Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-04-02
Responsibility of Citizenship.
SENSIBLE AND PATRIOTIC VIEWS.

SENSIBLE AND PATRIOTIC VIEWS.
s'On Friday night, March 21st DR.. Wal
ter B. Seattle lcctured before the John Hop
kins Historical Seminary in Baltimore on
s'The Responsibility of citizenship, when
he expressed the following sensible and
patriotic VIEWS
ga great deal is being said and written
as to the duty of the State toward the indi-
vidual, but we hear practically nothing as
to the duty of the individual toward the
State. The rich demand from the State
protection for themselves and their riches,
and do as little as possible in return there
for, while complaining at the shortcomings
of the authorities. The poor of necessity
can devote but little time or attention to
public affairs. Consequently the race of
politicians has grown up to curse the land
with ring-rule and bossism. This is the
natural product of the present conditions of
political life among us, and the only way to
remedy it is not by sitting down and COM
planning, but by educating public opinion to
demand something better; for thereis no lack
of men of great ability in this country, but
but they keep out of politics because the pub
| lie show no desire to have such to govern
them. A most valuable aid toward educat-
l
dividaul Just where he stands in reference to
the State. We have already heard too much
as to the rights of nGaD; it is high time that
men are taught that they have duties as
well. Accordingly it should be impressed
on every man, women and child of the coun-
| try that there can exist no rights without
their corresponding obligations. Let this
be the keynote of education for young and
| Old-in the school, the home and at the
polls. Citizenship has been undervalued,
and that largely by almost forcing it on the
strangers that come to our shores. By all
means make all welcome that wish to en-
brace the opportunities offered by this broad
land and virgin soil, who desire to cast III
their lot here, and do their duty toward the
country that receives them, but teach them
that it is privilege and not right to come
here, and that in return for that privilege
they have solemn obligations to perform.
If then we desire an improvement in our
governmental methods We must look to 1t
that the public be brought to an understand
ing of the conditions precedent to such
betterment. For this work the press and
institutions Of learning occupy the most inn
portant places, The press but too often
follows instead of leading public opinion.
and the higher Institutions Of learning
should think more of training citizens than
merely graduating educated gentlemen.
What is needed is that public virtue, that
innate love of country which is ready not
only on great occasions, but every day and
under all conditions to devote time, money,
bodily and mental energies to the public
welfare. Let public spirit be the watch
, word of the land, and the American people
could in time occupy the foremost rank in
the world as regards pure government, re-
. fiuement ofmanners, profundity of learning
and beauty of it's fine art productions, as it
inevitably will in material riches. Will
they lei the opportunity pass unheeded and
sacrifice such magnificent possibilities to
Mammon? Only the future can answer this
question, and we fondly hope that answer
will be in the negative"