The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1907-02-23

ease; IL we find that widespread
wastefuness and extravaganza have
discredited the wholesome frugality
which was once the pride of Ameri-
canism, we should recall Washington's
admonition tht harmony, industry and
public felicity" and worthwdth en-
deavor to change our course.
1t is our habit to affiliate with po-
litical parties. Happily the strngth
and solidity of our institions can safe
ly Withstand the utmost freedom and
activity of political discussion so far
as it involves the adoption of govern
mental policies or the enforcement of
good administration. But they cannot
Withstand the frenzy of hate which
seeks under the guise of political
earnestness to blot out American
brotherhood and to cunningly per-
suade our people, that a crusade OF
envy and malice is no more than a
Jealous insistence upon their manhood
rights.
Political parties are exceedingly
human; and they easier fall before
temptation than individuals, by so
much as partisan success is the law
of their life and because their re-
sponsibility is impersonal. 1t is cas-
lily recalled that politica! organizations
have been quite willing to utilize
gusts of popular prejudice and re-
sentiment; and l believe they have
been known as matter of shrewd
management to encourage voters to
hope for some measure of relief from
economic abuses, and yet to "stand
pat" on the day appointed for realiza-
ton.
We have fallen upon time when
1t behooves every thoughtful citizen
whose political beliefs are based on
reason and who cares enough for his
manliness and duty to save them from
barter, to realize that the organization
of the party of his choice needs watch
ing, and that at times it is not amiss
critically to observe it's direction and
tendency. This certainly ought to re-
suit in our country's gain; and it is
only partisan impudence that con-
dennis member of political party,
who on proper occasion submits its
conduct and the loyalty to principle
over which his conscience his reason
and his political understanding pre-
side.
protest that I have not spoken
in spirit of pessimism. l have and
enjoy my full share of the pride and
exultation which our country's ma
terial advancement so fully justifies.
Its limitless resources, it's astonish-
ing growth, it's unapproachable in
dustrial development, and its ire
sponsible inventive genius have made
it the wonder of the centuries.
The land we live in seems to be
strong and active. But how fares the
land that lives in us? Are we sure
that we are doing all we ought to
keep it in vigor and health? Are we
keeping its roots we'll surrounded by
the fertile soil of loving allegiance,
and are we furnishing them the in
MIGRATING moisture of unselfish fidel-
ity?
The land we live in is safe so long
as We are dutifully careful of the
land that lives in us. But good in
tentions and fine sentiments will not
meet the emergency. If we could be-
stow upon the land that lives in us
the care it needs, it is indispensable
that we should recognize the weak
ness of our human nature, and our
susceptibility to temptations and in
fluences that interfere with full con-
ception of our obligations ;and, there
upon we should see to it that cupidity
and selfishness do not blind our con-
sciences or dull our efforts.