THe True Spirit of our national holiday was ap- 
parent along our shore during the patriotic week-end that 
began on Saturday, the third, and continued through Mon- 
day, the fifth. On Sunday afternoon the veterans of the 
Civil War who live in Manchester, Beverly Farms and 
Beverly united in celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of 
the peace that came after Appomatox. Colonel Charles 
Lawrence Peirson of Pride’s in a short and powerful 
speech at that service made a true and forceful statement 
when he said: “Fifty years of Peace? And what of it? 
Four years of war! Which period now seems the longer 
to those who'can remember both? Time in its gentler 
moods moves so much more rapidly than in the harsher 
ones that the distinction is nearly lost. The lessons the 
Civil War taught have helped the nation during the years 
of peace which have followed. It taught the world that 
our flag and our nationality must be respected. It showed 
the necessity of discipline and of preparation, and that 
deeds rank words in emergencies. It teaches that peace 
conferences must have the musket behind them. It leads 
us to pray not simply for peace in the present world con- 
flict, but that the right may prevail and peace follow. In 
warfare, as in everything else, there is a decent and brutal 
side. To fight until the last armed foe expires or sur- 
renders is proper, but do not commit murder by attacking 
unarmed people, and call it war. The Civil War was the 
result of a difference which could not be settled by any 
milder course. Free labor and slave labor could no 
longer exist in the same nation, and slavery came ‘to its 
end as one of the results of war. Our sheltered lives for 
fifty years is another of its results. Call war what you 
please, use General Sherman’s epithet if you will, but hold 
it as our last means of defence, and respect it as such. 
Establish a thorough preparedness for it in materials and 
in men trained to their use, and trust the result to a 
Higher Power.’ In this strong speech Colonel Peirson 
recognizes the havoc and horrors of war and its undesir- 
ableness. He unites the gentle and beautiful spirit of 
kindness and peace with the stern and determined force 
of character that right shall not be sacrificed for comfort 
and principle for policy and expediency. Peace, indeed, 
is desirable, but not at the expense of righteousness ; hence 
says the Colonel: “It leads us to pray not simply for 
peace in the present world struggle, but that the right may 
prevail and peace follow. All believe in the doctrine of 
peace, but the nation that will have peace must be pre- 
pared to defend and assert its views. Peace con- 
ferences to be effective must have the musket behind 
them.” It is more than evident that America must in the 
future be more careful of its naval and military prepared- 
ness. Colonel Peirson unites in his speech the sound 
principles of peace and the same doctrine of efficient pre- 
paredness. America has been too complacent in the past. 
It is high time to awake! 
Ir Was A Novet ScHeme that a local church evolved 
to entertain the Italians of the community with an 
Americanization service the night before the Fourth. 
To Earn One’s Livinc is not a high aim; to make 
a life is a goal worthy of anyone. 
To THE Orprnary CrT1zEN who is accustomed to 
settle his difference with his fellow citizens with de- 
spatch the long period of time that has elapsed since 
the first message was sent to Germany and particularly 
since the last message was sent seem unnecessary. 
Germany ought to answer up quick and sharp. Every 
day that goes by minimizes the probability of a nega- 
tive answer from Germany. It is a matter of fact 
rather than words that Germany has practically an- 
swered the claims made by us. Not a ship has been 
attacked that has been opened to criticism. Until the 
full details came the Armenian incident was discon- 
certing, but the facts have proven that the American 
men aboard were in the employ of the management 
and that the cargo was contraband. America does not 
wish war with Germany, but it will not shrink from 
any of the responsibilities of its honor. 
ADMIRAL VON TRuPPEL of Germany has diagnosed 
the sentiment in America quite accurately when he 
says, “it is undeniable in spite of President Wilson’s 
unquestionable desire to reach a peaceful solution of 
the problem that the sympathies of the majority of 
Americans are on the side of England and that only 
a spark might be necessary under certain conditions 
to kindle this feeling into a hostile outbreak.” German 
thinkers are weighing the situation. It is unlikely that - 
they will affront America in the reply. 
Tue Arrivar of the Anglo-Californian in Queens- 
town Monday after four hours’ flight from a submarine 
adds another thrilling story to the annals of the four. 
With nine dead on her decks, the captain kept the 
bridge until he, too, was shot, and then his son took 
command. By cool seamanship the captain and his 
son were able to thwart the determination of the sub- 
marine. It is a striking story of bravery, fortitude, and 
heroism. 
Tur FortAGE AND VEGETATION of the shore have 
been luxuriant all through the spring. The rains of the 
week have thoroughly drenched the soil. There are pros- 
pects for some weeks of the gardens doing well if they 
only have sun. The season is about a week behind, and 
the rains have not helped the anxious gardeners. 
Tue Sprrit oF PHrLANTHROPY counts more than de- 
sultory giving. A gift given with a spirit involves pur- 
pose, and a purpose, once conceived, is executed if it takes 
years. Small gifts given frequently by many is doing the 
philanthropic work of the generation. 
A CHeerFrut MAN is a delight to all who know him, 
but a grouch is an abomination of desolations. His room 
is more desirable than his departing spirit. 
Azsout How Mucr would that rain be worth in dol- 
lars despite the damages done and holiday plans upset? 
A Grorrous Fourrs and a rainy Fifth. 
