River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1895-02-28
wAsHlNoToN's BIRTHDAY.
appropriately Observed In Many Cities
Archbishop Ireland speaks In Chicago.

Appropriately Observed In Many Cities
Archbishop Ireland Speaks In Chicago.
CHICAGO, Feb. 25.-Reports come
from various cities of the appropriate
observance of WaShington's birthday
on Friday. The national congress of
women devoted the morning session TO
the consideration of patriotic subjects.
Various other bodies also fittingly cele-
hrated the day in the capital. Reports
of notable celebration also come from
the cities of Pittsburgh and Allegheny,
Pa. The day was observed in New
York with as much spirit as usual. The
American flag was prominent in the
city and on the water. Denver celc-
brated with parade of civic and milf
tary organizations. The Norfolk Wal
Light Artillery Blues. Capt Keeling.
fired at sunrise the national salute of
twenty-one guns, which was con-
tinucd to sixty-seven guns, the ami
versary salute of the company. Business
was entirely suspended Friday in Kan
sas City, Mo. In Detroit the Michigan
club gave its tenth anniversary ban
quet at the Auditorium. The hall was
decorated in the national colors.
Toasts were responded to by Gov. Me-
Kinley. of Ohio; ext nited States Scna-
tor Patton. of Michigan, and others.
In Chicago. commemorative exercises
were held in all the public schools un-
der the auspices of the Union League
club. The Union League also held in
the Auditorium celebration at which
Archbishop Ireland was the orator of
the day.
The famous prelate begun his ora
ton with lofty tribute to Washing
ton. lie continued:
I am a Roman ctizen' was a proud title.
bu, TO be an American citizen is o distinction
sun more to he sought for. The Roman was
subject; the American Is monarch. Ameri
can citizenship is American manhood, the
manhood Of all born into the American
nation. The republic OF America was a SUI
IRENE act OF confidence in man. a concession
such as had never been heard before OF hum an
dignity and human ability. Its creation was
the boldest act recorded in history"
After reviewing the birth OF the republic the
archbishop concluded By reminding his audi
auce OF the responsibility Of citizenship. IN
this connection he said: The ballot is the
pride of the true American; its proper use
is his sacred duty The American re-
fusing To vote on election day merits
boastng of his political iudo'enco proclaims
his shame. Thoughtful writer's mark a the
most pernicious foe OF democracy the indiffer-
eace towards the political life of the country
practised by respectable. well-meaung and
educated citizens. These are tho ones who
most generally eschew Politics, while cshegs.
the selfish and reckless who have private
ends TO serve, who care hut little what
comes of the country, are never absent from
the caucus or the voting booth / am afraid
some Of Us are not altogether free from the
gndemocratc feeling that we lose uur self
respect II on election days we mingle on equal
terms with all social classes Far from MS be
the feeling. When We 11iuSlc with men as
citizens We m.ngle with neblemen. When we
serve country. no matter when or where, we
cnnoble ourselves.
Among the misfortuneS Of America / men
tion the caucus and primary, by which few
are able to impose upon whole party their
choice of candidates. A royal work of patriot
ism is to rid the country of them, or so
transform them that the verdict shall
in some manner be the verdict
of the party. and not merely
rs IT now IS that OF the expert wire-pullers
and slate-makerS. The political boss Is the
Outg -owth OF ignorance and vicious citizenship
and his reign fosters the low element which
makes il possible Bribery at the polls is de-
moniac mockery OF manhood BE as you WILL
democrats or republicans, but first OF all
o.rfs.s