New-York tribune., 1921-01-23

two volumes.
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ality is admirably expressed
in this collection of his writings
as editor of The Brooklyn Eagle
during the years 1846-'47. There is
something very tonic and exhilarating
about his passionate faith in America
as the exponent of democracy, his
fierce indignation at cruelty and in
justice, his indomitable optimism. He
Is always tremendously in earnest; in
the two volumes there are scarcely
half dozen pieces that suggest stale
ness or lack of conviction.
Americanism is religion to Whit
man. He is always sounding his coun-
try's praises, proclaiming it the great
est land in the world, denouncing the
servile copyists Of European ideas and
customs. But his patriotism is no
mere facile and complacent acceptance
Of things as they are. He vigorously
denounces abuses wherever he sees
them. America to him is synonym Gus
with democracy. And American democ-
ho Jnr o%or L.,
tain definite things: no aristocracy, no
snobbery, no arrogant rich and cring-
ing poor, but a great community of
freemen, all working together in equal
ity and brotherhood. He believes that
the American people possess the true
genius for freedom.
There is" he writes, "a mighty and
restless energy throughout the length
and breadth Of this nation, for going
onward to the very verge with our ex-
pertinent Of popular freedom"
Approved Mexican War
Many of Whitman's radical admirers
will doubtless be grievously surprised
to learn that he heartily supported the
Mexican War and the annexation OF
territory which followed it, His con-
ception of democracy certainly did not
exclude imperialism. He felt that it
was Americas mission to open up, by
conquest if necessary, the vast south
western tracts for the hordes of pio-
neers who were always eager to take
advantage Of fresh supply of un-
settled land. Speaking of the pro-
spective annexation, he observes:
"For our part, we look upon that in
crease of territory and power not as
the doubtcr looks, but with the faith
which the Christian has in Gods mys
terry"
His justification of the seizure is sci
forth in another editorial:
"Nor is it the much condemned lus.
Of power and territory that makes the
popular heart respond to the idea Of
these new acquisitions. Such greedi-
ness might very properly be the motive
of widening less liberal form of gov
ernment, but such greediness is not
ours. We want to see our country and
it's rule farreaching, only inasmuch as
will take off the shackles that pre-
vent men the even chance of being
happy and good--as most government
are now so constituted that the tend
ency is very much the other way. We
have no ambition for the mere physical
grandeur of this Republic. Such gran
deur is idle and deceptive enough. Or
at least it is only desirable as an aid
to reach the truer good, the good of the
whole body of the people"
Whatever may be thought of the
validity of Whitman's belief in force
as legitimate means of extending the
scope of a desirable form of govern
nent, its honesty cannot be questioned.
He felt that the new territories must
be consecrated to free institutions, Or
they would be worse than valueles-.
So he fought with all his power against
the introduction of slavery into the
new territories. In fact, he lost MS
position on account Of his sharp diff