The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-28

an index Of the manner of life The
whole life Of Americans is more or less n
rush onward, and nothing could be better
than such life il the sole object wore 10
speedily settle the vast territories To the
West and North and to develop the re-
sources OF the continent To many Ameri-
cans that Is the sole aim OF life; and so,
compared with England, or even Canada,
they are the fast-living people, welded,
however, to their idols, so that the wise
words OF Herbert Spencer fell upon their
ears, but have had no perceptible effect
upon their manner OF living. Canada,
again, stands between the two extremes
afforded by England and by young
America-more progressive than England,
less hurried land worriedl than the United
States.
In politics the two countries differ more
widely, perhaps, than in anything else.
1t is not that our standard OF political
ethics is much higher than that of Ameri-
cans, though higher it certainly is. But
the intense spirit of American democracy
almost merged into demagogism does not
exist in Canada. Canadians are demo-
cratic, certainly, but whether it be the re-
suit OF the link that still unites us to Eng
land or the result OF more thorough train
ing in professions and trades, democracy
in Canada is sober and rational goddess,
whose worshippers never have to even af-
feet frenzy OF devotion. Ii
there were no stronger reason
for maintaining our connection
with the British Empire this would
be almost sullicient-that our system of
democratic and responsible government is
just nicely balanced by the soupcon Of
monarchy which we derive from British
traditions. No honest Canadian wishes TO
see a Canadian House OF Lords, but neither
should an honest Canadian wish to see
among us an American House OF Repre-
sentatives. In politics, therefore, rs in so
many other things, Canada appears ~ a
link between tie limited but unmistak-
ably aristocratic monarchy of England and
the hot and fiery democracy OF the young
Republic.
Speaking OF politics. reminds one that il
has often been said that there was lament
able Indifference in American elections 10
the personal character OF the candidate
much more than is shown in our own
country. This is hardly true, though un-
doubleday the question OF character is
thrown greatly into the background by
the moro expressing OF record" "What
Is his recorc2' is more vital question in
an American election, and one much
more often asked than the question,
"What is his character" Besides this,
there is general feeling among the better
class of Americans that politicians are
little better than knaves, that they are
animated by a wish for the perquisitcs OF
office, that they bear IN itcing palm; and,
in fact, are altogether corrupt. We
have not gone 50 far rs this in Canada.
liigh.minded and honorable men yet take
part in politics, and their honor is never
called lnto question. Most of our leading
statesmen have not prodtcd pecuniarily
from their position in Parliament, but
have retired from politics poorer than
when they entered il. The spirit Of the
time is sometimes reflected in the comic
papers OF a country, and no one who reads
the numerous comic journals in the United
States eau doubt that the dislrust ol poll.
tues and politicians is universal.