The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-21
Scores Pessimistic Prophets Heard on Presidential Elec- ton Eve and PrOfeSSes Abid- ing Faith In Government and Republics Endurance.

New York, Aug. 20--James Cardi. nal Gibbons delivered an address be- fore mass meeting at Madison Square Garden tonight, as one of tho features of the Catholic Week pro- gram of the American Federation of Catholic Societies. He said, in part:
 You live in a republic where there is liberty without license. and author ity without depotism; and where the civil rulers hold over you the aegis of its protection without interfering with the God-given right of conscience.
 "In view of the signal blessings you enjoy, it is your duty to take an ac- tive, personal, vital interest in the well fare of your country. You should glory in her prosperity. and be con- cerned at every diversity that may be- fall her. You should hold up the arms of those who are charged with the administration of public affairs. as the children of Israel held up the '' hands of Moses while he intercededt [ for them before the Lord.
 "The inspired word of God enjoins this loyalty to country, and reverence for its rulers. The religion you pro- fess demands this fealty. Thee on- stitutions of your respective societieBj uphold it; and I am sure that there is not single fibre of your heart which does not pulsate with a genuine. undivided love for the republic. and it's sacred traditions.
 'I venture to say that every mem- Der of your society is a loyal citizen. Every citizen patriot; every patroit soldier; every soldier a hero; and every hero would be martyr, to die if need be for his country.
 There are some pessimistic pro- phets who are in the habit of pre- dieting the downfall of our Republic. They are more frequently heard on the eve of a Presidential election. have been listening to these dire forebodings for over fifty years; but on the morn ing after election. we find. the prophets sounded false alarm, that the country is safe, and that the gov ernment is transacting business at the same old stand.
 For my part, I have an abiding faith in the endurance of the repub- lie. I might base my hope on the intelligence and patriotism of the American people. I might base my confidence on the wisdom of our statesmen and the heroism of our sol- diers. I might place my reliance on our standing armies and dreadnoughts- And surely these are all elements of strnegth to be reckoned with. fF
 e But my friends, if the republic is to endure, it must rest on a stronger foundation than the intelligence and patriotism of our citizens, the wisdom of our statesmen, the heroisn of our soldiers, our armies and dreadnoughts. It must rest on the eternal principles of truth and justice, and righteous ness, and downright honesty in our relations with foreign nations. 1t must rely in our firm belief in an over-ruling Providence who created all things by His Power, governs all things by His Wisdom, and who con trols the affairs of nations as wei! as of man.
 .I have lived for many years, and the more grow. the more I am con- vinced that a supreme power inter venes in the affairs of mankind. For if sparrow does not fall to the ground without His consent how can we hope that an empire will rise with out His cooperation?
 This is the spirit that has marked the history of the nation from Wash. ington to Wilson. st is a gratifying fact that all our Presidents from first to last have never failed to recognize and invoke the moral governor of the world, especially in their inaugural proclamations
 Righteousness exalteth a nation. but sin maketh people miserable.