The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-05-20

all his political convictions, Jefferson Sc
cured a conspicuous place in history
while the Federalist politicians who shouit
have welcomed this signal illustration and
proof of the truth OF their theory of tn.
power OF the government they had fram
ed, through the influence Of party spiri
faltered in their faith and brought upcE
their party a lasting eclipse through theil
failure to discern the signs Of the times
President Roosevelt, in the memorable
address with which he dedicated last veal
this exhibition, used. in relation TO thi.
subject these striking words:
'As is so often the case In nature, the
law Of development of living organism
showed itself in its actual workings to be
wiser than the wisdom of the wisest."
A glance at the map OF Europe gives an
idea of the vastness Of this acquisition II
covers space greater than that occupied
by France. Germany, Great Britain, Italy.
Spain, and Portugal: it overlaps the ia
niliar world of history and literature.
In its ample field grew up fourteen or our
commonwealths; a taxable wealth of sew
en- thousand millions of dollars accuniu-
lated there and a population OF sixteen
million souls have thre found their home.
drawn not cnly from our elder communi-
ties, but from the teeming hives Of hu-
manity-the officinae gentium-in every
land beneath the quickening sun.
But more important than the immense
material increase in the extent and re-
sources of the new Republic was this es-
tablishment OF the principle. thus early in
its career, that 1t was 10 assume no in
ferior position to other nations in its
power to acquire territory. to extend its
influence, self-respecting power might do
which was in accord with public morals,
conducive to the general welfare, and not
prohibited by the Constitution. Though
the Federalists failed to embrace this
great opportunity and thereby brought
upon their party an Iliad of woes, the
precedent had been set for all time for
their successors. The nation had out
grown its swaddling clothes. Even the
most impassioned advocates of strict con-
struction felt this time that it was the let
ter that killeth and the spirit that giveth
life. The nation moved on its imperial
course. The new chart and compass were
in our hands The national principle once
established, other things were naturally
added unto us. Lewis and Clarke. follow
ing and illustrating the great law Of west
erly migration. pushed through the will
derness and planted iour banners by the
shores of the Peaceful Sea. In the pro-
cess of years Texas and the wide ex-
panse of New Mexico came to US. and
California, bringing dover OF the count
less riches that for unknown ages has
veined over hills. Even the shores of the
ocean could not long check the eagle in
termost seas bscame his stepping-stones.
This. gentlemen. is the lesson which we
are called to contemplate amid the courts
and the palaces Of this universal exhibit
ton: that when a nation exists. found
ed in righteousness and Justice, whose OBJ
ject and purposes are the welfare of
humanity the things which make for its
growth and the increase of its power. so
long as 1t is true to its ideals. are sure to
come to pass, no mater what political
theories or individual sentiments stand in
the way The common good will ulti-
prevail, though it mock the coun- |
sells of the wise and the valor Of the
brave" 1 know what snares may lie in
demagogues and the pretext for despots. |
Woe be unto the nation which misuses IL, |
but shame and disaster Is also the portion |
Of those who fear to follow its luminous |
beaconing.
From every part of the world you have
gathered to share in this secular festival
Of historic memories. You represent not
,nly the worldwide community Of intelli-
yence, but the wonderful growth in these
modern days OF universal sympathy and
good will-what our poet Bayard Taylor.
speaking on a similar occasion in Vienna
md adding l believe/a new word to the
German language. called Weltgemueth-
ichkeit. Of all the phenomena of the last
hundred years there is none more wonder
ul than that increase of mutual knowl-
dge which has led inevitably 20 a cor
esponding increase in mutual liberation
md esteem. The credit belongs to the
,ress of the world 1t is true that IL is
he modest boast of modern diplomacy
hat its Office is the removal of misun-
erstandings, that so far as intentions go
Is way are pleasantness and its paths
re peace; but how slight are the results
hat the best-intentioned diplomat can
ttain in this direction, compared with
he Illuminating blaze of light which the +,
ress each morning radiates on the uni ,
erse. We can not claim that the light ,
all OF one color. nor that there are not ,
many angles of refraction but from this ,
ndless variety of opinion. and every day ,
dds something to the world $ knowledge ,
itself There is a wise French proverb. ,
to understand is to pardon" and every ,
tep Of progress which the peoples of the ,
ar,h make in their comprehension OF 9
aeh others conditions and motives is a
tep forward in the march tn the goal
esired by men and angels. of universal
eace and brotherhood.
Upon none OF the arts or professions
a sthe tremendous acceleration of prog
,ss in recent years had more effect upon
lat which you are the representatives r
-e easily grow used 10 miracles: it will
,em a mere commonplace when I say | =
lat all the wonders of the rnagtcisns in
.nted by those ingenious oriental poets y
no wrote the Arabian Nights pale before u
.e stupendous facts which you ha ndle in y
,ur daily lives The ar has scarcely
a sed to vibrate with the uttersnces OF n
ngs and rulers in the older realms when n
cir words are read in the streets of ST I u
Duis and on the farms OF Nebraska. The =
legrsph is too quick for the calendar: :
~ may read in your evsning paper a !"
spatch from the antipodes With a date y
the following day. The details Of a u
title on the shores Of the Hermit King u
ma land which a few years ago was = =
dden In the raists of legend-are printed ~
4 commented on before the biood Of -
. wounded has ceased 20 fov- Almost ~
fore the smoke of the conflict has lift 10