The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-07-07

b0r in the structure of the govern
ment. | bid the laboring people be-
ware of surrendering power which
they already possess, and which, when
surrendered. will surely be used to
close the door of advancement to sucn
as they, and fix new disabilities and
burdens upon them till all of liberty
shall be lost"
MIR. Lincoln spoke in the light OF
changed social and political condi-
lions and no intelligent man now
questions the wisdom OF his prophesy.
More governments have been over
thrown by fraud than by open hostil-
ity Our enemies do not always APP
pear in the habiliments OF war, but
frequently approach us under the
guise of friendship.
Thus we are told that Heliogabalus,
Roman emperor, twas weary OF be-
ing but the obedient functionary of
the senate; he wished to rule, and to
have that power which the senate
claimed as it's own. He kept his am
bilious desires to himself, however,
and showed the senators contented
and submissive face. One day he in
vited them to splendid feast at Ills
villa: he placed before them the most
costly meats and the choicest wines.
They we're sitting around this luxufi-
GUS table. somewhat excited by drink,
when the emperor arose and said with
a peculiar smile: L must go now to
prepare for you an agreeable surprise
and practical joke, which you will con-
TESS has the merit of originality He
left the room, and the tipsy senators
did not observe that the doors were
locked and bolted from without. They
continued to drink and sing merrily,
suddenly glass door in the ceiling
was opened, and the voice of HcliOga-
balus was heard, saying: You were
never satisfied with your power and
glory, you were always aspiring after
new aurels; this noble thirst shall
Wreaths and branches now fell upon
the senator's. At first they laughed,
and snatched jestingly at the flying
laurels. The most exquisite flowers
were now added, and there seemed to
be no end to the pelting storm. They
cried out Enough, enough in vain;
the wreaths and bouquets still poured
upon them in unceasing streams; the
floor was literally a bed of roses. At
last, terror took possession of them ,
they wished to escape, and rushed to
the doors, but they were immovable.
Through the sea of flowers, which al
ready reached their knees, they waded
to the windows, but they we're in the
second story, and below they saw the
Roman legions with their sharp wea-
pons pointed in the air. Flight was
impossible; they pleaded wildly for
mercy, but the memorable stream of
flowers continued to flow. Higher and
higher rose the walls around them
they could no longer even plead for
pity; they were literally buried in
laurels. At last nothing was to be
seen but vast bed of roses of which
not even fragrant leaf was stirred
by passing breeze. Heliogabalus
had not murdered his senator's; he had
suffocated them with sweets that was
ALL"
And thus we are taught that cajol-
cry is frequently as dangerous to gov
eminent as open hostility and that
we should be on constant guarG
against its sinsiduous influence.
Anciently cities We're securely walled
to protect the inhabitants from inva
sion and from the sword and senti
nels stood on the ramparts to give
warning of the approach of those who
would enslave the people and rol
them of their institutions. These sch
tinels were guards of necessary pre-
cautionary safety. In those day.
there were short-sighted men who de
cried any measure of protection ant
declared that walls and guards wer,
not essential and were marks of cow
ardice and unfitness to govern. Bu
largely through these means distinc
and valuable forms of government ant
principles of political institution.
were preserved to us. The guard.
had the vantage ground of observa
tion and We're as rule prompted by ,
desire to conserve to the safety OF th,
people and OF their governments. In
stances are not lacking. however. o
those standing on the bulwarks VIII,
were surprised while asleep al thei
posts. or who deserted the place o