Page:Frank David Ely -Why defend the nation? Sound Americanism... (1924).pdf/60

56 planned. It would employ as its principal agent the printed word, as the surest avenue of approach—an avenue that is never closed. By day and by night, alike in noise and in silence, in the counting-room and in the cloister, on the sea and in our homes the exalted dignity of the printed English tongue inspires and sways the members of the race. It would print in all other needed languages, and distribute among our people where those languages prevail knowledge of the things that have made America the one desirable refuge for them, free from the discord, oppression, tyranny, or the denial of opportunity which drove them from their home shores. It would seek and deserve the complete confidence of all parties, all religions, all races within America, by an unswerving devotion to right and justice in the execution of its great and single purpose. Its effort would be sustained, continuous, ever planting the truths of America. It would steadily supplement and widen its activities for the accomplishment of its purpose through all practicable and available avenues as these offered.

This plan for a Foundation is simple. It is practical. Its very singleness of purpose and its wide scope and appeal will permit and command a unity of all patriotic effort such as no organization has ever enjoyed. Every agency now existent can be classed either as commercial or political; this means that each has opposition, and opposition limits usefulness and forbids the fullest success. The proposed Foundation, being single of purpose, would have a distinct advantage over any present patriotic agency and could work with all. It would thus meet the demands for which it is proposed; and those demands are most exacting.

To become successful, any nation-wide plan for better Americans must be free from religious, partisan, racial, or other issue than the single purpose for which organized. It must be in entire accord with the Constitution, for constitutional Americanism is the only 100 per cent Americanism. It must stand single and clear in its purpose to guard and preserve our ideals, traditions, and free institutions, and to make better Americans. It must be placed and securely held on the high plane of patriotism and loyalty. No other plan can command universal support.