The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-18
PATRIOTISM

Patriotism, as we have come to understand it during the
past two years, is an old word with a new meaning.
In the past it has been abused, and not inrequently has the
expression been made to fit the personal and selfish designs OF
those who sought to ingratiate themselves into public favor.
1t was invoked so often and adapted to so many purposes in
Samuel Jotmsons time that he described it as the last refuge
of a ~scoundrel."
When the war came patriotism became a definite, tangible
quality without shading and without degree. No longer could
a man be partly patriotic, or patriotic in one thing and lacking
patriotism in another. Under the new disptnsation one was
patriotic or he was unpatriotc.
AT the beginning of the war some men sat while the national
anthem was played. Some Of those who stood did not remove
their hats. There was a lack Of recognition for the flag.
As the war progressed and the people began to iamliarize
themselves with the customs that should be observed there was
a decided quckening Of the national pulse.
These things have been obvious to everyone. Those who
found pleasure in observing these customs are beginning to note
an absence OF patriotic music in public places. This is regret
table.
The lessons we have been learning should not be forgotten
or permitted to lapse with the end Of the war. The younger
generation should be taught a reverence Tor country beyond the
innate feeling that finds expression in national crisis.
We should be patriots at all times. 1t is a powerful stimu-
lus for straight thinking and honorable action.
The man who loves his country cannot be false to his fell
low Countrymen.
The man who is s. patriotic will stand for the things that are
for the welfare OF his country. He will strive to make it a better
place to live in. He will defend its virtues and he will be relent-
less in his fight upon its iniquities.
If patriotism is a good thing in time Of war, when the blood
is at fever heat, and everyone is stralning every nerve under
the pressure of national emergency, it is equally good in time OF
peace when there is a disposition to relax.
Patriotism is not a synonym for excitement. 1t is frequently
boisterous, but it is naturally reverent.
The patriotic citizen is conscious of his relation to the COM
munity in which he lives. He has measured, the extent of his
influence for good or evil, and he has gagged his conduct to
produce the best results from his labor as we'll as to inspire
others to follow in his footsteps
The patriotic citizen is one who takes a lively interest in
the things that happen about him. In civic affairs patriotism
may find expression as well as in national affairs. 1t is as valu-
able in private life as in public lhe,
The patriotism that counts is not a vapor that passes away
in the cooling process. 1t is a solid having both length, breadth
and thickness, a quality to be measured and taken into account
in everv transaction that one has with his fellow Il has
become a constituent part of the national makeup, and the mar
who hereafter shall. lack it will be without that upon which the
state is founded.
Nothing less than undiuted patriotism could have brought
this country through its recent experience with a glorious record
Such a quality should not be neglected, but should be givcr
expression on every occasion.