PATRIOTISM l 



On an occasion like this it is well to tell the old, old 

 story. Our ancestors recited the Apostles' Creed with 

 drawn swords, repeating the same from day to day until 

 it became a part of the life of every generation. The 

 Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sermon 

 on the Mount cannot be read and reread too often. 



And the immortal principles of the Declaration of In- 

 dependence should be kept fresh in the hearts of each 

 generation of Americans. 



We divide on many questions and in a year when a 

 presidential election occurs, party feelings run high, and 

 the din of politics hums ever in our ears. 



Here in this presence, surrounded by Americans of all 

 shades of political opinion, I hope easily to find a common 

 ground upon which we all may stand, and shall ask you 

 to lay aside all feelings but those of united patriotism, 

 while we talk together for awhile about our own America 

 and what is best for us all. We will lay aside tariffs and 

 standards of value for an hour. 



The history of our country is short but full of glory. 

 In St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice repose the bones of 

 St. Mark himself, removed thence from Egypt a thousand 

 years ago. The church looks still fresh and new ; and as 

 I stood under its beautiful dome and looked up to the 

 three allegorical pictures in mosaic of Europe, Asia, and 

 Africa my wife suddenly asked, "Where is America?" 

 And the recent origin of our people never seemed so 

 clear to me as it did then. 



1 Address by John F. Lacey delivered at Oskaloosa, Iowa, July 4, 1896. 



