Gilpin observer., 1909-02-25
THE FALL OF NATIONS.

The historian Lackey says that the
fall OF Rome dates from the time when
the government began to feed the peo-
pie.
Some will say that the success of
nation depends on its geographical po-
sition. II 1t has vast natural resouces
and good harbors It will fill prominent
place in history.
But there are countries that have
those requirements and yet have made
little or no advancement for hundreds of
years. Rome and Greece occupy the
same geographical position that they
did when they led the world in COM
merce. art. and education. Then why
have they fallen? History has been re-
peating itself since the Babylonish kings
welded the sceptre. They grew proud
and self conceited, became Incorporate
and licentious. and through the prac-
tice of those habits they became weak
ened physically. and easily fell before
the invading army of the Medes and
Persians who had been practicing sob
erness and chastity. and were the
Babylonians superiors.
Success made them drunk and they
fell into the same evil ways OF the
Babylonians and the next swing OF the
pendelum they were vanquished by the
sober and industrious Grecians.
The Grecians followed the same ways
as the Medes anu were easily overcome
by the Romans.
Then the Romans as we know took
the line of least resistance. and when
the government furnished the means
OF existence they were left free to
follow every evil. and very soon be-
gan to go backward physically and mem
tally and were not able to cope with
the hardy Norsemen. Now II seems
evident that there must be more than
the geographical position OF country
to be considered when forecasting its
future. l think every one who has
given the matter any consideration will
admit that the rock OF christian prin-
ciples are necessary in a great nations
foundation. In order that men may
rear a mighty temple they must have
n hope of future existence. They must
believe that whatever advancement they
make In this life viii be awarded them
In the next. and that thought will give
Incentive to overcome every obstacle.
and as the nation is composed OF in
dividuals this raises the standard OF the
sum total.
hcH "uht 10 ths hopo VI t"s <h''N'
lean people as nation? VIII the time
ever come when they will see the
"hand writing ON the WALL" telling them
they have been weighed In the balance
and found wanting? l think everyone
will concede that the United States has
great future. Some day the law OF
utility will demand that the southern
half of this hemisphere be used for
the good OF humanity. and some strong
nation must undertake the work. and
as 1t is on the side OF the Atlantic
our children will see the stars and
stripes floating over that resourceful
country from the gulf to Cape Horn.
The great nations first concern must
be for its people. and to help them
make n success OF life by supplying
every opportunity possible. and by re-
moving every thing that would dis
courage. and when she refuses to make
war any more and shall adopt the dove
for an emblem instead OF the eagle.
There will be no cause for fear while
our flag IL unstained and while we have
such men as Washington Lincoln. Roose
welt and Bryan standing for christian
principles and the nation almost wholly
In sympathy with them and willing to
back their demands for Justice.