Page:Frank David Ely -Why defend the nation? Sound Americanism... (1924).pdf/17

Rh the settlement of this trying question further settled, and forever, the fact of an inseparable Union of the States.

From the very birth of the Nation there have always been elements in its population (as there are in all peoples) inimical to the best that was in it—inimical to its development as a free people, tolerant, good-natured, and true to all mankind but mighty and terrible in just wrath. Such elements have gone by various names at different times, and at present are known as bolshevists, communists, etc. One glance over the map, and we see what has resulted where such elements of society have gained the ascendancy. We have much to learn from other peoples; but nothing that is desirable is to be learned from any political creed wherein hatred, intolerance, waste, ignorance, and disrespect for the law and established institutions take the place of those virtues reverence for which has carried America to the very pinnacle of progress among all the nations of the world.

The necessity for adopting a Consitution and establishing a government that should be a Union and possess strength and coercive power are clearly stated in the preamble to our Constitution. The Confederation had failed, principally for lack of power to impose taxes and to raise armies, both sovereign powers. A more perfect union—justice—domestic peace—a common defense—the general welfare—and the insuring of all these blessings and of liberty to posterity were all actual needs, and these constitute a set of ideals for accomplishment which demand not only the exercise of our own best efforts but the best effort of each succeeding generation so long as the world shall endure.

No structure can be more enduring than its foundation, or than the material of which it is built. The foundations of the structure of this Government are our Constitution and our truly American ideals; and these have been proved to be sound throughout all our history. These foundations are permanent, unchanging. But the material of the structure of our great Republic is our whole body politic—our entire population, ever changing with the generations. To date this material has been sufficiently resistant to false theory and so true to American interests that it has successfully foiled every attack, whether from foe within or from foe without. This