Panama 
Canal ought not to blind the American people to the re- 
sponsibilities which this republic owes to the people of 
Tur APPROACHING COMPLETION of the 
Columbia. That spicy little republic has not forgiven 
the strategic Roosevelt and “his” republic. Columbia suf- 
fered a great monetary loss, the Isthmus and the income, 
amounting to a quarter of a million dollars each year from 
the Panama railroad. There is no doubt that the Isthmus 
is more effectively owned by the United States.and that 
its possession is indispensible to the country. Without 
such possession the construction of the canal would be 
impossible. But that does not relieve our republic of its 
just obligation to Columbia. The caustie criticism which 
is being hurled at us throughout the Latin states of the 
South America is not gratifying to American travelers, 
salesmen and investors. The surrender of the Canal Zone 
is unthinkable, but a reasonable indemnity to Columbia 
is not only just, but would be a diplomatic action, worthy 
of the ideals of America. ‘The people of Columbia are 
judging us by the Roosevelt cold-blooded assertion, “I 
took the Isthmus.” America “took” Mexica. Amercia 
“took” the Canal Zone. Nations as well as individuals 
have honorable positions to maintain. We may w ell ex- 
amine the beam in our own eye before we thrust out the 
mote in our neighboring nation’s eye. The laws of 
ethics do not exempt nations! 
Russra Has Taken Drastic Action, forbidding the 
Baptists of the empire the right to worship. Residents 
of the North Shore will recall the visit three years ago 
of Baron Uxskull as a guest of the Misses Colby at Bev- 
erly Farms. The Baron in public addresses complained 
of the uncompromising tyranny of the government. The 
quarrel of the government seems petty to Americans, 
but it cannot be wondered at. ‘The success of Baptist 
propaganda would mean the dissolution of the established 
church and greater liberty of thought and action. The 
fundamental “proposition upon which the American repub- 
lic is established is the tenet of the Baptist body in Rus- 
sia that is opposed, that is, the independence of the church 
and state and the right of every individual to worship 
according to the dictates of his own conscience. Russia 
has lost ground in this persecution. America has proven 
that a government, controlled and governed independent 
of ecclesiastical authority is possible and is the only true 
basis of government. 
Tue Srruation tn Mexico is still embarrassing, but 
another week will clear the air and in the interests of 
neace. What an opportunity the “jingos” have had dur- 
ing the last year! But the cautious, peaceful attitude of 
our country to the republic to the south indicates beyond 
the shadow of a doubt that progress is being ade by 
the great peace party. We do not want war and it can 
be avoided and will be. The strange, perhaps erratic ac- 
tivities of our consul, have been disvleasing and have 
added to the burden of our state department. 
Tuy Express CoMpANIEs are not making progress 
rapidly. ‘The “melons” that have been cut have made 
the public jealous of their contributions to the monopoly. 
California has been making the Wells-Fargo Company 
trouble. The railroad commission after a careful investi- 
gation of the financial owning and earnings of the com- 
pany discovered that it had earned in a vear 136 per cent. 
on its invested capital. $842,097 had earned $613,233. 
The commission declared the company was a parasite on 
the railroads and ordered a reduction that will mean a 
loss of $75,000 in revenue to the company and a corres- 
ponding gain for the public per year. The importance 
of this order is small in its real significance compared 
with the suggested hint that the railroad may well con- 
sider the express carriage as a possible means of increas- 
ing its earnings. It is evident that at last the business 
men of the country are to be freed. The parcel post 
system and his decision of the California Commission are 
certain to usher in better days. 
30y Lire 1s A Stupy. To understand all of the 
ambitions and the spirit of fun that can permeate a 
group of lads it is necessary to play and to live with 
them. Boys grow by social contact with one another. For 
this reason boys who have met the hard struggles for po- 
sition in boydom in the public school are prepared for 
work in life more fully than the lads that have been- 
fondled, restrained and humored by over interested par- 
ents. Near relatives, like grandfathers and aunts are 
apt to be the worst offenders. The country boy does not 
begin to realize the joys of ife that are his and that are 
denied the city lad. The Manchester bovs who are to 
avail themselves of the camping expedition are to be 
envied. They will have two weeks of wholesome fun 
under efficient directions. Too much cannot be done for 
the younger life of a place. Life comes with its tasks 
soon enough. Let the sun shine on a young world! 
Tur ANNUAL APPEAL of the Beverly hospital should 
receive the careful attention of individuals having avail- 
able money for philanthropic work. ‘The institution is 
a model of its type and is being managed carefully and 
economically. It has served admirably the interests of 
the North Shore from the Salem line to Gloucester and 
from the sea shore line through Wenham, Essex and 
Hamilton. ‘Their needs are modest compared with the 
successful work they are doing and the necessary money 
to meet current expenses should be fortheoming. It 
would be hard to go back to the old days without that in- 
stitution. 
Now 1s ANysopy’s CHANCE to run for Governor. 
What a chance for “Teddy!” 
SToLEN GkEMs make rich hauls for thieves and de- 
tectives. 
