South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-07-04
40 YEARS OLD.


This country today celebrates the anniversary Of
It's birth.
At prize fights and pIcnics, excursions and en-
tertainments bali games and golf. auto rides and
aquatic sports the great American people will give
vent to their thankfulness that 14s years ago a
group or men, ready die II need be. affixed their
signatures 20 a document declaring themselves free
Of obligation TO a British king
Those who take surface view may lament the
fact that this great holiday Is given to pug
liism and play
There win be those who deplore the fact that
no longer do people gather to listen-or avoid
the speeches Of congressman prominent citizens
who relate the story OF a nations birth and add
heir verbal garlands the glory OF the signers.
The men who put into written words the aspira-
tions OF their nelghbors had IN their hearts the
single thought that has the right to rule his
own life 70 direct his destiny and that all gov
eminent must have its basis tho consent Of the
governed.
This day IS glorious in history only because men
had reached that clear discernment of human
rights where they ready to die rather than
to be slaves TO any form OF autocracy.
This day is celebrated because it marked this
mile stone in history-that man had reached
stage OF self respect where he longer fooled
10y theories OF divine rights Of kings the power
81 prncely privilege TO rule others
The real tribute 20 these pioneers in liberty is the
adherence to their ideal and the courage to main
tain that attitude OF life which bends knee in
FerviIe homage 70 autocratic power. whether that
power be symbolzed by thrones and crown. bank
account or military rank.
The cheering crowds fight arena. if they
stand level with all others and dare to look every
other eye to eye. their tribute TO the cour-
ageous founders OF a nation.
The gay picnickers. intent upon day OF pleasure
pay their homage to the first brave souls II they
keep in and minds the belief that there
is an equality OF right which is their maienable
heritage
This nation after all is not gathering OF states
rot group Of individuals but ideal
II exists only the great principle Of govern
nlent by consent OF the governed IS precious
- the hearts Of citizens than their material pos
sessions.
It dies when one smallest infringement uron that
right is permitted no matter what Subtle influence
RAY try take it away
The nation has changed its character many times
and often since the who signed their
to the parchment; Of their faith, met 146 years ago
today
But the ideal Of the nation has not changed and
cannot change.
washington. who became the Father OF His
Country through his leadership. was a slave owner.
Recently it was written into the Congressional
cord that he had traded slave for barrel OF
That takes nothing away from the fame or the
reverence which Is his due.
II true. and probably that
the measure OF the morals and OF the ethics OF HIS
day.
The big thing that washington and the 9TH
ers had In their hearts the great courage made
them prize liberty more than life that made them
cherish equality OF rights above their slaves their
vast estates. their private fortunes.
SO that 1t really doesn't matter how you spend
todayf you keep that pure light OF liberty your
heart.
Fifty years or a hundred years from some
doonocastc senator or legislator may arise point
the finger OF scorn AZ some OF the things now done
by the leaders OF today.
He may record. for the amazement OF the men
and women OF that hour. that presidents sat idle
while millions OF men went on strike. that supreme
court judges blandly aside laws designed to
curb the explorations OF children that governors
OF states permitted boys OF Il to be imprisoned
for life penalties for crime.
And II he does. he win do It because OF the fact
that the men and women OF today kept faith with
themselves by cherishng the foundation OF liberty
and self government and permitted civilization TO
grope its way those higher levels where hate
greed and selhshness unknown.
Birthdays important only TO tho living. BE
glad today that the thing which was born 14s years
ago system OF government but a death
less ideal and that # still lives