Imperial Valley press., 1925-06-10

A notable movement has been in progress through
out the country during the past years eXa the
constitution of the United States.
1t was at first inaugurated in the public schools
and this year, in view of the tremendous success of
the year before it took possession also of the colleges
of the country. And 1t has extended even to the Jap
anese.
1t may we'll be matter of state pride to know
that this commendabe movement had its origin at
Los Angeles, where the first intercollegiate contest has
recently been held.
The purpose of it all is plainly, increase inter-
est in the fundamental document that is the basis of
government This is precious heritage coming
down to from fathers. Whether not there is
any widespread disposition to ignore and forget the
principles involved in the constitution it is not here
necessary to discuss 1t may be that the trend of the
times is to ignore this immortal declaration of human
rights and guarantee of human liberties Whatever
direction may be going it is essential that
weaken in our faith IN the letter and the spirit Of the
constitution.
Literally millions of the youth of the land have
been thus quickly enlisted in the oratorical contests
with a common theme Nothing has ever before spread
among the schools of the country as this has done
Pupils have caught the inspiration. They have been
furnished subject which is often the most difficult
part of an oratorca performance. And they know
actly where to go to ascertain the facts Also while
they have abored with and discussed it they have
listed parental interest the circle has been tremend
ously widened and the benefits that much enlarged
What will eventually of the movement
not be confidently predicted. 1t is likely to have
farreachng and beneficial effect upon the countrys
welfare. 1t promises to become popular pastime
to study the constitution as to think out crossword
puzzles And the craze promises longer survival, be-
the superficial attractive aspect of it is in the
contests and the prizes that offered for
the most meritorious interpretations and perform
ances.---s-c-&--+-r- NSsesss~<~-
The plan takes cognizance of the value there is in
beginning with the youth of the nation. Getting them
to deve into the constitution is great achievement.
This will nvgorate the patriotism of the country the
source. Inspiring in the boys and girls of America
interest in and love for the constitution and what it
stands for is fundamental wisdom 1t will result in in
creased devotion to the principles of human govern
that have already held together country for
longer period than any similar document has
guided any other nation.
Germany began with her pupils in the schools to
teach the supremacy of the Kaiser and the state and
the subordnation of the individual. She began with
them to teach that the doctrines of Niezsche par
amount to the doctrines enunciated by Moses and
handed down tablets of stone. The preposterous
proposition that William HohenZollern had superseded
the Almighty at last through education of the
youth to take the place of truth that Germany
ready to strike at the world when the hour came.
Germany employed the correct method but not the
right principles.
1t not very long since notable contest took
place among the inteectuals for the best formula to
establish peace And it was matter of pride again
that the high honor came to Californian-Dr. David
Starr Jordan. Thousands competed and he won. The
award this instance made because he proposed
that the value of peace and the horror the waste
of be taught in the public schools. 1t appli
cation of the German plan but turned in righteous