The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 532, 23 December 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1899.

It may safely be written that no living British jouaualist has ever been called upon to offer Christmas greetings to his fellow countrymen, under more depressing circumstances than has fallen to the lot of those on whom devolves the duty in this year of our Lord 1599. Disaster has overtaken our arms in South Africa. There is mourning in many a homo at the loss of husband, father, or brother, who has fallen gallantly fighting the battles of his country, The nation mourns with these bereaved ones, and it mourns for itself, for the reason that this sacrifice of her sons has not resulted in victory. It is in times of sorrow that the truths of Christianity are brought most forcibly homo, and it is probable that the dark cloud, which hangs over the Empire, will cause more serious thought as to the significance of the feast wo are about to celebrate, than is usually the case. It is impossible not to believe that the cause, in which we are fighting is a righteous one. It is the destiny of the British nation to spread good and just Government over a large portion of the earth's surface. Wherever her flag floats equal justice is meted out to all. All are allowed to worship Clod as their consciences dictate, the greatest privilege which can bo conferred upon humanity. These being the principles which guide the nation, the religion, the birth of which we are about to celebrate, justifies the hope that the tide of victory will turn and the success to which the British nation is accustomed attend their efforts to establish a stable and just government in South Africa. Happily the Creator has endowed the British people with great courage. Defeat at the offset of a war only makes them more determined to win, no matter what sacrifice may be entailed. h\ spite of adverse circumstances, we trust that our readers during the festival will be able to forget for the time the circumstances which render the wish of " A Happy Christmas " somewhat of a formality.