Evening star., 1916-05-07
Discusses Existing Perils.


the peris which menace constitutional
government in the United States. assail-
ed within and without by the thought
that considers that document as framed
in the interest of property rights. The
two forms of attack he cited as Stretch
ing and ciistortiug the Constitution TO pur-
poses never intended and as treating
the Constitution as IAN obstacle to prog
ress"
He urged the establishment of local
branches of the new organization to
preach and spread the doctrine of adher-
ence to the Constitution. Local aSsoca-
tons he considered necessary for cam
paign of education.
Senator Lodge referred to the hstori-
cal fact that in 1887. when Clevela nd
was elected President. and when Presi-
dent Harrison was chosen. four years
later. there was no change in tone from
time-honored reverence for the Consti-
tuition. All the propaganda aSsailing it.
he said. has developed since that day.
As to First Ten Amendments.
The first ten amendments to the
Constitution he referred to as framing
bill of rights. in providing for trial
by jury and religious liberty He con-
sidered that individual liberty rested
upon the instrument and these amend
AhcHtS. ne ana the
changes made therein by amendment.
he said. represent the historic develop
ment of the nation. and with it are
entwined the labors of all the great
Americans who have carried on the
government of the United States
immigrants come to the United States
with other traditions than those of
our own land, he said; this he consid-
cred natural and inevitable. But if
there is solidarity of soul and national
consciousness to be maintained these
newcomers must be taught American
traditions-"that the traditions of the
United States from the dawn of the
revolution are now theirs
Regarding the criticism of the Con-
stitutfon as the work of plutocrats
Senator Lodge indicated that it's fran
ers would be comparatively paupers
in the light Of modern wealth. Their
recognition of property rights. he said
was no more than the recognition of
an accepted principle of individual
right. Property interests. he consid-
cred. had less to do with the framing
Of the Constitution than any other in
terest.
Democracy by Self-Limitation.
The Constitution he described as po-
heical in purpose and a limit on SOW
ereignty. The idea of the trainers he
considered was to establish a limited
democracy by self-limita ton. Prop
erty was not given especial attention
except as a commonplace and natural
right.
Judge Charles B. Howry, retired,
formerly of the Court of Claims spoke
OF the acceptance of the south of the
Constitution as the greatest document
over devised by man for self-soyern-
ment- He declared himself not against
amendment of the Constitution, but in
opposition to invidious attacks that as
sailed property interests as not a
vested interest.
Judge William 3. Saunders of Cleye-
land considered II a high duty of
citizenship to resist attacks on the
Constitution He spoke of attacks on
the Constitution as all too popular
heresies''
Other speakers were Representa-
tive Henry st. George Tucker of Vir-
ginia. Col. Archibald Hopkins of
Washington and Judge Sidney c. East
man of Chicago. David Jayne Hill.
former ambassador to Germany was
toastmaster.