The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-02
GOOD AND BAD CITIZENS.
DIR. BOWMAN DISCUSSES THE d.
TIES OF CITIZENSHIP.

What Constitutes a Good Citizen and
What Bad One-The Connection of
the Citizen With Politlcs-Lack OF
Patriotism Among Voters a Great
Source Of Danger in Elections.
duties Of Citizenship" was the subject
discussed by Rev. C. e bowman last night
at Wesley Monumental church The
audience was composed largely Of men, who
gave close attention to the discourse.
The text was Ecclesiastes tx. IS: zone
sinner destroyeth much good" DIR. Dow
man said: ave learn by contrast. By
holding up the bad citizen TO view we may
fall out with the ugly elements of bis char
acter and seek to cultivate he opposite in
ourselves and promote il in others.
The pulpit 10 not the place for political
harangues, but is a place in which every
phase OF life may be discussed and from
which men may he warned of the wrong
and pointed TO the right.
we are a nation of citizens, that Is, ma
tion Of sovereigns. Citizenship is one Of
the highest honors Of manhood. True pros
perlty consists In the virtue of our citizens,
and In so far as the citizen fails of political
and personal virtue he constitutes dam
gerous element In the body polite.
I'VE must beware of the fallacy that po-
litical vice is consi stent with personal
virtue.
Zone great source of danger at this time
10 the large number of voters who are desti-
tute OF the patriotism as is demonstrated by
the use OF money in politics"
Mr.. bowman then proceeded to describe
the charncteristics of the bad citizen.
THE BAD CITIZEN.
"He is q bad citizen who takes no interest
In public affairs There are always two
sides TO political questions, and every man
has right to his opinion. He should be
be on one side or the other and should know
why. Indifference is an enemy to good.
He can not DO good citizen who does not
vote or who fails TO qualify to vote.
He is q bad citizen who thinks that
government exists for the benefit OF the
office holder No worse thing can happen
to young man than to become chronic
office-seeker.
he is a bad citixsn who seeks to avoid
the responsibilities and duties Of citizenship
such as taxpaying, jury duty, etc.
HE is a bad citizen who sees the laws of
the state and the laws of God violated, and
from indifference or selhshness, does not
lift his hand, or raise his voice, or cast his
vote to prevens it."
TRIBUTE TO THE JUDGES.
DR.. bowman paid tribute to the Judges
or the city and superior courts, the solicitor
general and the grand jury for their efforts
TO punish law. breakers He commended
the mayor for his steadfast purpose to pre-
vent the selling OF liquor on sunday.
''He is a bad citizen, ~ he continued, who,
presuming on not being detected or on his
position to shield him, violates the law HIM
self or sanctions its violation in others"
He denounced the custom of carrying
concealed weapons, and condemned belong
ing to any social or military club that al
lowed liquors to be sold on Sundays.
DR.. bowman said he advocated measures
and not mon only, as men were the
opponents Of measures. He closed with
an earnest plea for the sanosity of
the Sabbath and for just. fearless and i'm
partial administration of law. "Christian
men should vote as they pray, aud all should
pray before they vote."
In connection with the observance of the
Sabbath, Mr.. bowman appealed to the
members Of his congregation to write per-
sonal letters 90 our senators and represent
atives in congress-, urging them to prevent
the repeal OF the act already passed reouir-
ing the Columbian exposition to be closed
on Sunday.