The San Francisco call., 1896-04-26
THE TRUEST PATRIOTISM.


THE TRUEST PATRIOTISM.
Some of the most distinguished college
professors, statesmen, clergymen and
soldiers of the country took an active part
in the proceedings of the National Arbi
tration Congress in Washington last week,
and no doubt much good will eventually
come of the efforts of the congress in the
direction of substituting arbitration for
war in settling differences between ma
tions. The civilization of to-day looks
upon war with horror, and the brutal
methods that Spain is employing in its
war of suDjugation in Cuba only inten-
sites the desire of good people everywhere
for the substitution of arbitrators for
soldiers. The shedding Of human blood
and the destruction of property may con-
quer, but it leaves in its trail hatred and
desire for revenge, which is anything but
conducive to sentiments of neighborly
good will and commercial and social inter
course.
The National Arbitration Congress
means to emphasize the tact that there IS
a growing anti-war feeling in all Christian
nations, and to hasten the time, as far as
it lies in its power, when nations will not
think of war until every possible honor
able means to preserve peace has been ex-
hausted. 1t is its purpose, too, to teach
people everywhere to speak of the glory of
peace and the horror if not the disgrace of
war. The tramp of hostile armies in
these days means the turning back of the
peoples wheel of progress and the de-
stIuction OF their paths to better condi-
tions of existence.
This is the day of the schoolhouse, the
merchant, the manufacturer, the agricul-
turist and the wage-earner. This is the
day OF commercial conquest, and war is as
destructive to commercial operation as fire
is 10 the commodities of commerce. This
is the day when public opinion regards
the inventor of devices and appliances for
the betterment of his fellows as the great
general. Men in martial array are not
nearly so pleasing sight these days as
employees OF industrial enterprises march
ing to and from their work, nor does the
roar of cannon make the heart as glad as
does the hum of the machinery OF factory
and mill.
|, No doubt the war talk that very many of
Four people indulge in from time to time is
an outburst of what they deem true pa
triotism, but the line which separates
patriotism from enthusiasm is quite in
distinct at times, although the difference
in essence is very great. True patriotism
is passion that is born of rights and
privileges desired or already acquired, and
it lives wholly upon responsibility; but
to fully appreciate the inner as we'll as the
outer meaning of patriotism one must
understand the responsibility he assumes
in all of its present and prospective rami-
fications.
Political responsibility or patriotism in
this country means that Eternal vigi-
lance is the price of liberty" and it takes
great deal OF constant vigilance to pay
the price, but the sustaining influence that
keeps the eye of vigilance wide open is en-
thusiastic love for the country's institu-
iions. Patriotism is a mighty force and
enthusiasm is the stimulant that keeps it
active when it is needed ''at the front"
To fight for ones country on the battle
field when occasion requires is an exhibi-
ton OF patriotism certainly, but that is by
no means all nor the greatest of the de-
mands of liberty upon the citizen. The
truest patriotism knows no duty higher
than to broaden and deepen the source of
that form of progress which brings good,
peace and better environment to all the
people, so that not only they but gen.
eratlons 10 come may enjoy the bless
lngs Of personal liberty. If it so be that
an enemy attempts to overthrow that
which gives birth to and sustains patriot
ism, he must be driven back, and if war
ensues the true patriot shoulders his gun
and goes forward, not for wars sake but
to gain victory over the enemy Of the
political home he has established, or per-
petuated, for himself and his posterity.
War to the true patriot may be necessity,
but not so until he is convinced that his
country's enemy will listen to nothing
else. then he shoots, not for the pleasure
OF killing, but that he must cause liberty
to triumph whatever the cost may be.