The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-03-10


and perpetuation Of Christian ideals
and their realization in all the walks
Of life; third, the cultivation of friend
ly feelings between the old and the
young members and the increase of
kindly interest among all the affilat-
ed societies.
1t should be the duty Of all the men,
bers of the association to strive ear
nestly by virtue. intelligence and pa
triotism to further to the utmost of
their ability these noble objects.
Ours is a Christian country. It's
traditions. Its history, its constitution
and its laws are the outcome of Chris
tan teaching. AS far as we can see
there is nothing better in the world
today In the line Of government than
our own. This is the logical outcome
Of the principles Of Christianity which
through the ages have been regcner-
ating and perfecting society by the
preaching Of the gospel.
In the words of st. Paul we are free
with the freedom wherewith Christ
has made us free. These principles
are not only the most liberal but the
purest and best ever given to man.
This fact cannot be repeated too often
nor emphasized too strongly. They
permeate our system of government
AMI have infused into our national
life spirit of justice. charity and pa
triotism that constitute our noblest
heritage. This happy condition de-
mands a most graceful tribute of
thanksgiving to God for His great
goodness to us.
History is replete with instances Of
people who have learned through sad
experience the woeful consequences Of
neglecting the religious duty of grati-
tude to the Almighty.
In our own day the world is passing
through one Of those crucial periods
that furnish thinking, patriotic men the
opportunity Of looking into our nation
al life and Of examining carefully the
conditions by which we are confronted.
Our position, considering our rela-
ton to other nations, and the common
sense and the conservative spirit of
our people is comparatively safe, while
that of the Old World is anything but
reassuring. There the high rate of
taxation superinduced by the immense
cost Of supporting and equipping large
armies, affects the industries of the
people, causes distress, and breeds dis
content among the masses. This
gives to the Idle leaders of the dis
orderly element an excuse for advo-
eating a Communistic Socialism, which
in the Judgment of sober minded men
is z menace to the best interests of So
ciety. Such men have no regard for
God; they scott at religion, and they
hold and proclaim that obedience to
laws that do not coincide with their
destructive theories are not to be con-
sidered as binding. Their avowed
purpose is the overthrow Of the pres
ent order of things, and. to this end.
to attain thei- object, they advocate
violence when, and wherever, they can
use it, with impunity. From these
evils we are happily exempt.
1t is hardly too much TO say how
ever, that the preservation Of the re-
public with all it stands for, would be
impossible If such men as these could
Introduce and reduce to practice such
theories in our national life. They
profess not to believe in the right to
appropriate the property of honest
men, who acquired what they possess
and enjoy by labor. industry, and en-
terprise, in accordance with the laws
! and usagcs Of civilized life.
If the rejublic cannot be prcscl ved
on such theories and practices as
these, it behooves US to be faithful tc
| the principles OF justice on which oul
political life was founded and in ac-
cordance with which We have lived and
prospered. Only on such principle.
can We continue TO form a nationa
character that will safeguard our in
stitutions and preserve our liberties.
If we examine the Declaration of In.
| dependence and the provisions Of tn.
Constitution VIC will find that the mer
delegated by the Colonists to draw "
these documents and to appeal to tn.
conscience of Christendom for supper
and sympathize in their struggle TO
justice and independence. not only rec
ognized an overruling Providence
which presides over the destiny Of ma
tions. but they relied on that SAM
Providence and the assistance Of Chris
tian nations. for the success of thci
cause.
With profound reverence for Gr'
and a full appreciation Of man.; r..
sponsibility to his God, they prolnbite
Congress from interfering with tn
rights of conscience. they safegrar6e
the inalienable rights Of man agains
future legislative action; they secure
domestic tranquility, and provided 70
the general welfare and the common