The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1909-05-31
Trent Trust Co., Ltd.
diseases, privations and sufferings Incl

privations and sufferings incl
dent to their soldier career.
The object of memorial sermons is
not to awaken unpleasant memories of
the past, to revive any sectional spirit;
or TO cast any reflection on the brave
and courageous soldiers, who were dis
loyal to the Stars and Stripes; but to
perpetuate the memory of the noble
heroes who fought and bled and died
to establish and maintain the Amer
lean Republic; to stimulate the spirit
of patriotism, to quicken respect and
reverence for law-and to encourage
the love and worship of Almighty God.
War is always deplorable. Its fear
full ravages, the destruction of prop
erty, the groans and cries of the wound
ed and the dying, the loss of life, the
distress and poverty, homes made miser-
able and desolate by the absence of
husbands and fathers and sons, and
the weeping of widows and orphans
make war repulsive to both God and
man. But there are certain conditions
and circumstances that may exist which
make war Unsuitable, and not only
meet with the appreciation of God, but
enlist his sympathy and cooperation.
However, I am confident that God pre-
fers the settlement of all differences
between individuals, sections and ma
tions by peaceful measures since the
Bible records several instances where
God has encouraged negotiations to
avert hostilities. But occasionally
differences arise that the wisest and
most skillful diplomats are unable 10
adjust. therefore, war seems inevitable.
Such were the conditions that existed
before the great conflicts in which our
country has been involved.
But, fellow-c itizens, we have a war
to wage against lawlessness, and wick
edness. and sin. that demands just as
much devotion to principle, just as
much bravery, just as much true Patrl-
otism as any conflict of the Civil War.
In fact some men who braved the
storms of shot and shell hesitate, and
often refuse to stand squarely for civic
righteousness. They viii sometimes
timidIy suggest that something ought
to be done 70 prevent the spread Of
evil. but be it far from them to file
an Indictment against a lawIbreaker, or
to sign a remonstranee against saloon.
Ex-Governor Hanly, whom we greatly
admire because he has the courage OF
his convictions. when occupying the
Governor s chair in the great state OF
Indiana became familiar with this class
of citizens. In an address delivered
at Greenfield, Indiana. he said, "Since
becoming governor of Indiana l have
received letters from some people IN
the state that seem ambitious for some
particular reforms but were not suf-
ficiently courageous to sign their names
to their communications. Others,
prominent citizens, have written to me
Suggesting that [ inaugurate some need
ed reforms, signing their names, but
added postscript requesting that |
not mention their names in connection
with the reform, stating that their let
tiers were strictly confidential. Then
the noble Governor arose TO the
height of the dignity Of his official
position. and exclaimed. ''God save In
diana from her confidential citizen
ship"
What we need today, as never before,
is strong. rugged, masculine, verte-
brate citizenship with indomitable cour-
age and answering devotion to the
principles Of righteousness.
Nevertheless. we are optimistic rela-
tive 10 the future. While perhaps never
in the history Of America was crime
more fragrant, and lawlessness more
prevalent than today, there is a rap
idly growing sentiment against law
lessness and d decided tendency on the
part Of large per cent Of our people
TO assume the attitude Of relentless
hostility toward every form Of evil, to
trust God and DO right regardless Of
consequences. Perhaps the most dan
gerous and formidable evil is rum,
which controls political machinery, de-
fes law. laughs at reform movements
and works desolati0n and death every
where. But thank God. the sentiment
against this evil IS growing nightly,
and we confidently believe that erelong
vast army Of wellequipped soldiers