The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-04
COLLEGE MEN IN POLITICS.
Judge Selden Spencer Addresses
Students at Mortified, Mass.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Mortified, Mass. July S-Judge Selden
P. Spencer of St Louis addressed the con-
ference of college students of the United
States and canada here tonight on the
power of college men in national affairs
Judge Spencer spoke in part as follows:
1.-The government Of a nation is the power
that rules it: and a nation is to be judged
not SO much by the wealth OF its treasury or
the armament OF its navy. or the equipment
of its army. as by the confidence and loyalty
which il inspires in those who are directly
affected by its operation.
1T is aiomatic TO say that a table Gov
eminent must have intelligent rulers. and
manifest both integrity and ability in the
exercise of its governmental function.
''On this day, and al this time. shall not
dwell upon the integrity of our Government.
nor praise, as well we might, its structure
or its adaptibility or its marvellous develop
ment.
eve have with pride watched it gradual
ly ascending during the last hundred years
and more of its history toward the very
zenith of its power in a course go magnif-
cent that the nations Of the earth are dag
zled by its brilliancy. and yet SO sure that
IL its own citizenship be true. no power on
earth can either mar its splendor or hinder
Its progress
a Government like ours The records of
diplomatic events. both Of England and
America. are replete with evidences Of the
or upon an American the hand of tyranny,
or injustice. or oppression can never fall
without a speedy and complete reckoning.
Il Go not mean by rulers those men who
for a day may DE the chief executives of a
nation. nor those who may for term make
our laws or administer justice in our courts,
but rather that great body of the people.
VINO, after all, are the supreme rulers OF
the United states. before whose tribunal
every act and policy ard decision of execu-
tive. legislator. or court, must inevitably
come for approval or rejection.
George Washington. who rocked this land
in the cradle OF its national infancy, said
no truer thing in that farewell address OF
his, go full OF wisdom and pathos. than this:
That in proportion as Government gives
force to public opinion, is 1t essential that
public opinion be enlightened
The college men of to-day Will be the
trained men in to-morrow's confiict-trained
not because of the Latin or Greek. or
science or philosophy he may have learned,
habit OF thought. the ability to meet and
overcome obstacles. which he has acquired
In his college course. and which gives him
the advantage over his unframed fellows.
II that man shall take an interest in and
make study of and give attention to the
problems OF national life It Will be tower
of strength in this land
Questions and policies are now forcing
themselves upon the attention of the Amer
lean people. which are as important to the
welfare of the nation ever were the ques-
tons with which our forefathers had to
deal.
"A half dozen college men of high pur-
pose, OF much determination. of sound COM
mon sense can control any average ward In
any city or any county in any State. and
sway its power In convention or assembly
for decency and right"