The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-07-05

special interests. II this be true in a
land where the people are absolute
monarchs, unless they willingly bow
their heads to the yoke, there is in
peaceful ways, an adequate remedy.
IL comes through careful study of
the duties attaching to our trust, du-
ties which require the preservation of
institutions given to us at the cost of
lmmeasurable sacrifice. Those who
fail to assert themselves in the prelim-
mary convention or primary elections,
may not fairly complain if men set up
TO manage their political interests are
not OF their approval. We should re-
member that ours is a self govern
ment, that each elector owes it to his
self respect if to no higher considera-
ton, to stud the methods of political
action. Numbers of our honest and
intelligent voters so indifferently dis
charge their duty that their influence
which might be controlling, is unfelt
and few individuals or small clique
VINO represents only their own selfish
views dictate especially in local af-
fairs and policy of political parties.
NOR can We ignore the fact that the
lnstrumentalities are sometimes DOW
erful in our elections. In the use of
improper means at election, We have
not fortunately passed the danger
point at which return is impossible.
1t is our privilege to rejoice this
day over the Republic more than a
century old, in a lang reclaimed from
the wilderness since its birth, grown
rich IN agricultural anc in trade long
after its founders have passed away,
grown from 13 colonies to 48 states,
from population of 100000 to that
OF 10O.OOO,0OO; to be dwellers in and
important factors in government
which is actually better and greater
than its fame. From the present we
may again look into the shadowy
past and see the stately procession OF
immortals who happily were present
at its birth and whose good fortune
1t was to support its feeble youth
Washington, Warren, Putnam, Marion
and Hamilton and the associates and
co-laborers in the great struggle
struggle which excited the sneers of
the great Napoleon on account of the
insignificant numbers engaged and
which compared with the war for the
suppression of the Rebellion and of
the appalling present European War
was but a series of skirmishes; yet,
which in its results consecrated a
quarter of the world to the uses of
free government
The simplicity of independence Hall
the earneStness and vigOr of the
Constitutional Convention-the wis. |
dom and practicaul craftsmanship of
Jefferson and Franklin and Madison, |
and the long list Of names fixed in |
the encircling wreath of oak and |
laurel come back to US today These !
patriots were acquainted with poverty |
and sorrow-they played a forlorn |
game. Defeat meant absolute ruin
victory, independence for themselves |
and their descendants They did not |
hesitate-they were weak and poor
we are powerful and rich What |
strength can win-what wealth can |
buy is ours. They founded the Re-
public hoping that the oppressed Of |
all lands might here find sanctuary.
It would take too long to recite the |
personal rights guaranteed to every |
citizen Of this favored land His per-
sonal and property rights are guarded
with a jealous care and all these priv |
'leges cost simply a portion of ones
in the form Of taxes, and re-
spect for law and order Laws enact
ed by our chosen Representatives in
.erpreted by courts selected by our.
selves, administered and enforced by
officers who are our friends and
1eighbors, and whom we may prompt
y depose, if in our judgment, they
are unworthy. We pay for none of
he pagentry Of royalty-the funct-
ons Of the government are performed
is the hand of iron in the
glove of velvet. We need not despair
If the republic SO Ions as we are
honest. and respect and honor the
principles represented by the flag
While diligence and prudence in bust
less is always to be commended, yet
ife should soar to nobler ends than
he mere accumulation of wealth. Let
is at least on the anniversary Of the
birth Of the Republic. give serious and
consideration to the bless
ngs Of free government and the pro-
notion of the comm welfare "Ill
ares the land to Fastening ills prey.
E-A SAC