Evening star., 1935-09-18
THOUSANDS HONOR
j. s. CONSTITUTION
IN NIGHT PROGRAM
Justin Miller Strikes at 0p-
pOnentS of Change in
Main Address.
SHIFTS TO MEET NEEDS
OF TIMES ARE URGED
Huge Crowd Sees Parade, Fire.
works Display-Pageants Por-
tray Historic Events.
picture on Page A-3.J

approaching lHc WdoAHibVOi AA0AAu
ment to pay tribute to the Constitu-
tion of the United States on the 148th
anniversary of its signing.
The huge throng stood for more
than an hour and quarter watching
military, civic. veteran, fraternal and
other organizations add their homage
in a torch-lighted parade that dis
banded about the basement of the
shaft erected to the memory of the
president of the Constitutional Con-
vention, and waited to see and hear
a series of pageant episodes and a
number of addresses. The night pro-
gram was climaxed by a fireworks
display.
Justin Miller, special assistant to
the Attorney General, and chief
speaker of the occasion, took the op-
portunity to strike out at the op-
ponents of constitutional change. SO
often suggested as part of the plans
Of the New Deal administration
Stand -Patters Held Enemies.
There are some who stand in the
way of necessary and natural develop
ments," he said. They too are
enemies of the Constitution, because
they endanger its safety by failing to
improve and adapt it to meet the time
of crisis. Some oppose change be-
cause they are too lazy and too timid
to face new problems
Some oppose change because they
have a big stake in the present order;
more than their share. and are deter
mined to hold it against all others.
Therefore the responsibility becomes
greater for those who can rise above
self-interest, and for those who are
not oppressed by fear. to strike out,
boldly, as did the trainers of the Con-
stitution In the solution Of constitu-
tional problems which distress us to-
day"
Earlier in his address, Miller cited
a number of authorities for changing
the Constitution, which he described
as living, growing, vital thing"
These included Washington, Lincoln,
Senator William E. Borah, Chief JUS
tice Charles Evans Hughes, John W.
Davis. former Democratic candidate
for President, and James M. Beck,
famed constitutional lawyer
Readjustment Held Lacking.
Tracing the need for amendment,
Miller said:
"A financial panic with depression
such as that into which we were
plunged in 1929 Is the best Evidence
of the fact that the necessary process
of readjustment (of the Constitution
had not Heretofore been going on.
Wise leadership and good states
require a frank recognition of
error and a deliberate purpose to Sc
cure the necessary changes. Our first
obligation is to seek appropriate rene
dies by legislation. If the Supreme
Court holds a particular law to be un-
constitutional, that does not mean that
1T is un-American or in conflict with
and unalterable princi-
piles. 1t means, merely, that according
to the judgment of the court the law is
in conflict with then existing provisions
of the Constitution.
Our next resort then is to proceed
by process of amendment. There can
be no question that this is a proper
and contemplated procedure"
Commerce Changes Sought.
Miller also asserted that there Is
need for change in the effort to regu-
late the legitimate agencies of COM
merce itself"
While industry is entitled to know
the rules Of the game under which it
must play, that does not mean that it
shall alone determine what those rules
shall be; or that, because it enjoys
favored position under rules now in
force. that there shall never be any
change in them. -"
Our task then in protecting. up-
holding and defending the Constitu-
ton Is q double one; to strive con-
stantly to carry out its mandates and
to strive when need arises to adapt it
in accordance with new conditions:
in order that it shall not be found
wanting in times of national crisis"
The Assistant Attorney Generals
address was preceded by brief speech
by Maj. Gen. Amos A. Fries, U. S. A.,
retired, general chairman of the Con-
stitution day celebration, which was
sponsored by the American Legion.
Close to 100 local patriotic, civic and
fraternal organizations Joined the
Legion In making the observance q
success.
Another brief address was made by
Mrs. William E. Ochiltree, national
president of the American War Moth
ers, who introduced Miller.
Pageants Enact History.
After the main address and before
the fireworks display a series of
numbers re-enacted. Magma
Charta, the Mayflower Compact and
the Constitutional Convention, the
last named staged by officials of the
Federal Power Commission. Dancers
under the direction of Maurice Win
throp presented an Indian ballet and
Is Marian Chace dancers gave the
Ballet of the Thirteen States. A
program was presented by the
Army and Navy bands.
A Junior citizens group pledged
fidelity to the Constitution and the
Flag and sang the first stanza Of
y America"
Mrs. Flora McGill Keefer sang THE
Star Snangled Banner" the last words
Of which had not died away when q
fireworks set-piece fiared into q
burning picture of the American nag.
The whole pyrotechnic display closed
The program.
Police Do Big Job.
A special detail of police, which had
earlier lined the sidewalks of Consti-
tuition avenue as the parade passed.
ypert more than an hour steering the