Evening star., 1928-02-05

ism. who, when they have been trans
ferred to countries having broader op-
portunities, have been an important
factor in human development. Tney |.
have exhibited tenacity Of puTpoSe. q
strength OF character and a moral foer
that has made them a most import ant
element in any country wherever they
have been found. Next to devotion 10
the home, devotion To the country mas
been one OF the strongest and most IN
dispenSable attributes contributing 10
human progress.
The constant criticism OF ali things
that have TO do with our country. yttn
the administration Of its public affairs,
with the operation Of its commercial
enterprises. with the conduct Of it's so
cial life. and the attempt to ionent
class distinctions and Ieslouses, weaken
and disintegrate the necessary spirit os
patriotism. There Is always need for
criticism. but there is likewise need for
discrimination There is require
ment for justice and truth. Whenever
there Ia the genuine there will be some
counterfeits But our own Nation or
any other nation. does not consist Of The
counterfeits: II consists Of the genuine.
Constantly to portray the failures and
the Geiinquents IL grossly N r7lslead the
public. It breeds an unTarranted spirit
Of cynicism Life Is made up Of the
successful and the worthy, In any can
did representation Of current conditions
they have the first claim to attention.
In the effort Of the press to destroy
vice il ought not To neglect virtue.
These are some OF the ideals toward
which, | believe. the journalistic pro-
fession should work / am conscious
that they are not yet attainabie IN their
entirety, and yet they NAV be closer at
hand than many realize AS civillzs ton
advances the time element Of reactions
greatly decreases Reforms do not al
ways grow UP gradually. They are ike
. ly TO occur all al once. 1t Is, rather.
+ abuses that crepe IN on Us with slow
/ growth. The spirit Of mankind is more
/ and more asserting itself more and
more demanding that the affairs of
government and society be conduct
/ ed in accordance with the laws of
( truth The people who neglect that
precept are bound for moral ex-
plosion. Publicity il not or1iv the
main agency Of reform, il is likewise me
main agency OF prevention. In lts true
function il Il not the voice Of ii7e in
dividuaI reporter or editor. but the votes
OF public expression. II represents the
thought. the hope. the aspirations and
the faith Of the people.
/ Power and Responsibilities
( II Is great opportunity that
comes to the members OF the National
Press Club OF Washington This city IS
not only the seat Of our Federal Gov
eminent and the political center Of our
country. but il Is bound TO become more
and more the center Of science. Of art.
and of literature Because Of the po-
sition which the United States holds n
the world. it will assume increasing i'm
portance in international affairs BE-
cause you have places here OF great
power. you are likewise charged with
great responsibilities.
In no small degree you are the keep
ers of the public conscience. b. being
servants OF the truth you can help -
create and support that confidence n
our institutions. and in each other.
/ which IS the foundation OF national
progress and prosperity. You can glTe
10 the nations a better understanding
( of each other aud increase the hzrmo-
NOUS relationship the spirit Of good W-Ili
and friendship, which wiu bring TO All
I peoples more OF the blessings Of con-
( tentment,