"FATHERLAND,"
[To THE EDITOR. Olt THE "srzervros.-] SIR,—I am delighted to see a protest in your correspondence columns last week, endorsed by yourself, against the in- creasing use of the word "Fatherland" in English. This "Germanism" has never become indigenous here, and it is an extraordinary thing that it is being employed more at the present time than ever before. It has even been introduced into some of the special forms of prayer which have been authorized for use in our churches. For my part, when it falls to my lot to use any form containing this word, I deliberately alter it ; and I advise others to do the same. I feel strongly on this question, not merely because the word is un-English, but because it is the symbol of a cult which has done infinite mischief, and which is largely the cause of the miseries which are afflicting the world at the present time. The German doctrine of the State is not to be identified with any form of sane and wholesome patriotism. It elevates the Prussian State to the position of a god who is absolutely supreme over all his subjects, and who ought to be supreme over the whole world—a god whose character is mere power. Of this most pestilent heresy the word " Fatherland" has become the sign. Surely we shall not allow it to find a place in the language which has become the mother-tongue of human liberty.—I am, Sir, &c., CHARLES F, DOWN. Csalorlan, Craigavod, Co. Down,
Previous page
