The Press., 1897-02-25
w. C. T. U.
, Patriotism.

l ce1ve no injury" was the commission to every Roman dictator. Vast armies with forts, battlements, and conquoring generals, represented the Roman idea of the defences of the commonwealth But under representative government, forts, battlements and armies, commanded by the ablest generals, cannot prevent the fall of the government of debased peo- pie, because under such a system, the people themselves are the government. Therefore, everything depends upon the character of the people, and whatever helps to form that character contributes to the strength or weakness of such a na- tion.
 Professor Richard T. Ely truly says: ''There is no such thing, either as purely individual sin, or purely individual righteousness"
 | Some one has said that the average American citizen believes that "God takes special care of children, fools. and the United States" and therefore, taking no special interest in public affairs, he de- votes his absolute attention to the "Al- mighty dollar." While to the careful student of history there is great deal in our past that warrants in us a most con- fortable optimism, but, as minimizing op- timism has in itself elements of danger, we do we'll to remember that there is a danger line, past which the loftiest struc- ture is sure to fall. Nothing could save even the leaning tower of Pisa should it's center of gravity get beyond its base.
 One of the most hopeful signs of the times, the times being as they are, is the fact that not since the close of the civil war have so many thoughtful citizens of our country, as now, been asking the question 'sWill our republic stand the test that is sure to come from the shocks and strain of time ?' That the strength of this republic depends upon the charac- ter of it's people is a truism which we &C., cept, and we point to our churches and schools as our provision for making the right kind of character.
 Another hopeful sign is the fact that current speeches and articles in eduoa- tional gatherings and papers are sure to abound with exhortations to teachers to 'be character builders,n to "develop character in the boys and girls under their care" The thoughtful observer, who Is a student of existing social conditions, while glad to hear this, cannot fail to wish that these instructions would be a little more specific-that they would tell these teachers what special traits of char acter they should seek to develop in the coming men and women of this land, who are now under their holding hands.
 It sounds strangely to hear an institute instructor wax eloquent over "the duty of character building," and in the next breath tly to poke small fun at the law ot his state, which requires that ''all pupils in all schools shall be taught the laws ot health, including those which relate tc the nature and effect of alcoholic drinks and other narcotics on the human body And stranger still this sounds, in view o of the fact that this same institute in structor, by virtue of hIs position, is le gally constituted executor of that same law, which also makes it his duty to teacl these teachers how to teach this branch and for which he is paid.
 Now, if such an institute instructo does not believe in this study; if he think! the children should be taught everythin. else, but nothing about the laws tha govern the life and health of their owl bodies, especially those relating to one O the fiercest temptations which they vii meet in life, then let him resign his posi- , ton as an executor of the law. After do ing this he will have the right of any oth CT private citizen, to attack this stud and the law requiring it. But for a stat executive, paid by the state to teacl teachers how to teach a branch the stat has made compulsory, to belittle or op : pose what the law demands, is to set marked example in the direction o "building' lawless character" and t show contemptuous disregard for au , thority, which is the most dangerous c all characteristics for the citizenship of
 republic.
 It will not do for any honored servan
 of the people to ''put on airs"
 What are the traits of character whic are source of strength in the people of
 republic? We reply respectful obedienc
 to Divine and human law intelligent SC
 briety; integrity; courage; justice, an benevolence resoluteness of purpose. ]
 people in whose character these trait predominate can be trusted to gover themselves. They will be towers ( strength in a republic. It was thes
 qualities in Lincoln that made him equs :, to the greatest emergencies our natio
 has faced since it became one of the indt , pendent powers of the earth. The vas
 ness of this work ef character -buildin ;, for the 70, 1000, ,000 people of this great r,
 puplic should not discourage us.
 The strength of nation is measure a also by the love for country, which 0 patriotism, @ passion which leads one 1 serve and defend his country, at his ow }, cost if need be; to look forward to an
 work for its highest future destin,
 Webster reveals larger meaning whe
 he calls patriotism the passion whic
 aims to serve ones country e
 pecially in time of peace"