The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-19
TO TALK REFORM.
Convention of Kansans, Advo-
Gates of Better Citizenship.
Higher Standards for Conduct of
Officials Wanted.
VOICE FROM THE EAST.
Rev. David McAlIister of Pitts
burg Delivers Address.
Sessions VIII Close With the
Meeting Tonight.
VOICE FROM THE EAST.

Mrs. Carrie Nation attended the
opening session of the National Re-
form association convention at the
First Presbyterian church last even
ing. Aside from giving vent to her
enthusiastic feelings by a few "amens"
and similar expressions, she did not
actively participate in the proceedings.
Mrs. Nation entered the church in
the middle of Rev. J. A. RenWick's
address of welcome. Mr.. Renwiek
was telling those assembled the pur-
pose of the convention and closed his
address with a few words in regard to
the local situation. He declared that
the battle against the liquor traffic
in Topeka was almost won. He said
it was like the battle between Japan
and Russia, that part of the time one
side seemed to be on top and part of
the time the other. but just as sure
as Port Arthur is bound to fall he
declared, Just SO sure is the Port
Arthur of the liquor traffic of Topeka
bound to fall" To all of which Mrs.
Nation shouted a vociferous amen"
The objects of the National Reform
association are laudable. The leaders
in the movement want to establish
higher standards for public conduct
of public officials and for the guidance
of Young America. Prohibition is also
made a feature of the crusade as well
as the Sunday closing laws which the
association wishes to have passed in
every state.
The convention was not well at
tended last evening. 1t was adver-
tised as a conference of the citizens
of Kansas, and while those who at
tended were citizens of the state. not
many We're there from outside the city
of Topeka. A committee on resolu-
lions was selected and the committee
will report to the convention this af-
ternoon or tonight.
]. w. Gleed was asked to address
the convention on the subject of the
bible in the public schools. Rev.
David McAilister of Pittsburg, Pa,
the home of the National Reform
movement made the principal address
of the evening on the subject of THE
Foundation of the State" He said:
What is the state? What are its
proper functions and powers? What
may it rightfully do?s These are prac-
teal, and not mere theoretical questions.
The correct answer to these will help US
to understand on what kind of a foun-
dalton the state must rest.
THE STATE DEFINED.
1.-THE word state is not here and now
to be taken as referring to one of the
states or commemorative of our union.
1t is used in it's broader sense as in
some measure synonymous with civil
government or nation The United
States constitute one single state as
Great Britain or France or Germany is
a state This word, from the Latin
verb meaning to stand defines the
governing power or the authoritative
civil being as standing or enduring
through changes of administration or
even changes of forms of government.
The state of France stood or endured
through changes from monarchical to
republican government. The state Or
national being we call the United States
has endured or stood through all
changes of party administration.
What May the State Do?
What kind of a being is the state?
What may it rightfully do? Unquestion-
ably such a political being is clothed
with sovereign power. 1t can rightfully
being on earth can do. 1t may properly
define what is right and what is wrong;
it may affirm and enforce rights of
good name and life. 1t may
enact law and define crime and deter
mine the penalty of the laws trans
erosion. 1t may levy and collect taxes
for what it decides to be for the pub
claim the right to educate the youth
Of the land, determining studies, books, |
and teachers. 1t may take from our |
homes and shops and offices and farms |
our young men by compulsory draft if |
necessary and sacrifice them in war |
for the country's defense. 1t may |
Justly claim and exercise, in a word, |
powers which no mere collection of in |
lividuals in a bank, manufacturing, or |
other company, or even in a mass meet |
ing or political party may dare to AFRO |
gate itself.
authorities on the State.
1.-THE shallow political philosophy that |
draws the analogy between the state |
and any kind of commercial or manu-