The Newtown bee., 1901-08-23
he study of the questions confronting

the study of the questions confronting us to see whether we can maintain our position and prestige as wise and understanding people. The founders of this Republic were men of wisdom tiOns broad and deep, and upon the grand and glorious principles of civil and religious liberty, a structure has been raised that has excited the envy and admiration of the world. It was the dawn of new era in the worlds history when, 123 years ago, the old liberty bell proclaimed to the nations that a new nation had sprung into being, and with new aims and purposes of a lofty and elevating character. The Puritans of the Mayhower and Plymouth Rock had taught the prin- ciples of liberty in no uncertain way, and their descendants were no less de- termined to keep alive the same great truths, and in the faith of God to maintain them, and live by them. It Sary to recognize the great debt we owe, to the wisdom, courage and fore thought of our forefathers, and as citizens of this great Republic to show the world that we value our inheri tance and are pledged to maintain it.
 ?. "What constitutes great na- tiOn." Some nations are called great because of the strength of their armies and navies, others because of the ex tent of their country, others have large colonies, while the wealth of some leads them to be called great. These may be sources of greatness in some measure, but are not the truest and best reasons for being great. Ma tions like individuals are judged by the standard of principles that govern and control them. That is a great nation in which the laws and principles are for the best interest of the people, and that finds it's greatest support in the patriotism and love of its citizens. This republic has been raised to it's present grand position because it has been true to the great principles of civil and religious liberty. From the very first of our national life, up to the present, these principles have been the forces that have governed us and upon these as the sure foundation the it to-day has beeh erected. Here the oppressed of every land have found home, here in the highest and truest sense the sovereign people rule, and here, as in no other country, the high est religious liberty is found and en- jOyed, and every one is free to worship according to the dictates of conscience, assured of protection by the govern ment in the exercise of this great right. We are a great nation by virtue of these things, and because of the true spirit of patriotism that has al- ways lived among us, and found it's outcome in devotion to the country and it's flag, which is not realized any where else. We have wealth, territory, everything that on these lines makes country great, but beyond and above all these, we have the highest and noblest sources of greatness, and as long as we are true to the God of our fathers, and maintain these great prln- ciples, we shall continue to be a great nation.
 3. A wise and understanding people. A great nation must wisely and we'll meet the questions and problems that confront it; there must be no shirk- ing of the question because it is diff cult of solution, but with courage born out of it's greatness, and an ab- sorbing faith in the support and pa triotism of it's citizens, understanding it's own ends and purposes, bring things to an issue, that will tell you the highest good of all concerned. In the past this nation has shown great wisdom and understanding in the settlement of important questions, and we believe no less in the wisdom of the men of to-day for their ability to de- termine the important problems that now confront us. The God of our fathers is our God, the faith of the
 fathers is living still, great principles dominate us yet, the difficulties may be great, but God reigns, and as na- tion we belong to Him, and He will take care of us. What is our duty as
 patriots and citizens? Let us be true to the noblest and best within us, be Americans in the truest and highest sense, hold fast to the great principles handed down to us, frOwn upon every thing that is opposed to the best in terests of our common country, and with firm faith in God do our duty, then the grand old flag shall represent a great nation and wise and under standing people.