The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-02-25

however, that another and less credit
able reason for our qualification,
arises from feeling that there
is something heroically American in
treating with indifference or derision
all those things which in our view do
not directly anG palpably pertain to
what We call with much satislac-
ton, practical affairs. but which, it
we were entirely frank, We should
confess might he called money get
ting aid the betterment of individual
condition. Growing out of this feel
ing, an increasing disposition is dis
cernible among our people, which be,
grudges to sentiment any time or al
tention that might be given to bust
ness and which is apt TO crowd out OF
mind any thought not directly related
to selfish plans and purposes.
A little reflection ought to convince
us that this may be. carried much too
far. 1t is mistake to regard senti-
ment as merely something, which If
INDUCED, has tendency to tempt to
idle and useless contemplation or re-
trospection, thus weakening in a peO-
pie the sturdness of necessary en-
deavor and diluting the capacity for
national achievement.
The elements which make up the
sentiment of people should not be
counted as amiable weaknesses be-
cause they are not at all times noisy
and turbulent. The gentleness and
loneliness of woman do not cause us
to forget that she can inspire man to
deeds of greatness and heroism; that
as wife she often makes mans career
nObler and grand, and that as mother
she builds and fashions in her sons
the strong pillars of a state. So the
sentiment of people which in peace
and contentment decks with flowers
the temple of their rule may, in rage
and fury, thunder at its foundations.
Sentiment is the cement which keeps
in place the granite blocks of govern
mental power, or the destructive
agency whose explosion heaps in ruins
their scattered fragments. The
monarch who cares only
for his sovereignty and
safety, leads his subjects 10 fCrgetful-
ness of oppression by a pretense of
love for their traditions; and the ruler
who plans encroachments upon the
liberties Of his people, shrewdly pro.
ceeds under the apparent sanction of
their sentiment. Appeals to senti-
ment have led nations to bloody wars
which have destroyed dynasties and
changed the lines of imperial territory.
Such all appeal summoned our faith
ers to the battle fields where Ameri.
can independence was won, and such
an appeal has scattered soldiers graves
all over our land, which mutely give
evidence of the power of our govern
ment and the perpetuity of our free
institutions.
have thus far spoken of a peoples
sentiment as something which may
exist and be effective under any form
of government and in any national
condition. But the thought naturally
follows, that if this sentiment may be
so potent in countries ruled by a power
originating outside of popular will,
how vital must its existence and regu-
lati0n be among our countrymen, who
rule themselves and make and admin
lister their own laws. In lands less
free than ours the control of the gov
erned may be more easily maintained
if those who are set over them see fit
to make concession to their sentiment;
yet with or without such concession
the strong hand Of force may still sup
port the power to govern. But senti-
ment is the very life blood of our ma
ton. Our government was conceived
amid the thundeTs that echoed, "All
men are created equal" and it was
brought forth while free men shouted, !
awe, the people of the United States.u
nf fo 10
Of their patriotic intentions, their sin
cere beliefs, their homely impulses
and their noble aspirations, entered |
into the government they estab-
lished; and unless it is constantly |
supported and guarded by a senti-
ment as pure as theirs, our scheple of
popular rule will fail. Another and
different plan may take it's place; but |
this which we hold in sacred trust, as
it originated in patriotism, is only fit
ted for patriotic and honest uses and |
purposes, and can only be admins
tered in its integrity and intended be-
niticence by honest and patriotic men.
1t can no more be saved nor faithfully !
conducted by selfish, dishonest and |
corrupt people, than stream can
rise above its source or be better and !
purer than its fountain head.
None of us can be ignorant of the
ideas which constitute the sentiment |
underlying our national structure.
We know they are reverent belief in
God, a sincere recognition of the value
and power Of moral principal and those
qualities of heart which make noble .
manhood, devotion to unreserved pat
riotism, love for mans equality, I'M
questioned trust in popular rule. the
eYaction Of civic virtue and honesty, |
faith in the saving quality of univer-
sal education, protection of free and |
unperverted expression of the popular
will, and an insistence upon a strict |
accountability of public officers as
servants of the people.
Those are the elements of American |
sentiment; and all these should be
found deeply imbedded in the minds |
and hearts of our countrymen. When
any one Of them is displaced, the time
has come when danger signal should |.
be raised. Their absence among the |
people ofOther nations-however great |.
and powerful they may te-can afford |
us no comfort nor reinsurance. We
must work out our destiny unaded |
and alone, in full view of the truth |