Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-01
The Year That Has Passed.

II Is difi!cult to estimate the year 1905
properly. owing to the overshadowing
horror of the italian catastrophe. which
marked its close and which remains to
open the new year with problem which
will sorely tax the resources of civ!liza-
tioc. The calamity has passed all known
records ana now becomes a situation OF
such awful details that the mistaken
parts of the world are appalled,: yet the
year. SO calamitously ended. was not a
period OF disaster. On the contrary. for
the greater portion of the human race ii
was time of advancement and pros
perity a season of plenty, a year of
benef1cence
The nations of the earth were drawn
into closer communion and a better I'M
Outstanding developed among the peo-
pies, separated by miles and by differ
ences Of language and customs. This
country and Japan. for an instance. drew
into more am:cable relations despite the
persistent clamors of those who sought
TO create trouble between them. The
United States cemented its friendship
with the other powers by dispatching
around the world a great fleet of war
ships. powerful engines of peace In their
tions of the American republic and its
great resources. Even at this hour that
Meet Is speeding to reach the scenes of
suffering IN Italy to minister to the at
hicted and to save lives.
In the arts and sciences the world has
prog ressed Notable among the successes
of the year is the demonstration that
man can navigate the air. not merely
rxx,{t1, hal
icon propelled by an engine in the most
perfect conditions. but with simple APP
Proclamation of the birds means of levi
ta;ion and advancement. The year 1908
will be marked in future annals. II for
nothing else. for the evolution OF the
aeroplane. with its wonderful possibilities
Of development and use.
Politically the United States has expe-
rienced another demonstration OF the
capacity Of the people for self-Govern-
ment A campaign of great Vigor was
pressed to an issue with the choice for
highest ONCE falling upon a man entirely
worthy of the trust. and elected In cir
cumstances promising an administration
Of exceptional ability and wisdom. and
making for the prosperity of all classes.
The country has recovered from its
Industrial and financial depression,
which eliminated at the close Of the year
1907 with a series of bank troubles and
business suspensions. Affairs are now on
q normal basis and all signs point to
year Of exceptional GOO times.
Death has claimed many of the worlds
leading figures during the twelvemonth.
and there have cen tragedies and Sor-
rows TO mar record. But the
high moral Purpose OF those who are
iaboring for the uplift Of humanity has
not been lessened. and in various direc-
tons the propaganda for the ameliorat!on
of evils and the establishment of lofty
ideals for the guidance OF men has been
pressed energetically and successfully.
Many gains have been scored for more
temperate living. The country has been
aroused to realization Of the perils OF
unrestrained gambling. Wholesome laws
have been enacted to check one OF the
most demoralizing institutions that ever
found root In American life. and, best of
all, they have been demanded and sup
ported by the awakened moral sense of
the people.
Thus the year. though closing in the
gloom OF an unprecedented disaster, has
scored its record for betterment in terms
which will be remembered long after the
horror which now occupies the thoughts
Of men has passed into tradition. The
earth may quake and swallow men and
women BY the tens of thousands. but the
laws that govern the human race, the
laws that make for higher and ever
higher planes of civilization. remain as