The Republican journal., 1911-07-13

bleak New England, these men, our ancestors
present to US an example of unqualified skill
persistent endurance and heroic bravery, that
even after this lapse of time can but fill US
with emotions of respect and admiration In
considering this period of our history we must
remember that the thirteen colonies which
fought the Revolutionary war were practically
all east of the Alleghanies. AS we understand
the actual condition of this country at that
time, its population, its resources, its physical
highly appreciate the grandeur of the United
States of today, which in many res pects has
become the wonder of the civilized world.
nation which in expanse of available inhabit-
able surface, in solid body which can be
made sustaining and self supporting is not ex
ceeded by any upon this round globe of ours
rough and rugged country in its general
make up it may be, with its broad rivers, its
stupendous mountains, its rugged hills. its ex-
tenslve prarles, its picturesque scenery. its
splendid climatic conditions, its wonderful
adaptation for great and varied business and
productive industries, its vast WATERWAYS, its
great lakes, vast inland seas, upon which great
ships of commerce may ride every ching from
natural physical aspect of grand and magnif-
cent character. Our cities are not excelled in
architectural construction, in business equip
ment, in careful consideration of the comfort
of its residents, in their luxurious appoint
ments, by those of any other country. Our
business and industrial corporations are not sur
passed by those of any other country. Our
agricultural developments and productions are
of nature vast as not to be excelled by that
of any other nation today. Our entire country
in the settled portions is one vast beehive of
industry.
And then our ninety millions of population,
an assimilation of the best blood of the world
as it exists today welded into compact mass,
body of freemen, self respecting, self sup
porting, a whole well educated and master
full, the common people, we are all common
people in this country, having an intelli-
gent conception of governmental affairs and
of business principles and from whose num-
bers can at any time be drawn leaders
of ability influence and masterful leadership.
Men, whose versatility, industrial skill, and
business requirements are of inestimable value
in time of peace, and whose skill and bravery
in time of war has challenged the admiration
loneliness and refinement are not excelled by
those of any other people. Women, whose
business abilities and intellectual attanments
are not surpassed by any. Women, whose
qualifications as home makers are of the
best. Our educators, men who marvels
in their various specialties. Our medical pro-
fession, embracing in its membership the most
careful investigators and distinguished practi-
TONERS Of the age.
Our ministers, men of deep piety, we'll edu
Gated, and of brilliant attachments. Our
jursts, men of erudition and thorough attain
ments in their profession. Our statesmen,
men of broad attainments, shrewd conception.
and correct professional judgment. In fact, in
our country, whole, in it's people, in its ac-
complishments, we have much to be proud of,
especially when we look back to our standing
as country one hundred and thirty-five years
ago. Let US then rejoice and be glad! Let us
congratulate ourselves that we are part of
this great country where no man is de-
barred from positions of honor or trust by the
reason of birth or class environments. An
open road is before anyone who will honestly
labor to clear away the obstacles which may
obstruct his path. This is heritage given to
us by our fathers and for which we should be
highly grateful. 1t is one of the valuable
heritages for which we should express CRATE
full thanksgiving upon this, the day we cele-
brate. Rejoicing for our freedom, our indie
pendence Day should. however, be tempered by
feeling of responsibility for favors which
we have thus received. With increased free
dom of action comes increased responsibility
for the manner in which that gift is exercised.
One way in which this is exercised is by the
ballot. AS freeholders Who are qualified to
vote upon the questions of the day, it is our
duty to carefully consider, and faithfully study
the conditions surrounding that subject 1t is
up to US to do our part to improve the COM
munity and help the State. We cannot con-
sistently neglect our duty in regard to matters
which make for the public good for the
general harm. We are in this respect our
brothers keeper. We cannot evade the re-
sponsibiity. Now there is another side to the
picture of the prosperity and granducr of our
country. While all we have said may be true,
| on the other hand, there are existing evils
which N this nation have grown with our
growth and strengthened with our strength.
Many of them have indeed increased with our
prosperity to an extent equal at least to our
more desirable advancement, and it is duty,
and it should be pleasant one, to take an in
terest, and as far as we reasonably can, part
in those affairs which affect the interests of
our community and our State. Upon our vote
rests many important questions, and it is not
right to let our own personal interests pre-
vent fair investigation and consideration Of
them. At the present time we are confronted