The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-10-12
OF COLUMBUS.
Greet Event to Be Commemor-
ated by Many Noteworthy
0bseryances.
Sermon on the Columbian Ex-
position and Pan American
Congress.

) Message Rung Ont by the ronxe Bell
In the steepis OF Indcpend-
ence Hall.
Rev. Frederick 4. Webb, rector Of st.
ter's Episcopal church, took as his text
kterday morning: proclaim liberty
oughout all the land" I.eviticus,
rio. A year from this date, the 18th Of
tober, will be the 40Oth anniversary Of tho
hitting Of this new land by Columbus and
crew on their memorable voyage OF dis
Iery. The great event ID to be comment
tied by many noteworthy o~bservances.
>st prominent among these is the Colum-
a exposition Of 1898. Next to this ia the
opposed Pan-American congress, which
ban to take the shape of a definite move
mt on Centennial day april 3O), 1889.
wing been in the hands Of a committee
200 representative citizens OF the United
ties, a report ID now presented in which
name, object and general scope of the
ngress are formulated. Stated broadly,
aim Of the congress II to deal with
Dstions which relate to the interests OF
ZEE institutions and the best means Of
pmoting the same among the nations"
pursuance Of their plan a request is
course on this Sunday bearing upon the
niversary 0 pending and upon the end
ich the congress hopes to attain. In
sVer to this request ] undertake this
Irning to touch upon the interest
theme suggested. 1t must be
satisfaction to ri all that
th a project has been attempted. Among
subjects to be discussed will be those
ich tend to promote the principle Of
Etual advantage among the nations IN
lde and commerce." But questions that
ncern seem to be given a very
coordinate place in tho long list Of topics
be discussed. In the enumeration of tho
biects to be dealt with, constitutional
administrative reform comes first.
light and Justice" not simply as abb
actions. but as embodied in existing in
buttons, or as left out OF the policy
ich any government is maintaining to-
rds its subjects; how nations may under
nd each other better and the rule of intel
ence and morality supplant that Of mill
y coercion and arbitration take the place
the "barbarous code Of war; whatever
a word is apt to promote a cordial and
selfish interest of the civilized nations
each others welfare, and add to the
alth, comfort and protection of human
b: these are the lines which the discus
ms of the congress are designated to fol-
h. Is it not almost certain that during
s fourth centenary of America our at
Ltion will he called to our growth, chiefly
it's material side? That the products
hibited will illustrate almost exclusively
/ industrial development? The first sig
tcance of the movement of which
am speaking is that it
Fes us a higher point of
w, it ~admonishes the people that there
other interests than the commercial.
ppy one, the blessing 10 one that we
Rht to share, with the other lands, that
national existence mean some
ng more than markets and manu-
btures. The discussions of this
agress will bring before this
antry afresh is ideals, political and
Pral, and will clarity our notions Of
erty, in days when that great meaning,
t much misunderstood, word needs de-
ing anew. Not limited by the borders Of
+ own country, this movement is meant
reach into every quarter Of the world. 1t
bans fraternity in the broadest sense. Its
deavor being to bring together represen-
ives from every republic of the world
d from organizations in sympathy with
10 institutions, and from nations not re-
blics. it looks like a definite step to-
rds the federation of mankind. Gould a
rthier effort mark the close of this great
htury? Not in the name, avowdly, of
Instantly can we not easily discern in it
B spirit Of Christ? A movement like this
pws the whole upward trend of the pres
/ ciyilation, 1t aims to give to life, in
Eidual and collective, the freest and
hest expression In the name of liberty.
d is not this the import of our Lords
ssion? IT I'M come" says jesus.
soribing both the purpose and the result
His advent, "that they might have
9 and that they might have it more
%undantly." The request to preach with
erence to this congress comes with the
question that the topic be, 1.-The Discoy-
of America, its effects upon the world
q it promise for the future" An APP
opriate text is mentioned,-that which I
We read. Levitt xxy:lO: proclaim liberty
roughout all the land, to all the inhat!i-
lts thereof" the sentence cast in the
Dnze Of the bell that rang out from the
eple of Independence Hall July 4, 1916.
b news that the Declaration OF Indepen-
nee had been adopted by the Continental
ngress.
These suggestions, therefore, influence
+ thoughts this morning. The influence
the discovery of America upon the
rid, like the motive which led to its sub
luent exploration. was. if good, still of
tie mixed elements in its character. The
atsriallstic was, in the first place, un-
ubtedly very prominent. A passage to
b treasure bearing fields Of India! That
ID the first great end to be gained. An in
lse thirst for gold was the motive that
krted towards the new world many an adj
hturous expedition. 1t is a part of the
story Of the time that the passion was fed
what was found. Has the passion spent
force? Our mountains will keep their
nj Their grandeur is entioing and the
nosphere into which they lift their
oud heads attracts men as once
ev were ilured to search for the fountain
perpetual youth. Nevertheless, has not
gold buried within their huge rock
bbed sides been tho chief incentive that
8 led to the peopling of these mountain
itudes in the heart Of our continent in
ia late century,
But the early explorers had other
pughts. 1t ia snid in the Scriptures that
saints should inherit the earth. Eve
the saints" exclaimed the devout
tholic, speaking in behalf of those who
blessed his faith. Was not therefore
Dry land his by divine right, if he could
lintain his claim? At once the cross was
up on the new coast in token of itB snb-
btion to the various Catholic majesties Of
b old world under whose authority the
fferent leaders sailed, and the task OF con-