The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-05
MOODY MAKES PLEA FOR
HONEST GOVERNMENT.

Washington, July 1.-THE Government
Joined with the citizens of the District of
Columbia in n general commemoration OF
Independence Day. The features were
military procession in which all arms of
the regular service, army. navy and ma
rine corps, were represented together with
the National Guard of the District and
the High School Cadets, and a public meet
ing. in which Admiral Dewey. Secretary
of the Navy Moody and ". Jusserand. the
French Ambassador. participated.
The parade was witnessed by large crowds
and was reviewed by General S. NJ. 3.
Young, the Grand Marshal. 1t started short
~ after o'clock from the Capitol and WAS
disbanded afte. passing the White House.
The public meeting Immediately followed
under the shade of the great trees on the
northeast lawn of the White House. Ad-
miral Dewey introduced Barry Bullleley of
| this city, who read the Declaration of In
dependence. Secretary Moody then made
an address in behalf Of the National Gov
eminent.
He extended cordial welcome to the
French Ambassador and reminded his hear
ers that without the corporation of the
French feet under De Grasse. the vistory
over CORVALLIS at Yorktown which virtual
~ ucSS4 liIt VI tiS SoA-
| onies. never would have been won. Briefly.
the Secretary dwelt on the circumstances OF
our history which appeal to our pride as a
nation.
Secretary Moody spoke OF the equality Of
all men before the law, and held that the
| laws which are enforced equally for and
against all should be respected by all. The
, remedy for any wrong should be sought
nnlnr tbs lazy and in hn which
resent the majesty OF the peoples Will.
Any departure from this sound principle
in any part of the land is a contempt not
| only Of the courts themselves but of the
people who have created the courts. He
added:
Mob violence puts every mans rights to
| the doubtful determination OF men infamed
by passionate resentment and maddened by
the thirst for revenge, renders our voice
feeble when raised against oppression else
| where and displays a barbarity which
shames the nation in the face of the world.
Let these people. whose Government has
been called q Government of laws and not Of
| men, fix on those who hold themselves
above the law and wiser than the law, the
| seal of their condemnation"
In conclusion, Mr.. Moody touched on the
| necessity of honesty in the public Service.
There IS" he said, mo disease of the
body polite SO subtle, SO powerful, so dam
gerous. SO fatal. as the corrupt betrayal
OF a public trust, whether the trust be
great or small. He could not but believe.
he said, that in the main those who do
| the peoples work are honest and true, but
when the malignant ulcer of corruption ap-
pears 1t is no time for surface treatment
The knife must reach under the very
poisonous root that each may be cut and
cast away. He asked that we do not believe
| charges that are made lightly.
Let them" the Secretary said. BE IN
vestigated with the calm impartiality of
court OF law; but If the offense be D. owed
let the displeasure Of the people come like
thunderbolt from on high. Let not the
hands of justice be stayed or its edicts be
tempered with misguided mercy"