The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-04-18
"Patriotism and Politics. {"


Under the title, Patriotism and Politics."
Cardinal Gibbons. in the current issue of
the North american ReUieW. makes a
strong appeal for purity in political
methods. Patriotism he reduces to the
simple meaning of "love of country" 1t is
not a sentiment born of material and
physical wellbeing, but a rational instinct
implanted by the deity in the human
breast. The same sentiment which urges
man to sacrifice himself for his family
urges him also to make sacrifices for his
country, which is, as it were, his larger
family. This sentiment, patriotism, finds
outward and, so to speak, natural expression
in respect for the flag that symbolizes the
country, and for the chief magistrate who
represents it. Perhaps it is only when an
American travels abroad that he full y
realizes how deep-rooted in his love for his
native country. The sentiment of patriotism,
which may be dormant at homo, is ar
reused and quickened in foreign lands.
The sight of an American flag flying from
the mast Of ship in midocean or in some
foreign port awakes unwonted emotion and
enthusiasm"
Rejecting on the happiness and manifold
blessings which the political institutions of
the United States have already conferred,
and are destined in future to confer, it is
not surprising that the American citizen
| loves his country. And with that love goes
the sacred duty of every American to per-
petuate those institutions, which may be
embodied in and tersely described by the
well-known sentence: IA government of
the people, by the people, for the people"
| Our rulers are servants Of the people, since
it is by their sovereign voice that they
are chosen, through the medium of the
ballot-box, ''the silent weapon that exc
cutes freeman's will"
| ''But the greatest blessings are liable to
| be perverted" says Cardinal Gibbons. 1t
is possible to make the republic, while re-
tanning its form and name, most odious
| tyranny. land the irresponsible despotism
| of the multitude is more calling, because it
is more difficult to be shaken off, than that
| of the autocrat." The safeguard against
this CALLING tyranny is purity in political
methods, and the stability Of the govern
ment is only to be preserved by administer
ing even-nanded justice. The history Of
Rome is referred to as an example in the
philosophy Of republics. So long as the
people practiced simplicity in life and
honesty in politics the republic prospered :;
but when the citizens were debauched by
brides and the politicians purchased votes
and perjured themselves to secure prefer
ment. the republic fell
The reverend writer sees warning in
| Roman history to the politicians OF the
! United States. "Our Christian civilization
gives US no immunity from political cor
ruption and disaster" Election frauds,
when there are really frauds and not the
empty charges of defeated candidates or
partisan newspapers, should be treated with
due consideration and a remedy applied.
Let him who lays profane hands upon it
(the ballot-box) be made to feel that he is
guilty of a grievous offense against the
stability of government, the peace of society
and the majesty of God"
The privilege of voting is not an inner
eut or inalienable right 1t is a solemn
and sacred trust, to be used in strict ac-
cordance with the intentions of the author
ity from which it emanates." When a vote
is bought or sold, it is violation of trust
and a degradation to citizenship. The main
purpose Of many partial remedies that hav e
been named to cure the political ills that
have begun to appear in the political system
Of this government, is to 'preserve and
foster what may be called public con-
science" The presence Of two political
parties, closely watching each other for
errors or evidence of wrong doing, and the
cooperation of honest newspapers, are
healthful and necessary agents in the work.
Rita Booth Henderson, daughter of John
Wilkes Booth and wife of Al Henderson,
the orchestra leader, died in Binghamton,
N. Y, on Tuesday, April II. She was a
clever actress, but often declared that she
did not wish to rise to any prominence in
the dramatic profession, because she feared
her relationship would bring unpleasant
notoriety. She wore always medallion
locket containing the likeness of her father