Evening journal., 1922-06-12

or security for our people. Toda
our greatest national problem is no
foreign entanglements. not the tariff
not transportation, or other prob
lens (which we deem important, blu
II is disrespect for law-unwilling
ness 10 abide by the laws of tn
land. Everywhere there seems I,
be lessened respect for law and thil
constitutes the greatest menace tina
confronts the nation today.
Some men try to jutify this dis
respect for law upon the plea tha'
the laws are unjust. But to permit
every man TO decide for himself
whether a law is Just or not, anC
not be bound by It If he believes Il
unjust, spells anarchy and ruin
There must be implanted in the
hearts of the men and women OF
America the determination that the
laws must be obeyed and the man
who excuses or makes light of viola
ton OF law is himself guilty. The
deliberate violator of law is an
enemy OF the Republic and is not
worthy OF citizenship in II. I thor
oughly believe in the declaration
bad law Is to enforce II. II is the
right of every citizen to advocate the
reepal OF any law. but he has no
right TO disobey II while Il is in
force. In this country the people
make the laws through their repre-
sentatives and they can repeal them
in the same way they are made. But
unless obeyed while in force, there
is not an institution in America that
acquiescence in obedience to law
there can be no protection TO life or
property. Your life would not be
safe today but for law and the off,
GERS and machinery to enforce II.
Your savings OF a lifetime would
be swept away at the demand OF the
man with gun. and the man with a
gun would be on every corner, II
there be general disrespect for
law.
I'VE are proud OF the glorious
past of our country, and we wish
for II an even more glorious future
A future where, as in the past, re-
wards OF industry may be protected
and secure, where men shall have
the opportunity and the incentive 10
make the best of their lives with
he knowledge that they have a gov
eminent supported by the people
them in their } every
right. This can only be secured
through respect for our government.
md obedience 10 its laws.
IT have already said that the flu
.ure of this country depends upon
you, and the young men and wo-
men OF your age, and your RESPONSE
1ility to our country begins now. As
good citizens you should each one
study public problems and do your
part in solving them. One of .he
dangers that confronts us today is
hat of class government. A very
part OF our population
s divided into groups. each group
that government be con-
Quoted for its special benefit with
little regard for the rights of others.
II should be our aim 10 do Justice
TO every honorable vocation. but We
need a national Vision, and in the
of laws there should be
neither sectionalism or class leglsla-
ion. Special privilege TO the public
injury should never be given TO cap
tai labor. agriculture or any other
sI
'IIe Is not true American who |
will not stand first and always for /
he common welfare, who Will not |
Encompass In his vision our great /
country from coast TO coast, and |
'ecognize that America IS not con-
med to any place within its borders
II any particular group OF people.
II have an abiding confidence in
he future of our country because OF
he sterling character and the true
Americanism OF the thousands who.
With you are leaving college life and
ssuming the responsibilities OF cit
zenship. You will go out in the
Torid approaching not only your OPP
but your obligations.
'ou will realize that there is only
ne way by which your obligation
an be fulfilled and that is service.
ervice 10 your country. service TO
our fellow men. The requirement
{ wealth will not be your primary
In life. II e is your life
iii be q failure. That you will
e ambitious 10 acquire a compe-
nee IS altogether worthy and II in
lat you shall be successful you
lould realize that II affords you
lrger opportunities for service.
you go out into the great world
nd in going you have my most
lrnest hope for true success, and
Y confidence that you will each con-
ibute your full share for the well
ire OF America. believe l know
e hearts and the patriotism OF the ]
merican people. They will not /,
rget our past and upon II they ,
III build its future. They will
,ver cease to make possible the 7
essings we now enjoy. So long as
en- have tongues to speak and
tnds TO write, the sacrifices which )
I'VE been made for America, from
mixer Hill to Gettysburg and i
ON Gettysburg to the battlehelds
France shall never be forgotten.
he experience of the past shall be
lr guide to the future. Conserv-
& all that is good we shall pro-
'ess to higher things, and although
eat social and economic problems Z,
,nfront US. and dark clouds may p
times gather round about us. with =
lat faith which guided the fathers. ii
e too shall be guided and do our 4
art to make America so great that =
shall rear like a mountain peak in \
lie worlds civilization. pointing the =
ay of peace and happiness to all !.
he world"