The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1895-07-06
OUR COUNTRY.

On every anniversary Vi Gue HdtlOH
birth the country should thrill with
patriotic fevor, and che day should be
spent by citizens in again consecrating
themselves to liberty and free institu-
tions. The story of the Revolution
cannot be rehearsed too frequently,
and every child should fully under
stand the great sacrifices that were
| made to establish this republic on the
western continent. Lessons of patriot
ism cannot be too deeply instilled into
the minds and hearts of Americans,
for emergencies have happened that
only this devotion to country have pre-
vented from terminating in civil war.
They may arise again, and prepara-
tions should be made that the people
may meet them bravely.
1t is more than hundred years
since self-government was attempted
by Americans, and several severe tests
have been made of its strength and
permanency; but in every instance the
country has emerged from the threat
ened calamity stronger than before.
Popular government is no longer an
experiment. It is an established fact.
acknowledged by all nations. There
never was time when public credit
was on frmer basis, or when the flag
was as nearly universally respected.
TIL, - io inc off that
insures protection to the weak against
the strong, and no era has ever hap
pened in which its provisions were not
considered as sufficient shield of the
rights of all citizens. 1t has been
amended, and may be again. for in a
progressive age laws and customs must
adapt themselves to the altered condi-
tions of the people.
With brave and patriotic citizens,
and an abiding confidence in the
Justice of the laws, republics become
strong in the affections of the people.
Under such circumstances these forms
of government are as lasting and sub
stantial as any. and not any more
liable to disruption than a monarchy.
Revolution may change either, and
the death of the ruler may produce
this at any time in the latter, while in
the former the frequency of elections
of chief magistrates and national
legislatures satisfys the demands OF
the masses. If congress or the presi-
dent is not suited to the majority of
voters, others can be chosen at the
next election. This is not the fact
where the sovereignty rests in a single
individual, and often subjectsl await
his demise to inaugurate bloody rev.
olution.
On every recurring 4th of July les
sons of patriotism and devotion to
country should be taught those who in
q few years may WELD the elective
so that when the privilege
is granted them they will be able to
use it intelligently. The stories of
Bunker Hill, Charleston and Valley
Forge cannot be repeated too often.
They should be cradle songs to every
American child, and even in later life
should not lose their attractiveness.
Fourth of July is made national holi-
day for this purpose, and it is
not properly celebrated except in re-
the deeds of heroism of the
patriot fathers. By this means our
country will grow stronger every year,
Ind free institutions be more firmly |
established. A free country, having |
.or bulwark the patriotism of its peo-
Die, can but rest on firm and lasting |
and the United States mas
his in a very large measure.