The Irish standard., 1897-11-27


| state. There is the source OF our great
ness. Upon the individual citizen is
our nation built. Americanism has
proved to the world that man can be
| trusted, for 1t has shown that all men
may be free men and trusted in the
government Of themselves. This places
responsibility upon every citizen, re-
sponsibility which we carry with us
everywhere-in business, In private
and in public life. 1t follows us in all
our relations as citizens, so that any
thing which strikes at the individual
citizen strikes at the state and the ma
tion; anything that corrupts the indl-
vidual citizen corrupts the state and
nation alike; anything that abridgcs or
diminishes the political Or religious
rights of the individual citizen dimin-
ishes and abridgcs the expression of
human liberty. which 1t is our nations
idea to perpetuate and preserve.
1t has cost much to give full express
sion to the Americanism which is our
war and in peace have been as the Gle
mcnts of nourishmcnt and develop
ment to the fun expression of Amrrl-
can liberty.
What does such Il political ideal de-
mand of us? In one word, ii demands
good citizenship, for 1t bestuws upon
us citizenship in the best country of
the world. Tho goodness which that
citizenship demands should come from
an upright life having It's source in Il
faith in God and IL faith In our fellow
men. 1t is Il goodness which springs
from an Integrity of life, from an HON
csty of purpose, purity of motive, 10y
atty of action, trustfulncss in God, and
confidence In ono another. il demands
public lifo without rcprnach. and this In
turn calls for Il private life without
blrmSll. The best life we can lead is
not too good for the citiZrnship we ell
joy. Our citizenship demands cduca-
tion, for our political liberties are on
trusted by us to other men to govern us.
Those interests demand men who arc
rightly ducatcd-etlucatcd in belief that
there is but one cod of morals, and that
the cOdo of the gospel; that what Is
morally wrong cannot be politically
right; that the political official has his
Office as ~ trust from the people, and
should guard 1t sncredly for the purposes
for which 1t exists. American public life
exists, ns all public life exists, for the
greatest good, for the greatest number,
for the greatest good to each indivil-
ual. realize that this is an ideal
statement; but we are considering
ideals. we are aiming at the perfection
of citizenship. What does the CaLno-
lie young nun bring to this citizen
ship. He brings Il love for liberty
which he inherits by virtue of his faith.
IIc brings a lovo to America which he
has been taught to believe to he tho
best political expression of the Chris
tan sense Of liberty. He brings life
trained according to the principles of
the Church of Christ, which obligcs
him to live both publicly and privately
according to tho principles of the
Gospel. He approaches American cit
izcnship possessing IN his life the faith
and lovo of God. He comes we'll
equipped for tho duties Of citizenship,
because his moral life is in tho training
of the church Which received from
Christ tho commission to preach to all
nations for all time the Gospel of the
true idea of life.
The Catholic young man, Wcll
trained in his religion and practicing
it's preccpts, has no doubts concerning
| life and It's duties. lie has wonderful
aids in reaching tho highest aud best
citizenship, and consequently bringing
| as he does in his life the traditions If
the great church of Christ, whose
| faithful disciple he s he should be in
his American citizenship the strongcs.
| and trucst citizen. No man who loves
| God and practices the teachings OF
Gods church can be other than a tower
| of strength to the citizenship of Amer
| lea. In tho day of triul his love OF God
| will prompt sacrifices for country, and
| in the day of glory his goodness Will
| add to his nations greatness. Anc
| Catholic young man who IS CaLnolic
| in tho truc sense is strength and n
hone to American public life.
| Tho lecturer then dwelt upon some
| of the dangers from lack Of interest in
| tho government, from corruption IN
politics, and from bigOtry and narrow
! ness, and closed with m urgent appeal
| for loyalty and devotion to the grand
ideals of American citizenship.