"Socialism Coming."

Monday, the twenty-sixth instant, was the seventy-third birthday of the venerable ex-Senator Palmer. Thomas W. Palmer has always been a man of good feeling and optimistic in his views. To friends who called upon him on his birthday he expressed his confidence in the future of our country. He declared that SOCIALISM IS COMING, but stated just as positively that it had no terror for him. He predicted public ownership of mines and public utilities. He believes the duty of the government to act and act promptly for the relief of the people in the emergency upon us now and said that he has confidence that society is equal to the emergency. He does not think that the American people will long endure grievous evils, but will take matters in their own hands and correct abuses. In this he is no doubt correct and yet the progress, to many, seems very slow. This is possibly true because of the grinding poverty under which so many are forced to live. Of course it is much easier for one in the ex-senator's condition in life to take an optimistic view than for one who has few of the good things of life and finds it difficult to keep soul and body together. One's condition may and often does change his entire view of life. He is a strong citizen and a brave one who faces grinding poverty with the same spirit that would pervade him in circumstances in which every legitimate want and desire are properly gratified.

It is probably true that the average of living is higher in our country today than ever before, and yet some of the greatest evils beset us which we as a people have ever had to meet. But every genuine American believes the American people will eventually solve them and in the interest of right and justice. Our people are pretty patient under provocation, but when they are once thoroughly aroused they are pretty apt to have their own way. They can correct the gigantic evils which threaten, and they will—sooner or later.

Indications now are that the Venezuelan blockade will soon be raised, due to the efforts of the United States government and the efforts of Minister Bowen, who represents the Venezuelan government. It is even thought that it will be possible to straighten out the troublesome situation without taking it to the Hague tribunal at all. If this be possible, much time will be saved and probably the result will be just as satisfactory. If Venezuela learns a lesson from the affair, it will not have occurred entirely in vain. Possibly England has a lesson to learn also with reference to hard and binding alliances with Germany. And possibly Germany may learn that the Monroe Doctrine is a living, vital principle still. From the present outlook there are two Americans destined to come out of the affair with their credit greatly enhanced, Secretary of State John Hay and Minister Bowen.