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Show The War and Changes It is the common belief that the war will work some pronounced pro-nounced changes in .Europe. The topic is so large and sc tempting it is leading to extravagances. There are prophets-A prophets-A ho see all the thrones over there disappear in the next quarter quart-er century. The appalling character of the present struggle will nerve and inspire the people to take their affairs directly into their own hands. Napoleon's famous prediction, often quoted, missed. Europe, he thought, would he Cossack or republican in fifty years. At the end of a hundred years it is neither. Among the great powers France alone is republican, after a fashion lot even Kussia is Cossack, as Napoleon understood and used the word. A duma bears no relationship to Cossackism; and Kussia has a duina, though of a none too substantial kind, and with its powers very limited as compared with those of assemblies as-semblies in neighboring countries. But we have something to consider at home here. The war, though we are not in it, is working some changes on this side. "Waves of the European convulsion rolling in on us are leading to measures and suggestions new in our affairs. Our people-are people-are looking to the national government for assistance nevei asked before, and which public sentiment, regardless of past differences over governmental questions, is responding, and the people are approving. Much more may be necessary, and if it is it will be granted. Apparently, there is no contention anywhere today that the best government is that which governs least. The demand now is for much and very intimate government, and as strong lis possible. It is the day of big things and grim necessities, and all sections of the country are trying to catch the eye of Uncle Sam. The west, with no record as to state rights, wants its cereals looked after, while the south, for years the stronghold strong-hold of state rights, Avants its cotton protected. And from everywhere come to the national government complaints about the rising cost of living, and urgent requests for relief. Our great war between the sections made us truly a nation, with power which our rapid development has steadily increased. increas-ed. "We are doing tilings not contemplated by the fathers, because they were not within the vision of the fathers. "We are doing things not contemplated by the men of half a century ago, and for the same reason. In other words, we have been meeting emerginces as they have arisen, and we shall continue to do so. All that is necessary for the preservation and prosperity pros-perity of the Union is possible under the great charter liberally interpreted. |