THE DYING YEAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5474, 31 December 1904, Page 4

THE DYING YEAR.

The close of a year is tho time when people love to indulge in retrospect and, prospect; and what units in the community do 'individually it is the wont of tho press to do in a collective or representative capacity with regard to public events. In accordance with custom we present in another part of tho present issue a review of the world’s history for 1904. Tiie year which closes to-day has boon chiefly notable for tho tremendous conflict between Russia and Japan and for events arising out of it. Tho war itself has given to humanity tho spectacle of one of tho most Titanic struggles of modem times. It is epochal on account of tho great slaughter that has. taken place, as well'as because of the magnitude of the issues involved; but its chief significance lies in the demonstration it has afforded of tho warlike possibilities of an Asiatic race, trained in modem methods and equipped with the most improved engines of'destruction. Apart from tho proof of the power of tho Japanese to assimilate European ideas and tactics, it has shown that tho soldiers of tho Mikado are capable of deeds of the most desperate valour, and are inspired by a fervid patriotism unsurpassed in tho world's history. Tho Russians have been well led, their positions have been strong and admirably chosen, and tho men have fought with a courage worthy of their national traditions ; but whether in the naval encounters in tho Yalu Sea, in the operations at Port Arthur, or in tho heavy field fighting in Manchuria, the Japanese have proved themselves more than a match for the mighty forces of the Czar. Arising directly out of the war, there has been a strong movement for internal reforms in Russia—a subject which is dealt with in the preceding article. Tho extraordinary Dogger Bank incident, and tho excited feeling aroused by tho action of Russian vessels in seizing or destroying merchant ships of neutral Powers on tho high seas, are also matters of importance arising out of tho war. The outrage committed by the Baltic fleet has demonstrated the value of Tho Hague Convention as a device for averting hostilities, while the result of tho depredations of the Russian volunteer fleet will doubtless bo that a clearer definition will be arrived at as to the rights of neutral shipping. Of other warlike events of the year, the chief are th© British expedition to Thibet and tho campaign of Germany against the Heroros in South Africa. Among the peaceful iocourrenoes of the year the most important has been tho fiscal* agitation, so vigorously conducted by Air Joseph Chamberlain, with tho sotting up of a Tariff Commission to inquire into the causes of tho decline of British trade, Tho issue is still an open one; and though the byelections at Home have apparently shown tho people to be adverse to fiscal change, tho marked industrial depression now being experienced, w-ith tens of thousands of people brought to’tho verge of starvation through lack of employment, may turn th© tide in Mr Chamberlain’s favour. Tho year has seen tho introduction of large bodies of Chinese labourers into the Transvaal—a policy that is at variance with the underlying principle of the preferential trade movement, which aims at protecting British industry and commerce against the unfair competition of aliens. In America tho most prominent event of tho year was the Presidential election, which resulted in the return of Air Roosevelt by a large majority; and in France the outstanding occur fence has been the breach between Church and State, resulting in tho abrogation of the Concordat. Of deaths and disasters there is the usual lengthy record. The United States of America supplied two sensational holocausts by fire —the first tho burning of the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago, and the other tho disaster to the excursion steamer General Slocum. The death-roll of distinguished people is a long one. Perhaps tne most outstanding name is that of Paul Kruger, ex-Pwsident of the Transvaal, who “staggered humanity’' five years ago by audaciously challenging the British power in South Africa. In our own “fifth quarter” of the globe, the year 1904 has been chiefly remarkable for a condition of steady prosperity and an absence of any untoward or disconcerting events. True, there has been * good deal of political unrest in Australia, with frequent changes of Ministries ; and in the state of political parties a condition of settled quiet still seems a long way off; but there is no reason to anticipate other than a happy outcome of tho situation, with a smoother working of the federal machinery. The “Fortunate Isles” of Now Zealand have been more than ordinarily blest during 1904. Political peace, favourable seasons, and brisk trade have prevailed, and the year has been one of great progress and prosperity. Electrical tramways have been, opened or are in course of installation in the four principal cities, and a splendid now Town Hall has been opened in Wellington. Turning from a retrospect which i* not altogether an unpleasant one, wo find ©very reason for hope and encouragement in the prospect now opening for 1905. It may bo hoped that, before another year closes, we shall find peace restored in the Far East and the nation; now at war turning their energies to tho w-ork of internal development and improvement. We also trust to see hannier conditions in Britain, with industry and trade on a mope satisfactory basis, and the various parts of the Empire mere closely bound together. There is every reason to anticipate for New Zealand a continuance of the good times that have -smiled upon her for a decade. It,is therefore in no empty phrase, nor is it without solid ground for expecting a realisation of our hopes, that we wish to one and all “A Happy New Tear.”