Page:Frank David Ely -Why defend the nation? Sound Americanism... (1924).pdf/20



E ARE a heterogeneous people of widely differing ancestral traditions, past environment, and future hopes and ambitions, but with ample justification for belief in all. As citizens of a common country in which we live and have our being it becomes our duty, in all wisdom, to now and again pause, take stock of the times, reckon on the trend of events, and to seriously ask ourselves and our neighbors whether this or that course now being run is wise or right; just as the mariner who, his transit on the sun at its zenith by day and on the stars at night, checks and verifies his position on the chart that he may know to a certainty that his vessel will avoid the rocks and shoals and make safe harbor. And so if we would run true as a nation we who are responsible must first know the course, and then by checks and balances constantly prove that those whom we have placed in charge are holding to that course.

Those who go down to the sea in ships have great concern that the captain and mates should be competent navigators; and so with the Ship of State, we, as fellow owners and travelers therein on the common journey of life, must feel interest in the skill and wisdom of those we charge with the care and guidance of the affairs of the Nation.

Insurance of life and property is a national trait—an American custom and habit of highest business sagacity; yet no insurance compares in value with insurance of the Republic; for with that lost, all is lost.

There is, there always has been, and there doubtless always will be, much misunderstanding among the people over that part of their own affairs which pertains to government. Life offers much to interest and divert; time is fleeting, the human mind is limited, and the demands of those dependent upon us are perhaps so insistent that we know not how to pause in our daily work. But as we love those near and dear to us,