on in social matters
should be in our mind, the ultimate goal of our activities, for it is
the greatest asset we can contribute to the vast work of
Reconstruction. As Lord Morley said, "great economic and social forces
flow with tidal sweep over communities half conscious of that which is
befalling them. Wise statesmen are those who foresee what time is
bringing and try to shape institutions and to mould men's thought and
purpose in accordance with the change that is silently surrounding
them."

Time, you readily understand, will not allow us to dwell upon the
various problems which Reconstruction will bring before the country.
Our aim, now, is rather to awaken the sense of responsibility, stir the
sleeping conscience into watchfulness, and give to our Catholic men and
women the stimulating thought of co-operation. Our country is being
re-created in its political, social and economic life; to be a living
factor in that "re-creation" is the duty of the hour.

Before bringing these remarks of a rather general character to a close
allow us to mark for your attention the leading problems. They will be
as landmarks planted to guide you on the way. In the international
order, the problem of resetting nations on a new basis by a "just and
durable peace" now faces the world. Racial and language problems
command our attention in the national order. In the political world
ideas are to be readjusted as to the nature, powers and obligations of
the State. Of late, the monopoly of the State has been asserting
itself so strongly that one is led to believe the old pagan principle
of the supremacy of the State will once more reign supreme. When
nations have ceased to give to God what belongs to God, they give to
Caesar alone what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God.

The social order will witness demobilization and immigration. Who
cannot grasp the importance of these great problems with their various
and intricate issues? The greatest transformations are, perhaps,
reserved for the economic order; capital and labor, efficient and
greater production of industry and agriculture, the living wage, and
uplifting of the workman's status, etc. In the educational order the
battle will be greater, for there is a great tendency to centralize, to
federalize education, under the plea of "national schools."

The religious order will see tremendous efforts for union among the
various non-Catholic denominations; "social service"