The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1905-06-12

suffered. The youth, the best of our
citizens, these were the sacrifices Of
fered to preserve the American repub-
lie. Sometimes I think that the youth
of today do not appreciate what their
fathers suffered then that they might
enjoy the privileges America offers to
them. They only see the glory of war
not that darker side.
"Was there a cause for all this sac
rifice? Probably the fathers who form
ed the republic made a mistake. They
found on the Atlantic coast two civil
izations. One was that of the cavalier
who recognized caste. The other 1
may call the civilization of the Puri-
tan, part of whose creed was the
equality of men. They refused to be-
lieve that capital could control labor
or one man own another. 1t was be-
cause the fathers tried to recognize
both ideas in the constitution that you
and 1 We're called out on the battle
field. Thank God that the question
was settled.
But We're all the questions that
threaten the republic settled then? 1t
seems to me that in the labor question
we have another problem that should
call all our energies for its solution.
Many of the labor unions, once greet
ed as blessings, are now taking action
in direct opposition to the constitution
of the United States. Men in many of
the unions are submitting to tyranny
that no other people than our own
would endure. The union card has
destroyed the equality of men and
their right to work.
ing in from Europe, at first a blessing,
is now become curse. When the east
ern and southern nations of Europe
are draining the dregs of their popu-
lation into the United States, a danger
is threatening the existence of the re-
public. The denying of suffrage to
great numbers of their population by
many of the Southern States is an
lother problem to be solved. 1t is an
un-American action and inimical to our
free institutions.
How great has been our growth!
In forty years we have sprung from a
comparatively small power to one of
the greatest. The commercial balance
has swung far over in our favor. All.
God has wonderfully prospered this
country. and I think often as I view
its evidences of thrift and happiness.
that among other things a divine Prov
idence has smiled on the efforts made
just at the beginning of this epoch by
brave men to preserve the republic.
Are we to preserve this prosperity
If we are it will be because we have
preserved civic virtue high national
ideas. and an intelligent conception of
the principles of government. do not
believe that a man who merely obeys
the laws is a good citizen. A man
should obey the law because it is the
law, not because he fears punishment.
do not believe that a man escapes
civic responsibility through party feel
ing. I believe in a party organization
because it has become part of republican
government. There is always a party
with a principle behind the administra- !
tion. Nothing is done individuality /
1 have always been a par
tisan.
But I have never excused myself
for voting for a candidate known to be J
unfit by saying that he was regularly /
by my party, perhaps
through my own negligence at the
primaries. I can see no line of differ
ance between these public duties and our
private duties. Many men who would /
scorn to accept a bribe have done in
initely more harm to the country by
failing to perform their civic duty and
perform it honestly.
Love Is at the basis of all social
order, as it. is at the basis of all re-
igion. We may differ in doctrines but
all Christian people agree that Christ
founded His church on the principle of
love to God and love to fellow-men.
for we believe that this was religion
that a God would give.
Continued on page ~ l.