Evening star., 1936-07-04
FOurth-Of July.

Fourth-Of July.
The only conceivable reason for cele-
brating the anniversary of the adoption
of the Declaration of Independence is
that of educating the people to larger
and more comprehensive understanding
OF the meaning of that event. But 1t
may be wondered if the occasion in
variably is employed to such an end.
In recent years the annual holiday has
tended to become a mere festival Of
jollification, recurrent date upon
which the masses do everything except
think about their country.
In 1886, however, there is plentiful
cause to wish that those who are to
decide the future destiny of the Nation
might be willing to devote the Fourth
of July to study of the problem COM
mitted into their hands for solution.
Briefly summarized, the issue is one of
basic policy. Under the Constitution
the verdict must be rendered at the
polls and by all the citizens qualified
to vote. The question is: Shall the
United States remain faithful to the
philosophy of the past? An alternative
proposed by reformers, is a nebulous
and experimental new freedom to be
achieved by war on so-called economic
royalists"
Only indefensible presumption could
prompt any leader to suggest that the
electorate should compromise in the
circumstances. But it also is plain that
IT would be something akin to treason
for any party to make light of the lesson
of history. Hence, careful perusal of
the text of the elemental charter of
American liberty is recommended No
patriot dares to be unfamiliar with its
terms in times like those which at
present are trying the souls of millions.
to advertise to "a candid world" the
Colonies intention to break the political
ties which bound them to England, the
British crown and their British breth-
rem in general. Specifically, it is an
indictment of "a prince whose character
is marked by every act which may
define tyrant." King George III is
not named, but he is complained against
as being guilty of repeated injuries and
usurpations, all having in direct object
the establishment of an absolute tyranny
over these States" Facts are submitted
to, support the charge that he is unfit
to be the ruler of a free people"
Yet the signers made it clear that it
was not their intention simply to change
masters. Indeed, they were at some
pains to set forth their doctrine that
all men are created equal; that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain
inslienable rights; that among these are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;
that to secure these rights governments
are instituted among men, deriving their
Just powers from the consent of the
governed" They then stipulated their
design Ito provide new guards for their
future security and to erect a system
Of law and order predicated on the
principle of representation with full
power to levy war, conclude peace, con-
tract alliances, establish commerce and
to do all other acts and things which
independent states may of right do"
The Declaration closes with an express
sion Of firm reliance on the protection
Of Divine Providence" and a mutual
pledge of "our lives, our fortunes and
Our sacred honor"
Such language, analyzed and reduced
to its essential factors, signifies
firstly, resistance to evil; secondly prac-
tical determination to create and main
tain good. The preamble to the Consti-
tuition, framed eleven years later, re-
peats the same desires in the aim to
bring into existence "a more perfect
Union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility provide for the common de-
fense, promote the general welfare and
secure the blessings of liberty"
Perhaps it is true that the hour is
about to strike when other aspirations
must be served. If So it may be hoped
that they will be ideals as worthy OF
confidence and sacrifice.