The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-06-01
laws, the customs, and the civilization of

laws, the customs, and the civilization of
the ages,
We are, indeed, great people, and the
greater the people the greater is the
necessity of reconciliation. And if we
would realize the expectations of our
newborn republic we must have a great
er reverence for law, for right, and for
| justice between man and man.
+ There must be new and a more ear
nest consideration of all our people to
| the highest duties of an intelligent and
a progressive Americanism. Our aim
should be to make a better, as well as a
greater America.
The cry of the commercial world is.
| the open door,, square deal;' but of
greater Importance to the common peo-
pie, the masses, the nation builders is
an open door to the council chambers and
| books of the corporate powers; and a
square deal, not only between man and
| man, but between organized capital and
the sturdy arms that create 1t.
CIVIC REFORMATION.
The demand for civic reformation must
originate with the people. Tne news
papers are the great graft destroyers
and political purifiers, but they are pow
/ erless unless encouraged and sustained
by the masses of the people. Although
we are slow to acknowledge it, the able
conscientious, bold newspapers of our
land, have done more TO purify the politi-
cal, social, and business atmosphere than
all other forces combined.
| But ladies' and gentlemen I have de-
tained you too long but let me say in
conclusion, this government should pro-
vide comfortable homes for the old, and
enfeebled soldiers and their wives. Our
Soldiers Homes afford excellent quar-
ters for such veterans as are admitted,
| yet there should be comfortable homes
for the needy old veterans and their
wives where, together they can march
down life's pathway supported by a
grateful government; and where the wife
can lean upon, or support, II need be.
the arm that was once raised in defense
nf hn In 20 III fn e.l.a lte.sn
to his oft told tale of camp or field or
prison, she can cheer him with the story
of their youthful love.
One of the worst evils of slavery was
the separation of husband and wife, and
II is no less cruel and inhuman TO sepa-
rate the old battle-scarred veteran from
his wife In the evening of their lives.
The people of every section must feel
terests are Identical: that policy that
Is of vital Importance to one section of
the country WILL of necessity, promote
the general prosperity and happiness of
the whole people
WHAT 1T MEANS.
Ny friends, Memorial Days mean more
than the decoration of soldiers graves,
and speaking words of praise of the ma
tons heroes. They are schools of pa
triotism. They should give evidence of
a powerful and a regenerated national
life. Their aim should be to make us
all better and nobler citizens. They
l
Ing the public conscience, and in Great
ing public sentiment in favor of right
and justice In every department. of bust
ness and government.
Mothers of the North, have you sons or
husband buried In known or unknown
graves on Southern soil? If you have, let
me assure you that our Southern moth
ers and sisters are today placing fow-
ers on their graves and moistening them
with tears of love; and should some Con
federate veteran who has wandered from
his home in the Southland be taking his
last sleep in your beautiful cemetery.
hesitate not TO place floral tribute on
his grave. Every flower will be golden
link in friendships chain that Will bind
more firmly the ties of union. They will
bear mute, yet eloquent witness to the
sacred covenant OF love made and yearly
renewed between the friends of the
brave Federal and Confederate dead
LANGUAGE OF LOVE
Flowers are the language of love, rec
onciliation, and peace; and every floral
wreath we place on the graves OF the
Confederate dead will be for US a gar
echoes Of love and forgiveness in North
ern and Southern hearts.
Side by side let the prayers of the Blue
anG the Gray ascend TO heaven; from the
same altar breathe the same undying de-
votion to our country, and let our tears
mingle as they fail; and year by year,
forgetfol OF the past, as coming cen.
over the graves of the Blue and the
GRAY. and sympathy's tears be shed for
their memories, and the universal prayer
will be-
Great God we thank Thee for this home,
This bounteous birthland of the free;
Where wanderers from afar may come
And breathe the air OF liberty.
SILL may her flowers untrampled spring.
Her harvests wave. her cities rise.
And yet till time shall fold her wing,
Remain earth's ,loyeliest paradise"