longing which exists in every human breast to be able to say: "This is
mine."

We believe in American institutions. We believe that they are justified
by the light of reason, and by the result of experience. We believe in
the right of self-government. We believe in the protection of the
personal rights of life and liberty and the enjoyment of the rewards of
industry. We believe in the right to acquire, to hold, and transmit
property. We believe in all that which is represented under the general
designation of a republic.

But while we hold that these principles are sound we do not claim that
they have yet become fully established. We do not claim that our
institutions are yet perfected.

It is of little avail to assert that there is an inherent right to own
property unless there is an open opportunity that this right may be
enjoyed in a fair degree by all. That which is referred to in such
critical terms as capitalism cannot prevail unless it is adapted to the
general requirements. Unless it be of the people it will cease to have
a place under our institutions, even as slavery ceased.

It is time to demonstrate more effectively that property is of the
people. It is time to transfer some of the approbation and effort that
has gone into the building of public works to the building,
ornamenting, and owning of private homes by the people at large--
attractive, worthy, permanent homes.

Society rests on the home. It is the foundation of our institutions.
Around it are gathered all the cherished memories of childhood, the