The Anaconda standard., 1896-05-31
DIR. cRAIo's ADDRESS.

Impressive and eloquent Words at the
Memorial Exercises in Missouia
Missoula, May 30.-The address of Pres
ident Craig at the memorial exercises this
afternoon was an eloquent and interest
ing one. Dr. Craig spoke without notes
and his words were impressive and full
of significance. The address was not In
line with the usual patriotic speech. but 1t
was none the less appreciated by his au-
dience and his remarks carried with them
the conviction of the speaker. The theme
of the address was Freedom" In intro
duction Dr. Craig referred to the pracuce
of the American people and OF American
speakers in particular, to giori1y the
achievements of the nation and to assume
that because so much has been accom-
plished all is we'll and there is no further
danger He did not belittle the magnifi-
cent triumphs of America. On the cont
trary he lauded them, but he called at
tention to the fact that there is always
danger threatening, and emphasized the
great value of American citizenship,
heritage too valuable to be thrown away
or even risked by neglect of the princi-
pies that have made 1t the grandest pos
session in the world.
DIR. Craig then reviewed in eloquent lam
guage the history of the years of devo-
ton and sacrifice that were necessary TO
create and then to preserve this price,
less possession. He traced the formation
of the government from the weak al
lance of colonies and the development OF
the nation from the first imperfect con-
federation that the colonies formed to
protect themselves and to maintain their
rights, Then the struggle to preserve in
tact what had been gained by so many
sacrifices and so much devotion. Follow
ing this came the battles of the states
men in the halls of congress, a struggle
that led, after long years to the arbitra-
ton of arms, when brothers were arrayed
against each other All of these phases
of the nations history have served to
make more precious the rights of Ameri-
can citizenship. 1t is such a possession as
was never granted to any other nation in
history. 1t is something so precious that
no sacrifice is too great for its preserva-
ton. :
There is a duty connected with this
possession that is not always realized.
Citizenship in this republic carries with IL
the responsibility of maintaining its dig
nty and its honor. The reputation of the
nation is in the hands of its citizens and
IL is their duty to guard II Jealously.
Upon the minds of the younger generation
should be impressed the responsibility
that a share in the sovereignty OF this
great nation carries with IL. II Is not TO
be treated lightly. 1t is a grave RESPONSE
bility and one that should not be shirked.
There is no nation in the history of the
world that has bequeathed to its sons and
daughters an inheritance so precious and
so noble. The freedom that we enjoy is
the product of the struggles that have
been fought and the sacrifices that have
been made, and to preserve this freedom
is the duty of every one of us. Freedom
such as we enjoy does not signify the
right to neglect the grave responsibilities
that are involved in its preservation. 1t
should be the first thought of every one
of us to see that there is no inroad made
into the freedom and liberty of this SOW
ereign people.