Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-15

that are threatened by the controversy are
so imminent and serious that we are will
ING to forego any partisan advantage that
might be gained, in order to insure the
complete preservation Of one of the most
vital princisles of popular government.
Mr.. Blaine, in his letter setting forth this
proposition, does not claim any originality
of purpose, but is at pains to point out that
it but supplements and realizes the lnten-
ton of Madison and jefferson, who pro-
cured in 1899 the first amendment to the
Constitution of the United States, which
declares that Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment ofreligion
nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
At the time this amendment was proposed
and adopted, the only danger OF succ an
attempt was apprehended from Congress,
and hence no effort was made to extend
the operation of the amendment to indi-
yidual States. But the tenth amendment,
which reserves for the States respectively
all powers not delegated to the United
States by the Constitution. permits each
State now to set up an established religion
or to restrict the privileges of citizens on
account of religious belief. or to divert
public moneys to sectarian purposes.
The latter has been done over and over
again in New York State under the thin
disguise of endowments, and there have
been formidable movements in several
States, notably New York and Ohio, to
divide the State funds set apart for school
purposes. so that the Catholic Church
might avail itself of portion of them in
order to teach Romanism. Some of the
States have partially protected themselves
against this sectarian danger by making
religious freedom a part of their organic
law, but they are subject to such partisan
movements as may lead to changes in
their Constitutions.
Religious strife introduced into politics
is an element which a popular form OF
government cannot sustain without great
damage thereto. 1t is the duty OF every
good citizen to contribute to any move
ment that may render it impossible. It's
more likely to be born of the public school
controversy than any other, and it is well
therefore that the public schools should be
singled out in any constitutional amend
ment that may be suggested. The form
and substance of Mr.. Blaine's proposition
seem to be comprehensive and satisfacto-
nv. Its terms do not require the State to
modify their public school systems. nor
make them conform to any stated model /;
it simply forbids the introduction OF Sec
tartan controversy of every nature by pro-
viding that no part of the public funds for
school purposes shall be used for sectarian
purposes or divided among religious sects.
The issue is now before the country.
There is no question about that. 1t is bet
ter that it shonld not be party issue, and
the democratic Congress can keep it out
of politics by adopting and acting upon
the suggestion which Mr.. Blaine has made.
If the democratic Congress, with the full
nature of the controversy confronting it,
fails to show sufficient patriotism to pro-
pose an amendment making final dispo-
sition of the danger, then the republican
party will no longer hesitate to add this
to the other boons it has conferred upon
the American people. and it will be con-
spicuous issue of the Presidential cam
paign of next year.
POLITICAL.