Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1897-06-04

midst the turmoils of war, to declare
that these United States are ono nation
and that the union shall and must be
preserved and to demonstrate the
truth of the principle. And henceforth
that has been the guiding star of our
political faith. State pride and sec-
tional attachment are natural passions
of the human breast, but there is an
attachment that rises above all places
and sections-a noble love of country
that recognizes no north, no south, no
east, no west-that should inspire the
course of every citizen.
Monarchies govern their subjects by
authority and precedent; republics by
right, reason and free will. Whether
one method or the other will be better,
depends wholly upon the intelligence
of the governed. If the individual
have not the knowledge and discipline
necessary to govern himself, it is bet
ter that king should rule him. AS
between two stupendous evils the ra-
tional tyranny of the intelligent few is
preferable to the irrational and furious
tyranny of the many. A republic
without intelligence even a very high
degree of intelligence-is a paradox
and an impossibility. So in order
that the people may ascend to that
high plane, the means by which intell-
igence is fostered, right reason exalted
and calm and rational public opin-
ion produced, must be placed at an
early age within the reach of every
citizen. To the public school, then,
was delegated the task of making in
telligent, earnest, active, resolute
thinking citizens. It is the fountain
whose streams shall make glad all the
lands of liberty. How we'll it is sue
ceeding, though yet far from perfect,
is indicated by the successes of popu-
lar government in America. We must
constantly educate or perish as ma.
tion.
And that education must be temper.
ed with the spirit of liberation and
forgiveness. The duty of forbearance
we owe to all mankind. We may hon.
estly differ in our opinions, but each
should feel willing to respect the opin-
ions of the others and to acquiesce in
the verdict of the majority. Liberty
in former ages hasmeant the privilege
of agreeing with the majority; but to.
day it is essentially the right to differ
from them. And that right must be
sacredly respected. If there is ar
honest difference of opinion among
men, it should be expressed freely and
frankly. Nor must the right to dis.
sent be conceded with coldness and
disdain, but openly, cordially and dwith
good will. No loss of rank or social
ostracism must darken the pathway OF
the honest seeker after truth. ALI
progress in the field of thought has
been brought about by dissent and
discussion, and this nation stands es-
sentially for that principle. The south
was intolerant, she would not listen to
reason, but insisted that her ideas be
enforced whether the majority will it
SO or not. She was wrong, the error
has been corrected and we now stand
a devoted and united people. The
right of free thought: free inquiry and
free speech is as clear as the MONDAY
and no abridgment of it can ever again
be tolerated. 1t is part of our edu.
cation.
So when we gather on this day to
scatter laurels DER the graves of our
glorious dead, let us not forget the
lprinciples for which they contended.
1t requires a no less exacting patrio.
tism to guard .sacredly these princi.
Piles established at such an awful cos,
than to march to the front in battle
One lapse from the line of duty and ali
these glorious achievements will have
been in vain. It is not for one gener.
rtion to build for itself alone, we build
for all future ages. The past has
taught its lessons, the present has its
duty, and the future its hope. Peace
to the memory of the founders and de.
tenders of this greatest of nations!
Green be their graves! Gentle be the
rains on the fields of prosperity where
once struggled armies in battle! For
gotten be the animosities and sorrows
of the strife! Sacred be the trusts
committed to our care and bright the
visions of the coming ages!
Noxlous Weeds.
Pursuant to the resolution of the
board of county commissioners, with
in and for the county of Griggs and