The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-12-26
TWO coVERN0RS ON INDIVIDUAL RE
SONSIBILITY.

WO governors who spoke at the New England
i Society Forefahers' dinner in New York Monday
night Of this week. although speaking on different subjects
struck the same noe and it will be encouraging to news
papers which have in season and out, been trying to
arouse the people Of this country to sense OF Their per-
sonaI responsibility for what occurs here that IS
so. It warrants the hope that the subject referred
to by the governors is really beginning to receive the at
enton that it deserves and that it will be the theme
Of many public addresses.
These governors are Frank C. Lowden, of Illinois, who
by many men is thought TO be of presidential SIZE and
John j. Comwel, Of West Virginia, and it ought to be
Aatterng TO the state pride Of many West Virgnian to
know that of the two the West Virginia executive made
the better speech The point upon which they agreed IS
that the individual citizens of this country have taken their
duties to society and postery too lightly Governor Low
den put it this way:
Successful self government in even the
smallest political unit is the only guaranty Of
successful self-government in great country
such as ours. There are many evidences that
this type of government 10 breaking down IN
America. More and more frequently the vii
lage, the town, the city, finds it cannot main
tain order without outside help. This is one
Of the graveSt symptoms OF the times Whcn-
ever a town permits the due and orderly pro-
cesses of government to be interrupted by
mob, that town is no longer an asset, but be-
comes liability of the public.
A nation is secure against foreign foes only
when every able-bodied man within its Dor
ders is willing, if need be, to put on his coun-
trys uniform, nation is secure against
domestic enemies only whenever every citizen
is willing, If need be, to become peace
officer of his community. This is the lesson
the Pilgrim Fathers taught.
recall that few years ago distinguish
ed son Of New York made notable speech IN
which he declared, in effect, that if the states
ceased to perform their functions, those rune
tions would be taken over by the general gov
eminent. Not that this was desirable, but
only inevitable. For this he much criti-
cised but he right 1t is equally true
that If the municipalities cease to perform
their functions such functions will be taken
over by the state. The trend is now towards
the absorption by the state of the functions
Of the municipality, and the absorption r. the
general government Of the proper functions
Of the state. This trend towards centraliza-
ton of all authority and power in Washington
strikes at the very foundation of our govern
ment A country of the extent OF ours posi-
bly, may be governed in all its details rs an
empire from a central capital, but not as
republic.
Governor Comwell brought the matter closer home to
die Individual citizen when, after sketchmg the progress
Of adcalism in labor unions and industrial life generally,
he said;
Does not the largest share of the RESPONSE
bllity rest upon the heads of the public Off
Gals who have lacked the moral courage to
stand against the threats Of the radicals!
But they will take them [rem-
edal measuresl only If you and the other
Americans put aside partisanship and pick
men of courage and patriotism. Then, haV-
ing done that it is still not enough
You must stand behind these public OIL
calls when they are right and protect them
against the onslaughts of the enemies Of your
country and of society. Some OF these