in force for
the past seven and half years and have
elected to the highest Office man who
stands for vigorous Americanism of the
finest type. 1t is a remarkable phenome-
non that the result of the balloting has
been accepted in good faith and good spirit
by all the people, and is today regarded as
wise by even many of those whose ballots
were cast for the defeated candidate.
In point of prosperity the country has
been exceptionally blessed. and the year
1905 will open upon q land whose people
are in greater proportion than ever before
the benefciaries of bounteous Providence.
Conditions favor continued employment for
all classes who are willing to work. There
Is an abundance of capital and feeling of
confidence on the part of its chief holders
leading to continued enterprise in substan-
tial investment. promising many seasons of
unchecked good times
The part played by the United States in
world politics has been, as heretofore, mark
eddy for the peace of nations. Its diplo-
matte initiative for further conferences has
been received in the best possible spirit and
1t is a reasonable belief that it will be the
means of Fastening the day of common
sense adjustments of all international dis
putes
the Panama canal by this government is
one of the greatly significant events of the
passing year In the decades to come 1904
may be chiefly marked by this circum-
stance, as the waterway between the oceans
yields its benefits to the people of all lands
Two great disasters have visited the coun-
try. The Baltimore fire. with its record Of
value-destruction approximating 500, 600
600. without the loss of single life, stands
in remarkable contrast to the burning Of
the steamer Slocum, with its insignificant
destruction of value and its sacrifice of
more than one thousand lives
On the whole the year has been good one.
bringing many blessings and adding to the
assurances of the future happiness and
wealth and enlightenment of the people. If
its successor will do as much for these ends
and will bring ew-offsetting troubles
and losses it will be indeed welcomed.