The Coconino sun., 1917-06-08

Mir. Chairman, Members of the G. A. R., Spanish Veterans, Ladies and Fellow Citizens: When l was hon. ored by President Powers of your local Red Cross organization with an invitation to address you, on this epoch making day in American his tory and this suspicious occasion; my sense of incompetency was only ex- ceeded by my appreciation of the dis tinction thus conferred.
 During most of my adult life, when ever I have had message for the public, it has been uttered with no more sound than that produced by a pencil passing over a sheet of blank paper, further aceentrated by the clang of the printing press when the paper was being printed. So, in at- tempting to deliver an oral message from the rostrum, to an audience of such high type of intelligence and ideals, I find myself somewhat in the predicament of a Chicago Press Club friend of mine, who decided to learn the sign language, and went to reside with pair of deaf mutes. Sometime after, asked him how he was coming on. "Oh," said he, q can now talk pretty we'll on my hands, but I have not yet learned to talk on my feet" I am afraid that this audience will learn that I'm in the same boat, with my Chicago friend.
 There's one thing I've noticed about western communities. They seem to possess more intelligent and intense patriotism, and more comprehensive grasp of State and National govern ment functions, than certain other. communities. This is explained by the fact that they are either pioneers, or the children of pioneers; that virile, dauntless, American type, which fears nothing in this world, but tyranny and injustice. May their tribe increase!
 During my short stay in Flagstaff, I have been favorably impressed with the high average of community intel ligence, the standard character of your educational institutions, and your wide-awake modern press, which is honorabIy earning its right to be classed as member of the great Fourth Estate"
 As community you show critical and independent spirit of inquiry and investigation. This constitutes a strong hope for your future. Sir Rob- ert Peel has said that agitation is, "marshaling the conscience of peo- pie to mould their laws" Its means are reason and argument. It has much to do with the formation and growth of public opinion, which once estab- lished, marks step forward in any movement.
 Gibbon says We have two educa- tions, one from teachers, and the other we give ourselves. This last is the best and most general-the one we get from new experiences in daily life. Those commonplace duties which by doing well, became stepping stones to immortality in the path oi Abraham Lincoln.
 The earning of livelihood, this daily contract with the world, brings that responsibility which teaches ready raised and promptly sent to tht and the rights of others. Through such a course we graduate from tn. University of Hard Knocks. Sucl enlightened citizenship is the maii reason why Coconino county has al rtady raised and promptly sent to tn, guard training camp more than he quota of men as based on the popula ton of the county.
 It appears to me that your Flag staff homes are model, American homes, where the children become i'm bued with the fathers patriotic ideals and where the mothers gentle infiu ence for the right and the majesty O