The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1914-12-28
1910.

nineteen hundred and fourteen is
almost ended. 1t has marked ups
and downs throughout the land. From
the Viewpoint of peace, the nation Isl
satisfied. especially when it recalls
the horrors of war abroad. Only In
one particular in this respect has
there been semblance of short-com-
ing, that OF the loss OF American life
in connection with the Mexican
troubles. A number OF American
lives were lost at Vera Cruz and the
flag remains unsaluted. Many lives
along the border have also been lost,
iand although recent measures have
been taken looking toward an end to
that kind OF thing, the American
country along the border can not
! forget. These are the only black
spots on our dove OF peace. Even in
this the nation finds nolace in the fact
i that the boys who sacrificed their
lives at Vera Cruz were eager to de-
fend their flag and country and did
not die in vain, Notwithstanding
their sacrifice did not accomplish the
purpose of their mission. There is
consolation also in the fact the gov
eminent aroused itself finally to the
perilous situation along the border
and has taken steps to protect Amer
lean life there.
The year has been one of extra
ordinary struggle in many quarters
to make ends meet and keep above
water. II marked business depres-
sion as result of inactive industrial
operations, and while commerce kept
going, 1t was most difficult in most
instances. Banks and bankers, for
instance, worked as never before to
maintain and advance the financial
Interests and aspects Of business. AS
might truly be expressed, they have
had tough year of 1t but by knucls-
ling down to hard work and keeping
constantly at it they have made
good and have come out we'll. despite
the unfavorable conditions that con-
fronted them.
The national finances and policies
were such that the low ebb made 1t
necessary, the national administra-
tfon claimed, to impose special reve-
nue. taxes on the people-war taxes
as it were in time of peace the first
ever known in this country. 1t is
| true that the European war waS
used as subterfuge by the national
administration in resorting to war
taxes. but the financial records OF the
country previous to the outbreak of
European war established beyond
successful contradiction that depres-
sion existed all over the country be-
fore the outbreak Of the war and
that the Democratic tariff had played
havoc with the revenues of the ma
/ ton.
The end of the year is marking
change for the better as there is
! factory resumption at many places
and money conditions are some BET
ter. There has been no special thins
done by the administrator to bring
this about Rather Overwhelming
disapproval OF the administration and
its policies as expressed at the No
vember election holds out the hope
that the administration has been
whipped into safer and saner view
of the principles Of government and
will act more temporarily the ensu-
ing two years, at the end of which
there will come full and complete
restoration Of national prosperity as
a result OF Republican triumph sc
we'll assured new.
While the nation has had peace. il
has had depression. While 1t has
suffered from its national policies. ii
has struggled heroically and its peo'
pie have been able to get alons
somehow. All. in all we have no,
been as happy and prosperous as we
could have been. under other policie:
and conditions. but the greatness o.
our grerJness has kept us going. anC
let us all hope that year of peact
and plenty is in store.