Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-11-11
ARMIsTicE DAY


Armistics Day IL here again Us
ssventh advent: It demands atten-
ton and will not be denied. Is there
snv contrast between the spirit In
which Il Is received and that which
prevailed on Nov. II. 1918? And II
so "a n favorable or unfavorable?
We then said: Never again." Now
We are not so sure about 1t. Now
We hope there may not be another
war. but we are not encouraged 10
believe that war will cease because
man has been converted by the aw-
full ordeal OF the greatest struggle IN
all recorded history OF mankind. the
casual observer probably would con-
slider the display throughout the
world OF avarice. OF ambition. OF con-
,empt for the rights of others fully
az depressing as It was prior to the
war.
How disappointingly slow seems
public comprehension! One Is re-
minded that the Golden Rule has
been revealed to man for more than
eighteen centuries and today there
are few who have the hardwood even
10 profess that they follow 1t In all
their affairs with their fellow men.
But. though neighbors OF COM
munity may be even less neighborly
Mt heart than were their forbears
who asserted their rights by their
war like strength. we have come to an
adjustment OF relations such that 1t
IL not considered either proper or
wise so to assert ourselves: we do
not depend upon our muscular de-
velopment but upon the arm of the
law to do that for us. We have rea-
son to be impatient with Its negh-
gence, we do not assume that 1t Is
always Just. that perfect equity OBJ
tains between man and man: we oc-
casionally have outbursts OF disap-
prevail by way OF the invisible gov
eminent. yet we do not seriously ex-
pect TO revert to the maintenance OF
our rights by our strong right arm.
We vet look to the police. the officers
Of the law for that. Indeed. instead
OF this procedure being regarded ms
cowardly and contemplate 1t is look
cd upon Ms the civilized. humanized
procedure. and those who do not
abide by It as worthy OF odium. a
10, conditions 6
they once existed. and there are some
who hope the scope OF this change
may be widened to include the civil
lized world.
Is It an iridescent dream? Are We
not all neighbors? On the waters.
under the waters and in the sky
above web OF communication is
being woven ever drawing all lands
into closer relationship. ever making
more sure the humiliation OF man
once general war be let loose. And
LEI US recall that the last war was a
world war: that NIL peoples In some
degree were directly or indirectly
connected with IL, that customs, bar
riers and superstitions separating
the peoples of the earth connected
with It. yielded in noticeable de-
gree to better understanding. Much
may be done to encourage this, to
emphasize the interdependence es-
sential to the preservation of civiliz-
alton. Does the individual necessari-
ly lose precious individuality because
of leaving to the police and the
courts settlement Of difficulties with
others? On the contrary II affords
him opportunity to develop an indi-
Vidualty more gracious and helpful.
The influences serving for better
world understanding are many.
Among them are those Of the church.
the school. the counting room. the
bank, In short all that depends upon
stabilized peace for its best achieve
ment. And among these agencies
radiating influence there Is one
which especially on this Armistice
Day should not be overlooked. the
American Legion. It is a power for
better understanding. for a pacifism
which may be made practical and
which right now is endeavoring to
cooperate with the war veterans Of
other lands looking to the prevention
Of war. Their methods commend
themselves and should be productive
Of mutual advantage. Out Of their
experience. out Of their sufferings
members Of the Legion are not likely
t. b duped by idle dreams and i'm.
practicabls visions. To help them IL
- help toward the stabilizins Of