The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1921-05-27

Ing passing thought of gratitude to
| the heroic dead, and turn to the para
mount business of looking after No. Ii
Let somebody else struggle for the
betterment of the government.
If these be the thoughts of any citl-
zen, it is high time that he should ask
himself If he is really an American. Is
he not merely posing as an American
and obtaining the benefits, when he ia
in fact, Stacker and fugitive from
honor?
Even in the midst of the grossest
selfish materialism there is a quality
which might be called the instinct Of
preparedness. The citizen who con-
fines all his idealism to promoting his.
own interest is still exercising virtue
In spite of himself--the Virtue Of
thrifty provision for the future. Place
him upon the meanest and most despi-
cable plane, and yet he will exercise
some degree of this instructive virtue.
Thus 1t is certainty that he can
exercise 1t in behalf of his country. no
matter what his morals or character
may be.
Is 1t not the primary duty Of man
to assist his country to survive? He
Is merely saving himself when he helps
to save his country. Despite recent
inventions, there is no satisfactory
substitute for nation. The stronger
and safer the nation, the more for
tunate the citizen. No foreigner will
make citizens nation strong or keep
1t so. He must do it himself, with or
without the foreigners consent.
The United States is stronger than
ever in its marvellous history, thanks
to the glorious dead, and little thanks
TO the living. II 1t is to remain strong.
In proportion to other nations and in
accordance with the aspirations of the
Americans who gave their lives for it,
the living must do their share Of the
work in their day and generation. No
slackers! The dead Americans. I'M
mortals though they be, cannot attend
to the present and the future. They
can give their example, but it will not
save America unless the living take
the example.
Next to the never-failing fire that
every American should keep burning
In his secret heart. signifying to him
alone that he is dedicated when neces-
sary to give himself to his country. Il
seems that his most important duty
is to take pains to see that the coun-
try is made secure against possible
destruction. His first duty, in short,
is to make sure Of himself; his next
to make sure Of his country.
Is the navy well and strong? II not.
1t is the duty of every citizen to insist
that 1t be made capable Of defending
the Stars and Stripes against any en-
envy, anywhere In the world.
Is the army well organized and able
to prepare on short notice, on any
scale necessary. to defeat any enemy
that might assall the United States?
II not, 1t is the duty Of every citizen
to insist that the nation be properly
defended
The heroes Of America did not fight
to the death to preserve the Stars and
Stripes for few hours, days, weeks,
months or years. These fighting pa
triots went to eternity believing that
the Stars and Stripes would fly from
their fall until they should rise again.
There is conclusive proof that Al
mighty God is willing that this nation
shall endure for all time. IL Americans
will devote themselves to making it
pure and strong. But the number Of
must not be too large.
ington Post.