Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
A Years Record.

In the sense of world-stirring develop
ments the year 1909 has been compare
lively uneventful. Peace has reigned. with
only local exceptions, throughout the CIV
flized regions. All the large nations have
maintained amicable relations. happily
avoiding differences calculated TO make
for conflict. The political changes have
been in the direction Of advancement and
greater liberty. In Turkey one of the
most reactionary of modern monarchs
was overthrown and new regime in
stalled promising well for the enlighten-
ment of the people. In Venezuela ruler
of the same type. though of different
title was eliminated from the situation,
greatly to the benefit of the immediate
country and its neighbors. In Persia
progress appeared to be made toward the
firm establishment of constitutional gov
eminent. AS the year closes trouble
some situation Immediately to the south
of the United States is in course of adj
justment. 1t IS to be hoped in the direc-
ton of stable peace in Nicaragua and the
adjacent states. One of the most fortu-
nate developments of the year has been
the allaying of acute misunderstanding
between England and Germany. the rela-
tons of which a year ago were seriously
inimica to the worlds peace. The Eng
lish people are carrying over into 19N a
political problem of the gravest impor-
tance. the solution of which may bring
marked changes in the system of govern
ment. Spain has passed through serious
situation involving grave possibilities OF
evolution. The government at Madrid
may later find that it purchased peace at
a heavy cost, its execution of the alleged
leader Of the Barcelona rioters having
subjected il to criticism throughout the
world
Domestic affairs have been remarkably
smooth during the past year. A new
President was inaugurated in March and
the change of administration was effected
with no jar friction. Prosperity
reigned throughout the year in all Tines
of human activity. Business was brought
back TO a normal bass of substantial
progress from the retarding effects of the
panic of two years ago. In the main the
relations between the employing and
working classes were satisfactory, though
the year closes with an apparently un-
necessary disturbance In the railroad
world, indicating a failure of the proc
esses of adjustment and Cancellation
upon which the country relies for its con-
tinued peace and prosperity. Some ad-
vance was made toward securing defini-
tion of the rights Of great corporations
and restraining them from too great a
power in the control of the necessities of
life. An unfortunate controversy has
arisen relative to the manner in which
the national resources shall be conserved.
which, like the English political issue. Is
passed along into the new year for de-
termination.
In the realm of science and discovery
the year just closed has been notable
The north pole was reached by an Amer
lean explorer, his achievement being rec
ogt:ized by all the world as Of the first
consequence. His conquest Of the pole
was unfortunately accompanied by the
preparation of one Of the most remarka-
BILE hoaxes ever practiced upon civiliza-
ton. the memory of which is now ebbing
while the appreciation of Commander
Peary's success after years of effort
deepens The effort of man to effect the
conquest of the air has been advanced to
success by a series of demonstrations dur
ing the year of especial Importance. No
longer is the problem awaiting solution
Man can now maintain himself alOft with
a machine THAT is heavier than the ele-
men1 in which he moves. and there can be
no doubt that in short time practical
aerial navigation. a factor in the worlds
{ onomy. will have been accomplished.