To my surprise they came to me in groups commending me more than the boys had done. I give this incident for two reasons. First, I wish my readers to know that I do not belong to that class of good and brave men who have never been arrested. This does not mean that I advocate breaking the law, I simply mean that I believe in observing the law if one has to break it in order to obey it. Second, I wish to encourage American Youth to resent, when necessary, insults with their fists.
Physical force is, under certain circumstances, quite as valuable as moral force.
In other words, it is sometimes necessary to use physical force in order to exert moral force. Yes, if necessary, use your fists in concretely expressing your love for your country and your country's flag. Like the Irishmen, I am for peace if I have to fight for it. Owego and Oswego are frequently confused. The Owego Academy was in Owego, Tioga County and was verified by the references to Senator Platt and Pastor J. C. Beecher.