The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-13

was the next speaker. His remarks in
Guided plea for federation in matters re
| ligious and political. He paid a cordial
tribute to the Knights of Columbus.
Mrs. II. J. Krips sang beautiful solo
in excellent style and her number was
| followed by a enthusiastically glowing
speech by DR. II. A. Elkouri on "Frater-
nalism.' In his peroratiop he described
Columbus as the greatest ''fraternalist''
the world had eevr known. After DR..
| Elkouri came the Very Rev. Father Noon,
whose topic was Columbianism and Amer
lean Citizenship"
Father Moons Address
The Very Rev. Father Noon being the
next speaker introduced made the fol-
lowing address:
Il am more than glad to meet and
greet you on this anniversary which
means SO much to all of us. It Is a
privilege, as well as pleasure, to speak
on the subject of knighthood to men of
the southland, where chivalry long has
been almost religion.
''The subject assigned me this evening
is "Columbianism and American Citizen
ship" Surely we knights have every
reason to be loyal citizens of our country.
This land was discovered by navigators,
whose proudest boast was that they were
faithful children of mother church. In
time of need, his land was defended by
Catholic valor. and, from earliest days
it has been supported In part by Cath
olic loyalty and devotion. Catholic patriots
and heroes are accorded, without ques-
ton, an honored place in American his
tory Yet by many it is said that we of
the present are aliens; that we have no
right here, and that we cannot be good
citizens.
Our Catholic forefathers gladly gave
OF their means for the upbuilding of the
nation. and joyfully shed their blood in
defense of the nations honor. They helped
/ to solve every problem our country
has had to face.
Fellow Knights, there are problems
In our day which press for solution. The
best men of the nation are seeking
solution OF these many questions, which
VIII do full justice to all. noble effort
is being made towards higher standard
of citizenship. As Knights of Columbus,
we cannot afford to be behind others in
our efforts to better conditions. We
ought to take the lead in any movement
in that direction
Our first claim to such a distinction
Is the fact that we are Christian knights
or soldiers Have you ever reflected on
what 1t meant to be knight of Christ
in days Of old. This honor was con-
Ierred upon those alone who, through
long years of service, had learned the
qualities that became true cavalier
bravery, courage and constancy; rever-
ence for womanhood, respect for law and
authority and obedience to God. They
were sworn to VOWS of utter hardihood in
defense of truth and justice of nttermost
obedience to king and country, and utter
most fidelity to Christ and to every phase
of Christian duty. AS knights of Christ
all these noble professions are ours. If
true to our Divine King-and that is our
llrst and most sacred duty-we cannot
fail to live up to every other obligation,
whether of religious or civic character
by another title 1T is ours to take the
lead in every patriotic endeavor. 1t is
the fact that we are knights of Column
pus. Inc idea in taking him for the
patron or our order, was that we might
initiate all that is worthy of emulation
IN MS life. Now there are two things
that stand out prominently in the life
ana character of Columbus; and those two
Things are patriotism and religious fidel-
ity. AS loyal Catholic, he realized that
the two must go hand in hand.
surely we members of an organization
which bears the name of the brave en-
lumpus have every reason to be LOYAL
citizens of the land which owes its dis
covery to him. With us, also, patriotism
| is religious duty We need not be told
that to be a good citizen it is not enough
| merely to obey the laws. Good citizenship
means a faithful regard for the constitu-
ton and the law of the land. 1t means
steadfast adherence to the principles
of honor, honesty and right-liying But
! II means more than this. The good citizen
must fight against the evils which
| threaten his country. He must have a
| riacucal sympathy for his less fortunate
Fellows; and he must strive, by eddca-
tlon and example, to pass on to succeed
and happiness which he enjoys.
! NOV, knights of CO1l1rnlus ara ,,oou
Harry ntted for the fulfillment of these
offices. On principle, and in obedience
to their religion, they are bound to stand
on the right side of every question that
aHects the permanent welfare of the ma
ton. / think it can be said in sincerity
and truth that American Knights Of CO.
iumbus are making a noble effort to be
true to the highest ideals of Christian
citizenship. Rejoicing in the priceless
heritage OF freedom and equality of op-
portunity. handed down from other DAYS
they are found battling for the weak
against the strong; for the right against
| the wrong; for the dissipation of igno-
rance. error and prejudice, and for the
advancement of civilization in all that the
name implies
Sisnor Nappi played on the cornet with
taste and feeling Shubert's "Serenade >
lie was followed by Thomas j. Crittenden.
VINO spoke briefly, and the programme
| MISS
Margaret Travers. This lady was in
splendid voice and acquitted herself with
| marked distinction.
Among the invited guests present was
Nathan l.. Miller.
| Governor O'Nears secretary wrote that
as the governor was out of the state by
previous appointment he could not at
| tend the banquet
The Following telegram was read:
| washington, d. c., October 0. 1919.
m. Edward Lnnehan, Birmingham:
| Regret will not be able to leave wa sh-
ington by October II and accept your in
Vltation to annual banquet of Knights
OF Columbus 1t would give me great
| pleasure If IL were possible to do so.
| OSCAR w. UNDERWOOD"
This is the committee for the Columbus
DAY celebration covering the ban1uet last
night and the Knights of Columbus ball
at the Hilman tonight:
| Robert E. Mccormack, charman: Ed
mund G. Kahn. Dr. Frank S. Noon. J.
Palmer Thomas, John F. Antwine. Jr..
Edward L. Antwine, H. Frank MCGOWAN.
DR.. Arnold Masberg. John A. Lambert.
Henry j. Kribs, DR.. H. A. Elkourie.
| Charles E. Mason.
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