New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-01

"My country. right or wrong" is a toast
which had meaning once for those who We're
able 10 read anything below the surface, and
for such people has one still. 40 time need be
wasted in pointing out the foolish things 1t does
not mean. But this it always means, that no
man can find The faintest excuse in any sncer
" or cccentricity Of individual belief for giving
aid and comfort TO armed enemies Of his coun-
try. whether by speech or printed words or
votes. The crime Of treason is one for which
a man can never find justification. no matter
what his individual belief because the blessing
Of personal freedom comes only with the con-
dition. accepted with the solemn oath Of
allegiance that IL shall be never so exercised as
TO aid the armed foes Of the Nation.
The necessary condition Of civilization Is that
hearty allegiance and support shall be given TO
the Government whenever It's decision Is duly
declared in accordance with It's constitutional
forms and limitations Whatever has been up
10 that time the private opinion of certain In
dviduals for which they have strivcn by legal
means with all manly "arncstness. becomes on
the instant the law. sacred 10 every loyal man.
against which DO voice or hand can be raised as
long rs a vcStige Of armed resistance TO the
sovereign authority remains. The necessary
condition Of freedom in private Judgment
thought and speech is tina, every man shall
submit 10 the will Of the majority expressed by
constitutional methods: anG not merely submit
but hold ready his fortune and his life to up
hold that will il trcacherouSly aSSailed. All
know and frequently say that persons who are
not capsble ~ such sincere and unshrnking
LOYALTY are not fit for any part in self govern
mont or free institutions Yet even in stating
the fact few come near realizing how wide and
jmpassable is the gulf which separates snch
persons from all possibility Of being loyal
citizens Of "A free and self governing country.
The temper which will submit 10 no rule save
that Of ones own nfamed vanity is further re-
moved from civilized life than that Of nine
tenths Of the savages. who can uphold n ruler
for the sake of the tribe.
Opposition to law after It's enactment. pa
fient and earnest effort 10 change public opinion
about II and get il repealed. is consistent with
perfect loyalty provided there is no armed re-
slstance 10 be encouraged ny such efforts. But
tho instant that condition arises II becomes the
first and most sacred duty Of every citizen 10 re-
fraln from any word or act which can give
aid and comfort 10 the rebellion. Men who
sincerely mean 60 he honorable and faithful 10
their oaths Of citizenship canrot find il hard 10
draw the line. The question is always one Of
fact If there is in fact an armed resistance
10 national authority. and If any word or act
does in fact give encouragement and support
70 that resistance. II cannot be called anything
except treason. If any vote that may be cast
this fall Is one which must in fact give aid
and comfort 20 enemies of the United States II
,s the vote If traitor. and the first duty Of
every citizen is 10 realize that ne cannot cast
any such vote.
AR Bryan is confronted on Nebraska prairiei