Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1917 — TEACH PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM [ARTICLE]

TEACH PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM

In seeking for an explanation for the apathy and lack of patriotism manifested in many parts of the country, one is confronted in almost every instance with the underlying influence —ignorance. Ignorance of American ideals, traditions and principles. Ignorance of the plain duty of every citizen of a benificent government to preserve and defend the institutions of that government. In the schools of this country from this time on, a department of practical patriotism should have foremost place. Love of country is not all hereditary. A practical knowledge of all that our country and our government stands for in the lives of its citizens is essential to the development of the highest type of patriotic citizenship. It is not enough that a people should have a sentimental love for the soil that bred them. Thousands of aliens within our borders, now loyal citizens of our country, have this love. It is noticeable, however; that this does not detract from their full allegiance to the government that has? received and nurtured them. There must be more than this to make up the true American type. There must be first knowledge-—a full realizaion of the superiority of our institutions; a full appreciation of the great benefits that we as INDIVIDUALS have received and are continually receiving from them. Add to this a carefullly cultivated sense of gratitude, and the country will be safe in the hands of its citizens*. . 1, -

In past years much has bsen said of the privileges of our land. The time has come when we must emphasize the DUTIES of the people to the? government that makes possible those great pt'mleges. Teachers and parents of America, its up to YOU. German statesmen denounce President Wilson as an autocrat, and attempt to favorably compare their government . with this, on the ground that they “have the king’s pledge that the general, direct, • equal and secret ballot the most liberal electoral franchise in the world, will now become an. institution in Prussia.” All very fine and high-sounding, but we might remind out teuton critics that this same “general, direct, equal and secret ballot” has always prevailed in this country, and that it is solidly and unanimously behind our President. Those German statesmen might enlighten the world by stating to just

what extent the masses of that "unhappy country have participated in governmental affairs in the PAST and do participate at PRESEN 1 !'. As far as the future participation of those masses, it may be in a manner not at all to the liking of the Prussian statesmen. It must be remembered that America has not yet been counted as a fighting quantity in the war. When that time comes there will be a different story to tell. The, Germans are now compelled to pit the flower of their fighting force against the Canadians and our boys | will fight as hard and intelligently as any Canadian that every lived. There is no reason for despair because of the Italian defeats. That is one of the incidents of war and will have no lasting effects when the allied forces get to work at the front.—-Fowler Tribune. As conspicuous examples of German “kultur,” we might mention those two million illegitimate Gerfmian children, brought into the world by decree of the kaiser. We might also cite recent air attacks on allied hospital bases, on school houses in England, and the latest praise-worthy attempt to reduce the enemy population by dropping poisoned candy throughout the allied territory. Yes, German “kultur ”is very desirable—not.