The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-07-04
embarrassment II they would take the
pains 90 read the provisions of this
somewhat celebrated measure before un-
dertaking to comment on it.

To-day is the Fourth of July, and the
air will be full of patriotism in the shape
of powder and oratory. Such demonstra-
tons are very we'll in their way. 1t is
proper to celebrate this anniversary of
the birth of American freedom IN this
tirne-honored way. The fireworks have
become a symbol OF rejoicing, and their
profuseness on this occasion impresses
the youth OF the country with the fact
that the privilege of living here is some
thing to rejoice over and that liberty is
treasure; the speeches teach the same
lesson in another form. The lesson of
patriotism can hardly be presented in
too many shapes or too enthusiastically
taught.
Within the last few years there has
been a remarkable increase of interest in
patriotic matters. The national flag has
taken on a new Importance to many
eyes. 1t floats above schoolhouses every
where, on festive occasions it waves over
private houses. where it was never seen
until lately, it is in evidence at times and
in places where 1t was seldom known be-
fore, and 1t is not lessened in attractive
ness by being SO constantly before. the
eyes, but becomes dearer to those who
gaze Familiarity. in this case at least.
breeds affection and admiration.
Patriotic societies. too. are all the fash
ion. Sons and Daughters of the Revolu-
ton. Colonial Danes. the Loyal Legion,
Society of the Cincinnati. the G. A. r.,
the Patriotic League, the National
League, and a host of others. have the
one object, namely, to encourage a spirit
of love and loyalty for American insti-
tutions. 1t is commendable work, and
the prospect is that love of country will
be thoroughly instilled into the coming
generation. Its members will be ready
to fight or die to preserve the Nations
life. as their fathers were before them.
They will be loyal of soul and faithful in
service in time of common danger or
great emergency. All that Fourth Of
July orators teach they will do. and
gladly, but it by no means follows that
they will do all they ought. A great
many men who call themselves good citi-
zens fail in their duty now, and they are
not teaching their sons a better way.
They promise themselves to go to war if
need be. they grow enthusiastic in ma
tional political campaigns, and are inn
mensely interested in the election of
President, but they neglect the duty at
their door. They will make sacrifices in
order to support the government at
Washington, but none to insure good ad-
ministration of affairs in their own
towns, and yet honest and economical
local government is hardly less essential
to the general welfare than the other.
The great cities are frightful examples
of this neglect of duty The majority of
citizens could undoubtedly be depended
on to go to the defense of the country
against an outside enemy, but they are
Indifferent to their own and their chill
dren's interests at home. If New York
ers had taken the proper part in their
own affairs Tammany would not have
grown SO powerful that a revolution
would be necessary to overthrow its cor
rupt rule.
To come nearer home for an illustra-
ton, IL citizens of Indianapolis took the
right interest in educational matters
which touch their children so directly,
and in the outlay of public money, which
affects themselves SO closely, they would
see that competent men were chosen to
attend to their affairs. As it is. by their
own Indifference and negligence, scan-
dalous state of affairs has come about
The School Board is unfaithful to its
trust, but it is the fault of the citizens
that such a board is in power. Citizens
are not equal to their responsibilities
who allow such things. Their patriotism
has flaw in it. They are ready to fight
for their country, maybe, but they refuse
to protect their own households. They
are ready to enlist for a war, but invite
burglar into their own premises. On
this Fourth of July they might with
profit indulge in meditation upon the
various forms of patriotism.