The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1919-09-16
TRUE AMERICAN1SMo

Under the above head Mr.. Fred
erick Wallis, formerly of Paris, now
Fourth Deputy Police Commissioner
of New York City, contributes the
following to a recent edition of The
New York Evening Mail:
Zone of the most important ques-
tions of the day, and perhaps the
most important one, is the solving of
the several interpretations of Ameri-
canism. There are many views in
regard to this vital matter, and it is
right that the subject should be
given a prominent place in each
daily resume of the rapid growth
and spiritual expansion of this coun-
try. The United States is still in the
formative state and must ever be so,
for we are constantly advancing to
the better things, Intellectually and
periodically.
1.-The German spirit is still abroad
and must be met during the trying
intervals Of the reconstruction time.
True AmericanizatiOn efforts lie
chiefly in the attitude of our public
men. The cities are the nerve GEN.
tiers of the country. The cities are
the moral integrity, the fortresses OF
mental and spiritual activity and in
order to keep these densely populat-
ed areas clean and effective centers
we must have men of the highest re-
pute, of the strongest possible char
acter, at the helm.
Business men are too apt to dele
gate their political powers to ire
sponsible persons. One great force
in the broad scheme of Americanism
is the vote. Every American by
birthright is politician in the high
er sense and carries his part Of the
responsibility of good government.
He should exercise his rights of
suffrage and should realize that in
doing so he is but fulfilling his duty
to God and his country. If our Amer
lean constitution is to be sacredly
guarded and the principles of our
government In both city and nation
are to prevail and our free institu-
tions be maintained, and if truth and
loyalty are to touch the ballot and
the voter, making elections clean
and officials honest, we must have
the earnest and fearless support of
our best citizens.
After all, there can be but one
true Interpretation of Americanism-
the standing for the ideals of the
country and the living up to these
ideals in all dealings with our fell
low countrymen. By such a course
we cast our influence on the side that
is bound to bring results and add to
the harmonizing plans of the gerat-
est republic the world has ever
seen. With every American assert
ing himself along the lines of just
and enlightened propaganda, all dis
cordant elements must yield and a
more settled and logical public opin-
ion will become apparent.
1T is every Americans duty to do
his share in effecting general unity
in all matters of patriotism, and in
all essentials that directly bear upon
the peace, security and we'll being of
this country. If we place men of
the highest character and qualifica-
tions at the head of affairs we shall
have little to regret in the next de-
cade or succeeding decades, no mat
ter how great an influx of immigra-
ton we are called upon to confront.
1.-THE United States has hitherto
absorbed immigration units in most
SdtlSidCtOly. hduhCi, dhu Win IhO
legislation now being planned the
country will be able to meet the new
conditions.
I'VE have nothing to fear from for
eign elements so long as the intel
lectual, patriotic and spiritual senti-
ments of the country do not dete-
riorate Indeed, on the other hand, a
new Americanism, baptized in the
blood of a new and dedicated man.
hood, has been born, and America is
moving toward social, political and
economic conditions that are pro-
phetic of a nobler day. This govern
ment is built upon manhood, and
only by manhood can it be preserved
and its glory perpetuated."