Evening star., 1926-06-05


dition which MIR. HAMMOND.
should not depart from these prin-
ciples that our forefatherS ordained
and established a Constitution, pro-
claiming that freedom within the
law" without which Individual lib
ertv is in vain. How we'll they did
1heir work is attested by this present
assembly of orators, indirectly repre-
Senting 4S States, sovereign WITHIN
rheir respective spheres, but uniting
before the world to form one from
many.
when, in the history of mankind,
has such miracle of political unity
been achieved? What is it which holds
together this vast continent of l2o,-
OOO, 900 people differing widely in To-
cal needs and customs? 1t is nothing
more or less than the realization by
every man and woman throughout
the United States that his or her
safety of life and limb. right of free
speech and fair trial, liberty of con-
science and immunity of person and
property from arbitrary seizure are
infieXibly guaranteed by greater
charter which constitutes the su-
preme law of the land.
Well for Youth to Study.
"It is well, therefore. that the
Younger generation should pause in
the heyday of their youth to study
this document, for in 1t is embodied
their hope and their opportunity.
And it serves also to awaken in the
minds of those of us who are absorbed
hy the tasks and responsibilities of
nlaturer years the consciousness of
what we all owe to this great Con-
Etitution under which we live.
THUS, the National Oratorical Con-
test takes on a twofold value; an
,ninder to the old. That its purpose
has not miscarried, is evidenced by
the ever-increasi interest with
which it is regarded and by the close
attention with which it's contestants
Qre followed. I do not think it fanci-
full to predict that, as the years go
on and this annual gathering becomes
firmly established, the youth of this
country will come to look forward to
st much as the youth of ancient
Greece anticipated the great games
which, in their way, also glorified an
ideal.
ITO throw more light upon this
great conception Of federal union is
q rivalry which all young Americans
should be proud to enter. AS they
examine the elements which make up
our nationhood they will discover
how surely our forefathers builded:
how completely they conformed their
structures with righteous dealing.
Advises Cautious Changes.
LET these young explorers learn.
therefore. that what has been so
iaboriously upreared may not be
pulled down with impunity. Circum-
Stances do indeed alter, and with
other times come other customs, but
the fundamental concepts upon which
this Nation was founded will not pass
away.
such changes as may be necessary
fn the form and practice of our GOV
ernment can be only considered, but
in amending the supreme low under
which that Government functions it
is wise to make haste slowly. No
clearer proof of the vision OF our an
cestors can be found than the fact
that a little amendment to their, work
has been required in the century and
O. half since this Constitution was Gre
ated, Many changes have been pro-
posed, but few accepted, for the Amer
lean people have instinctively realized
that here was a charter not to be al
tered lightly. What has been so in
the past. will, believe, obtain no less
in the future, and I would venture
TO sound a. note of warning, therefore,
In this day Of many changes, against
any tendency to change the structure
of our national Government without
most careful deliberation.
Meanwhile there is an active,
very pressing duty before us all. re-
gret to say that the older generation
has been found sadly remiss in it, and
we naturally desire to see the poten-
tial citizenry repair our defect. I refer
to the vital necessity Of every Amer
ican entitled to vote to cast his vote.
Way 60 Safeguard Rights.
How are we to safeguard the in
Stitutions we profess to revere If we
do not defend them from harm by the
power of our suffrage? How are we
TO prevent mischievous proposals from
becoming effective If we do not veto
them? How are we to retain upright
servants in the public business unless
we support them?
Here is a duty, here is a patriotic
service, as great as the obligation to
go to war when the Nation is i'm
periled. Here is a contribution which
every active citizen, young or old,
rich or poor, can make. This. I be-
1ieve, the National Oratorical Contest
has forcibly brought out. and therein,
perhaps, lies its chief value.
$50 this movement among the youth
of America TO study the theory of our
Government and measure the true pro-
portions of our liberty will result. I
do not doubt, in a wider appreciation
end a deeper reverence for this great
Union, conceived and brought forth
i'm the name of freedom for all the
people thereof.