The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-06-30
HARDING SAYS
LABOR, CAPITAL
MUST BE FAIR
CONTINUED from Page .One)

tional amendment would take the
question out of our politics. Thus
far it has not done so, though ven
ture to predict that neither of the
great parties will see the time, with
in the lives Of any who are now
voting citizens, when it will declare
openly for the repeal Of the eigh-
teenth amendment. Busodespite all
that, the question is kept in politics
because of the almos> fanatical
urgency of the minority on both
sides. Unless, through the recog-
milton and acceptance of the situa-
ton in it's true light, through the
effective enforcement of the law by
all the constituted authorities, and
with the acquiescence the clearly
dominant public opinion of the coun-
try, the question is definitely re-
moved from the domain of political
action, it will continue a demoraliz-
ing element in our whole public life.
1t will be permanent bar to the
wise determination of many issues
utterly unrelated to the liquor ques-
ton. 1t will be the means of en-
ulSICopcSl lOI Hiohy
1t will bring disrepute upon our
community, and be pointed to as
justifying the charge that we are a
nation of hypocrites. There can be
no issue in this land paramount to
that of enforcement of the law.
"It' is easy to understand the con-
ditions out of which much unrest
has developed, but it is not easy to
comprehend so much of complaccncy
amid developing peril. l want to
give warning against that peril.
"Many citizens, not teetOtalers in
their habits, lawfully acquired
stores of private stocks in antici-
patton of prohibition, pending the
ratification of the amendment and
the enactment of the regulatory law.
Many others have had no scruple
in seeking supplies, from those who
vcnd in defiance of the law. The
latter practice is rather too costly
to be INDUCED by the masses, so
there are literally American mil
lions who resent the lawful posses
sions of the few, the lawless prac-
tees Of few more, and rebel
against the denial to the vast ma
jority. Universal prohibition in the
United States would occasion far less
discomfort than partial prohibition
and partial indulgence.
1T is the partial indulgence which
challenges the majesty of law, but
the greater crime is the impairment
of the moral fiber of the Republic.
The resentful millions have the ex-
ample of law defiance by those who
can afford to buy, and are reckless
enough to take the risk, and there
is indicated a contempt for law
which may some day find expression
in far more serious form.
Cannot Feel Contempt
81 do not see how any citizen who
cherishes the protection of law in
organized society may feel himself
secure when he himself is the ex-
ample of contempt for law. Clearly
there is call for awakened conscience
and awakened realization Of true
self interest on the part Of the few
who will themselves suffer most
when reverence for law is forgotten
and passion is expressed in destruc-
tive lawlessness. Ours must be a
law-abiding republic, and reverence
and obedience must spring from the
influential and the leaders among
men as we'll as obedience from the
humber citizen, else the temple will
collapse.
"Whatever satisfaction there may
be in indulgence, whatever objec-
ton there is to the so-called invas-
ion of personal liberty neither counts
when the supremacy of law and the
stability of our institutions are
menaced. With all good intention
the majority sentiment of the United
States has sought by law to remove
strong drink as curse upon the
American citizen, but ours is larg.
er problem now to- remove lawlesS
drinking as menace to the Repub
lie ITSELF"
apart from the tragedy of it all
l am glad Russia is making the ex'
pertinent. If 20 centuries of the
\ Christian era and it's great stor!
of human progress, and the counties.
centuries before the light Of Chris
tianity famed have been lived ant
recorded upon mistaken theories O.
a righteous social order, then every
thing is wrong, Christianity fail
ure, and all of civilization fail
ure. think Russia is going to rive
anew our belief in established socia
order. Meanwhile we know ours i
the best the world has revealed, ant
l preach the gospel of holding fas
to that which has proven good, eve
trying in good conscience to max
it better, and consider and treat a
an enemy every man who choose
our land as a haven in which t
I assail the very institutions whicl
shelter him."
A large part of Mr.. Harding's ad
:, dress was devoted to discussion Q
y the change in the relation of, woma
a to the social and political organiza
J. ton. The President said he wa
one of those "old-fashioned" peopl
Q who would be glad if the way coul
+ be found to maintain the traditiona
> relations of father, mother, childre
!; and home, but that very plainl
J.. IASSS AV1oCAONS arc III pIOCcSS VI
n ''great modification"
j. "The most we can do, to the u
t most possible extent" he said, 81
n to readapt our conditions of indu:
4 try and of. living SO as to enable tn
: mothers to make the utmost
= their lessened opportunity for shat
g ing the lives and minds of their chi
dren. We must hope, and we mu.