The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1914-01-09

has been a happy and rather for
tunate one for the world In general
1t was not marked by any great catas
trophe, such as the San Francisco
earthquake or the Titanic disaster; II
saw the end of the wars in the Bal
kans, 1t witnessed the Inauguration OF
a Democratic president in the United
States, followed by genuine tariff re-
duction without financial panic.
The death roll for the past year has
hit the financial world rather hard, In
GLIDING such notable figures as ]. p.
Morgan, Henry M. Flagler and James
r. Keene. The Roman Catholic
church also lost two OF It's most ven
cradle cardinals, Oreglia, dean OF the
sacred college, and Rampolla, once
secretary at the Vatican and who
would have been pope instead of Plus
x had not the emperor OF Austria vot-
ed against him.
In the United States political de-
velopments have been extremely in
teresting, but not startling. Every
thing seems to have gone the way Of
the Democrats. Democratic victories
we're won last November in New York
city, the state of New Jersey and
state of Massachusetts,. Congress has
passed the currency bill, and the bank
ing interests Of the country are ad-
justing themselves to it.
Dolnss In Mexico.
South of the Rio Grande develop
ments have been startling and rapid,
The year 1918 saw in Mexico the as
sassination of President Francisco Ma
dero, Vice-President Pine Suarez and
Gustavo Madero, brother Of the presl-
dent, the usurpation Of the presidency
by Gen. Victoriano Huerta, boosted
into that position by General Felix
Diaz. Then came the rupture between
Diaz and Huerta, with the practical
Punishment Of Diaz. Later in 1918
came the rise OF Venustiano Carranza,
leader of the constitutionalists in the
north of Mexico, with the result that
the powerful northern states OF Mex
leo are now under his control. Scarce
ly had Carranza become famous than
Francisco "Pancho" Villa, former ban
dit, with price on his head, leaped
into the limelight as a rebel leader
serving Carranza, and 1t is now ques-
toned whether Carranza or villa is
the stronger In the leadership OF the
constitutionallst forces.
In its relations with Mexico the
United States has stood firm. Early
in his administration President Wilson
announced his determination to with
hold recognition from the Huerta ad-
ministration, and although much
pressure has been brought to bear
the president has refused to change
his attitude. Efforts have been made
to induce Huerta to retire and allow a
fair and honest election, without re-
suit. Today the United States has q
heavy armed force at the border and
an impressive array of battleships OF
the coast.
Assasslnatlons Of the Year.
Barring Mexico's barbarous achieve
ments, there have been few assassina-
lions in countries generally recognized
as being civilized. George /, king of
Greece, was assaesinated by mad
anarchist in Salonika, March IS. In
Turkey the commander.in.chief of the
Ottoman forces in the Balkan wars,
Enver Bey, was slain on February II.
This was followed soon after by the
assassination OF Nazim Pasha, Turkish
premier. Turkey and Mexico appear
to have been contending with each
other for honors in the line of assas-
sination, with Mexico slightly in the
lead.
European affairs have gone along
rather as usual, barring a few extra
startling outbursts by suffraglsts in
England, such as the sensational sui
eide Of the young suffragette who
threw herself before the kings horse
in the derby and was killed. Politi-
cally England has been in a Juror,
which, however, is nothing out of the
ordinary. The year has seen the very
remarkable rebellion" OF Ulster, un-
der the direction Of Sir Edward Car.
son, and the organization of an army"
OF Ulstermen to resist enforcement of
the home rule bill should 1t pass par
lament.
England has also had It's share of
labor troubles. There have been large
strikes at home and In Ireland, not
ably the Dublin riots, led by Jim Lar
kin. All Of the European powers have
gone on as heretofore in the construc.
ton Of battleships, and the armed
camp" policies Of Germany, England,
France and Russia are stronger than
ever, possibly made so by the Balkan
wars.
In the Far East.
In the far east several things Of mo-
ment occurred in 1913, among them
the Chinese rebellion and establish.
ment of a republic, and In Japan the
death OF the Mikado and the success
sion Of his son and the anti.American
demonstrations and riots as result
OF the adoption of the anti.alien land
owning law in California.
In the realm of science and explora-
sleep a Universal Necessity.
The question where sleep begins is