The menace., 1915-08-14
Americanism VS.. PopeD

Il hN NAaHA VI AAANAAAAAAciA WIN
p6pery is but a continuation Of the
conflict between democracy and
monarchism. For Americanim
means the form which democracy
has taken in the political institu-
tions Of the American republic.
II is here that the ideal Of democ-
racy was first realized to the extent
that the rights Of man, as a human
being, might assert themselves un-
der sanction Of law and protection
Of government.
Its adoption Of political democ-
racy makes the United States a pc
culiar institution-the hope Of
those suffering the nightmare Of au-
tocracy while dreaming Of freedom /;
a specter and a hopeless innovation
TO the monarchists Of the old world.
Though the nineteenth century
proved a time Of democratic growth
both in America and Europe, the
old monarchistic ghost not only per-
sisted and survived great changes
in its native haunts, but has fol-
lowed democracy to It's happy
home in the new world determined
to reverse the order Of progress and
win back in the western what il has
lost in the eastern hemisphere.
Many sincere and patriotic Amer
leans seem unable TO realize the
significance Of the fact, stated so
long ago, that eternal vigilance is
the price Of liberty. They seem to
think that the breaking of the po-
litical bonds which once united the
colonies TO King George has forever
and unalterably established our free
institutions and guaranteed their
stability. They blindly assume that,
our political affairs and personal
freedom being forever provided for
by the Federal Constitution, each
citizen is now free to follow indl-
yidual pursuits exclusively and de-
vote every energy to the accumula-
tion of wealth.
Political vigilance is no longer
esteemed a virtue. The pursuit Of
wealth is regarded as the most hon
orable of vocations, with the single
exception of some attention being
diverted to individual affairs con-
nected with the world to come.
While il cannot be denied that pro-
vision for the material and spirit
ual means of life is Of the greatest
and grsvest importance, il is equally
true that neglect Of political and
social duties may prove destructive
Of those very desirable ends.
Even such distinct interests as
commerce, industry, and religion,
find most favoring opportunity un-
der conditions Of personal freedom.
We need now, and shall need more
than ever, the political and reli-
gious liberty that the revolutionary
fathers sacrificed so much to OBJ
tain; and those blessings are not
to be retained by a people who ig-
more systematic efforts to reestablish
monarchism.
What this country needs at this
time, above everything else, is a re-
vival of Americanism-a renewal of
intelligent and purposeful interest
in those distinctiyely American in
stitutions that make for personal
liberty, enlightenment, and prog
ress. And that includes a deter
mined resistance to every effort
made by the enemies Of our civiliza.
ton for the subversion and over.
throw Of democratic achievements
As democracy has rendered itS
benefciaries secure in life, liberty
and the pursuit Of happiness, BY the
progressive overthrow Of monarch.
ism, so must the principles Of
Americanism perpetuate those bless.
ings by the progressive overthrow
of monarchistic Romanism.
i u. ~o,,r o-wu mana We, -, 4. =.