The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-10-15

proper relations between labor and capl-
tai. This, of itself. is sufficiently distress
ing; but thoughtful men are not without
dread of sadder developments yet to come.
There has also grown up among our peo-
pie disregard for the restraints of law,
and a disposition TO evade its limitations
while querulous structures concerning
the action of our courts tend to undermine
popular faith in the course Of justice;
and last, but by no means least. com
plants of imaginary or eSaggel ate snort
cominds in our financial politics. fui nish
a nexcuse for the hippant exploitation of
all sorts of monetary nostrums.
Ihasten to give assurance that / have
not spoken in a spirit of gloomy pessi-
mism. l shall be the last of all our peo-
pie TO believe that the saving grace OF
patriotism among my countrymen is dead
or will always slope. / know that its
timely revival and activity mean the
realization of the Hottest hopes of free
nation / have faith that the awakening
is forthcoming; and on this faith L build
a cheerful hope for the healing of all
the wound inflicted in slumber and neg
lect. Nor do | forget my surroundings
as / speak. If the city of Chicago has
had experiences that support my recital
of perils l do not fail to remember that
it has also been here demonstrated in
that manner gpod citizenship can pro-
tect against them. AS in the munich
paiity. so in our nation, our veal or woe,
is made dependent upon the disinterested
participation, or the neglect, or good men
in public affairs. 1t is time that there
should be an end of self satisfied gratifi-
cation, or pretense or virtue, in the
phrose. 81 am not a politician" and it
is time to forbid the prostitution of the
word to a sinister use Every citizen
should be politician enough to bring him
self within the true meaning Of the term,
as one who concerns himself with The
regulation or government of a nation or
state for the preservation of it's safety,
peace and prosperity This is politics
in its best sense, and this is good citi-
zenship.
If good men are to interfere to make
political action what it should be, they
must not suppose they will come upon
an open field uncoupled by an opposing
force. On the gtound they have neglect
gage in politics for personal ends and
selfish purposes, and this ground cannot
be taken without a hand TO hand conflict.
The attack must be made under the ban
ner of disinterested good citizenship. by
soldiers drilled in lessons of patriotism.
They must be enlisted for life and con-
stantly on duty. AS Crusaders fought
centuries ago for the recovery of the
Holy Land from infidel possession. so
with the same stubborn zeal must today
crusaders in the cause or good govern
ment, fight to recover their Holy Land
from the infidels who would degrade it
and defiie it.
Their creed should bind together in gen
erous cooperation all who are willing to
fight TO make our government what faith
ers intended it to be-a depository of ben
efits which, in equal current and volume,
should flow out to all the people This
creed should teach the wickedness of at
tempting TO make free opportunity the
occasion of Selling especial advantages,
and should warn against the danger of
ruthless rapacity. 1t s.lould deprecate
octentation and extravaga in the life
of our people, and demand in the man
agement of public affairs. simplicity and
strict economy. 1t should teach toiera-
ton in all things, save dishonesty and in
fidelity to public trusts. 1t should uphold
the interests of labor and advocate its
fair treatment, b ut should sternly forbid
its interference with those contented with
their toll. and its attempt TO force com
pliance with it's demands by violent dis
of peace and good order. 1t
should recognize in the wide distribution
of capital and industrial enterprises the
best assurance of intelligent. wholesome
~ interested, political conduct and should
unnecessary, unnatural and
speculative combinations in trode or en-
terprise as teaching false business les
sons and putting our consumers at their
mercy. 1t should insist that our finances
and currency concern not alone the large
traders. merchants and bankers of our
land, but that they are intimately and
every day, related to the well-being of
our people in all conditions of life; and
that therefore. if any adjustments are
necessary, they should be made in such
manner as shall certainly maintain the
soundness of our peoples earnings and
the security of their savings. 1t should
enjoin respect for the law as the quality
that cements the fabric of organized so
riety and makes possible a government
by the people And in every sentence and
every line of this creed of good citizen
ship, the lesson should be taught that
our country is a beautiful and productive
field TO be cultivated by loyal Americans.
who. with weapons near at hand. wheth- /
pr. they sow and reap or whether they
rest will always be prepared TO resist /
those who attempt to despol by day or !
differ in the night.
] am by no means unmindful Of the ex-
tent to which the American people are in /
4 certain sense. governed by parties; and /
am quite willing TO confess a strong
party allegiance. ] speak tonight of some
hing broader and lofter than psrty-of .
, higher law under whose sanction all .
parties should exist and by whose DEGREES +
al parties should be judged. l would
nave the mass of our voters so constantly Z
impressed by this law, and so insistant .
upon its observance. as to force upon the /
of party organizations the ne !
'essity and expediencv Of its recognition.
Within the limits of this law Of patriotic (
American good citizenship there IS
abundant room for intelligent party &C
ivity: but this activity must be cean
md unoorrupted-sincere In its Intentions.
rank III the declaration Of its purposes
md honest in the affairs OF the peaple
Ii is as clear as noonday that. if the
patriotism Of ours people is 10 be agsrss-
.fr-af,- x-isS IRONS and eq,lql In orr national
reservation. and If politics is 20 sub
erve ? high purpose instead Of degener-
ting to the level Of 2 cunnis game. our