The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1914-12-31
a WONDERFUL YEAR

Goodbye. 1914. What a lot of
history you have made! How many
thousands of pages will be writ
ten OF your events in future
years! What vast influence up
on the destines of the human race
the vanduishing year must bear!
History will record the year
1914 as one of the most mOment-
GUS and critical of the Christian
era. And of its many important
aspects. the European war. Of
course will hold first place. 1t is
Tar too early to venture even the
hazlest kind of guess as to r,e
outcome of that Titanic struggle
but that it will change the map
Europe. topDle thrones and an
crown rulers is inevitable. What
the effects upon the common peo-
pie of Europe will he is problema-
tical. That those left after the war
has run its course will suffer ter
ribly is certain. That they will
rise out of their misery in the
strength of righteous indignation
and put an end to the system of
militarism that has plunged them
into woe, may be hoped. That the
characterization of Europe may
arise from the ashes of its devas-
list.
On this side of the Atlantic the
year has been only less striking in
its historical features. but peace
instead OF war has been the key
note. with the exception of Mexi-
cos lncessant turmoil. That the
United States. through the wise
and patient guidance of President
Wilson. has kept us out of en-
prominent with the Mexican fac
tions is one of the achievements
OF the year that is noteworthy if
not spectacular. That. in the old
world struggle. every nation in
volved cherishes and desires TO
maintain the friendship of the
United States. is tribute to our
Importance as world factor and
our neutrality as nation. The
year to come may find us the a.
gency through which the peace of
Europe shall be attained.
Our generous response to Bel
GUMS necessities has made us
the idol and saviour of that bleed
ing country. Without our succOr.
already rendered and to come. the
Belgium people would become but
a memory. The entire nation fac.
ed starvation. We are saving them
from that fate. and we alone can
do that. What military achieve
ment could ever approach the
glory of such service to human
ity?
The domestic affairs of our
country have been marked with
the stamp of progress and
achievement. Suffering with all
the rest of the world from an era
of business stagnation. enhanced
by the war. we have nevertheless
been blessed with abundance. The
prospects for the future are
bright. No previous year in his
tory has witnessed the accom-
plishment of so much in sane.
needed legislation. The tariff and
currency reform measures are the
chief artificial instruments to the
restoration of prosperity BY them
business freedom has been won.
They have been supplemented INV
other important LEGISLATION. whose
benificient character will be real
lied as commerce and industry
revive. They are all monuments to
the faith kept with the people by
the Wilson administration.
In it's immediate fruits. 1914
has been both a GOOD and bad
year for humanity. Whether. in
the ultimate reckoning. good or
bad. 1914 was unuuestionably a
most remarkable year in human
history. Mav it's record in all
things that are good for the bod
les and souls of men be ecliDsed
by that of the year that began to-