Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 19.pdf/630

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS Now, what can we, as individuals, do to realize our ideals? Many of you are doing much. Some are most intelligently pres sing on a movement which originated with this Association, having for its purpose uniformity of law in the several states on certain important subjects. Many of our committees devote time and labor to the advancement of the causes committed to them by the Association. There is still more, however, that you can do and that you ought to do. The members of this Association who are in general agreement with the proposition that we should make haste slowly in legislation, both state and national, and that until amended, the Constitution should be adhered to accord ing to its spirit and purpose, have an oppor tunity to help on toward our ideal, an opportunity for which your great legal knowledge, your high characters, your skill in the use of both tongue and pen, and

593

your undaunted courage pre-eminently fit you. You cannot move legislators crazed with ambition. But the people can, and will do so when they fully understand the situation. And we need never fear they will not understand it after a time. But the people should be informed now. Do not forget, however, that if you attempt it, you will be denounced by the demagogue and cartooned by the yellow press, a fate which has come to the few who have appealed to reason and to justice. These tactics have enforced silence upon many whose hearts have prompted them to point out the danger of government by passion. But they cannot keep silent the earnest lawyers of this country for a minute after they have determined that duty calls them to speak out. God grant that the hour of that determination is at hand. New York, N. Y., August, 1907.