The weekly union record., 1864-07-16
Progress of Democratic Ideas.

governments which have hitherto based all
their theories 90 the dogma that the masses
are not fitted to exercise control in govern
mental atairs. Il Is true that, while thus
ignoring the masses Of the people, monarchical
governments have always placed impossible
barriers in the way Of the enlightenment aud
advancement of their subjects, in order that
they might not rise from that servile and de-
graded position, consequent upon ignorance,
which SO well fis them TO be the slaves Of a
pampered few.
But, as before remarked, the nineteenth
century has brought with it marked change.
and the intelligent seeker after tru.h-for the
great cause which has produced this elects
at no loss to determine from what source is
FLOWING the great idea Of universal liberty which
lis destined TO work out the salvation Of the
human race from the calling yoke of despotism.
|ft can be traced to that year among the
brightest on the pages of our planets history
A. D. serenieen hundred and seUsafysir-the
epoch from which dates the history of the FIRST
puccessful establishment OF a republican gov
ernment. The Declaration of Independence
embodes the fundamental principles upon
which all attempts to establish popular govern
nent have ever been made and the permanency
pf the United States is not so much owiug to
he recognition of any new principle as to the
wisdom of our revolutionary fathers in creating
he strongest possible constitutional guarantees
or the perpetuation of those free principles
contained in the Declaration, which has been
ermed by an eminent divine "bm an echo
y the deep thundertngs Of Nt S.nai.'
English statesmen have been waiting for
pearly century for this people to demonstrate,
Trough failure the impracticability of pure
democracy and they have wisely wagged their
pesds in confident anticipation of such a
lemonstration-to most of them "a consumma-
ion devoutly to be wished" But time has
broven the falsity of their predictions, aud
|onfouoded oil tradtiouary assertions as to the
mpraatieability of free governments The
esut OF this is, We now find them declaring in
ubstance that our government is a successful
experiment., and gravely proposing in the
British Parliament the adoption of our corner
tone of universal suffrage. Mr.. Gladstone.
no is the foremost Commoner and one of the
|est intellects of England, aud recognized
Pader in politics, has deliberately pronounced
favor Of removing the last dsquali6cations
suffrage, aud thereby making the nation a
emocracy capable of preventing aggressons,
not of originating still nober reforms. \
rge and intelligent class Of the people of
gland have been for years pressing toward a
Her recognition and a higher assertion OF their
eiitical rights. They now number among
hem the best intellects the most prominent
peakers and writers of the realm. Year by
ear they have battled for popular recognition.
n organization OF two millions Of men has
Fown up pnder the fostering guidance of wise
aders. And now the potent voice of this
Pucated popular sentiment is heard with
spect in Parliament, calmly discussing the
oprety of establishing universal suffrage.
Human progress, having found champions
ID exemplars heaven ordained for their great
ission, has become Infectious. 1t has stirred
} the dry bones of the old dyuasties France
as shaken TO its foundations by the force OF
e new ideas of political progress, which
read like wildire among its people Revo-
tion succeeded revolution in quick succession
ch failing. yet each coming rearer the great
suit If these struggles accomplished nothing
Sc, they taeeht the French people their own
Fepgth, and gave bloody stimulus to idess
freedom which will yet bear fruit. Ii Ger
huy, a silent revolution is going on all the
pre- powerful and certain of success for the
Ason that silent thought natures the most
orough plans for guidance Their silence is
ninous In Italy aud in Hungary, Garibaldi
"a kossuth have been mighty apostles Of
Eedom. and their disciples will yet give a
|od account Of the seed sown by them.
Russia, long singled on, by mider govern
Fnts as the greatest despotiSm Of the world
felt the influence of the mighty current Of
Fedom which, ever since the heroes oI
renty six" unfurled their bright banner Of
berty. has steadily flowed, ike the great Gulf
ream, 10 the shores of the Old World melting
icebergs of tyranny, and producing a won
growth Of mind among the down trodden
ople of Europe. The serfS Of Russia have
en- made freemen by the Eat Of the Car
With all these great results growing cut Of
freedom implanted IN the Western World,
d greatly dependant upon the entire success
the great struggle which is BOW going on
this continent for the entire eradication Of
vestiges OF barbarism. which unfortunately
are sovn, like ta7es, with the good seed
oducing such bloody harvest. there are
ose among Us who demapd a cessation Of
s,ilities, and recognition Of jhe hydra headed
We secession monster which is seeking tc
,iis snd DESTROY this HERITAGE ~ Freedom,