The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-03


~ our educational leaders to-day
L = Is the Characterization Of our
schools" How, they are asking them
selves. can these schools, which exert
such a mighty influence upon the
thought and character and conduct Of
our people. be brought to contribute in
a still larger measure to our national
life? How can they be made yield the
richest possible harvest in loyal, useful
and intelligent citizenship? To this
end in many cases existing curricula
have been modified, new features
added, and old ones given a new en-
phasis.
II we examine our educational re-
sources in the light Of this new move
ment we cannot but be impressed with
how adequately Catholic schools meet
the nations needs. The basis Of Cath
Ollie education Is religion: and religious
education is our country's strongest
bulwark of defence, its hrmest prop.
its most faithful ally.
II the history of the nations Of an
tiquity teach US one lesson more plain
ly than another It is that religion is
simply indispensable to the life Of
people Nations no more than individ-
uals live by bread alone. Imperial
Rome was mistress Of the world as
long as she cherished belief in her
false gods, but even her mighty legions
could not save her once that faith had
vanished It was the same with
Greece. She too was a world power.
a nation of heroes and scholars. while
she worshipped her chosen deities, but
fell into decay when she had aban-
doned that belief. II this be true Of
nations In general, most especially Is
it true Of g republic. Republics live
by virtue, and morality Is the very
soul Of good citizenship" 1t matters
not how formidable may be our army
tinels on our outposts may tell us no
danger Is nigh. But II religion no
longer dwells in the hearts Of our citi-
zens, then the strength OF the nation
has departed. Listen to the solemn
admonition Of Washington upon this
point delivered in his Farewell Ad-
dress:
"Of all the dispositions and habits
which lead to political prosperity, re-
ligion and morality are indispensable
supports. In vain would that man claim
the tribute OF patriotism who should
labor to subvert these great pillars Of
human happiness. these> frmest props
of the duties Of men and citizens. The
mere politician. equally with the pious
man, ought to respect and cherish
them. A volume could not trace all
their connections with private and
public felicity. Let 1t be simply asked,
where is the security for property. for
reputation, for life, IL the sense Of
religious obligation desert the oaths
which are the insti snents Of invesu-
CATION in courts OF Justice? And let
US with caution indulge the suppose
ton that morality can be maintained
without religion. Whatever may be
conceded to the influence Of refined
education on minds Of peculiar struc-
ture, reason and experience forbid US
to expect that national morality can
prevail in exclusion Of religious prin-
ciple"
Former Ambassador Bryce likewise
tells US In. his American Com
monwealth" that as he stood in
the heart Of a great American me-
tropolis be was often startled by the
thought Of what could ever save our
Government and its marvellous in
stitutions should the foundation stone
-of;o;o1 h. ar,ar