On Trial | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 1, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 40.

On Trial.

The Independent in a discussion of “Democracy in America,” tells us that “democracy has never been tried as we are trying it;” that “democracy is the weakest form of government, unless the people think and act together;” that “they can do this only as they acquire common traditions, common ideas, and common interests;” that the following of the “political boss” who “lines up the jostling races” is not the thing; that the present conditions indicate “that if democracy is to win out, it must be done by awakening to new problems never before faced by it;” that governmental machinery must be adapted, and this doubtless will be forthcoming; but that “first of all is needed among all classes a revival of moral and patriotic faith which is not content through blind optimism to let matters drift, but which inspires to action on the conviction of its own responsibility for the outcome.” And this last is the essential thing, and the thing most lacking. When those at the head of government are not only not set in opposition to, but who acquiesce in departure from all true principles of democratic government, what may not be expected? Religion is becoming connected with the State with scarce a protest. Corruption in high and low official places, as a general thing, goes practically unrebuked. Office is a gateway to spoils. Equality of man is a thing of the past. And there can be, in the very nature of the case, no “common tradition, common ideas, and common interests,” where there is inequality and consequent injustice. With ignorance of true principles, with lack of integrity, democracy and true liberty are doomed.