The record-union., 1892-02-22
OUR INHERITANCE.
Trials and Triumphs OF Free
Government Everywhere.

THE PAST OF OUR NATIONWIDE
DUTIES OF THE PRESENT.
Our Glorious Heritage Compared With
That of Nations Ancient and Mod
ern-Corruptfon and Detraction No
More Virulent To-Day Than in the
Past-Iicense the Sole Defect of
Liberty.
The following admirable historical re-
view of free government ana patrlotlc
consideration of the 'Amerlcah,s inner
ltance' was written by DIR. ). X. Lame
Tor the Critic Club, and was read before
chat organization recently and with ref
arence to its observance of Washing
aon's birthday. The excellence OF the
paper, its patriotic and buoyant spirit,
and its comprehensive review or free
government, make 1t particularly appro-
pirate for publication on this national an
adversary of the birth CT Washington:
1t Is quite common, and even popular,
20 descant on the perils Of tree govern
nent. There is scarcely an electlon that
his theme is not one of the most prolnl-
nent. 1t is used in its every shade OF
meaning. from expressions of fear to pos
tive prophesy in every grade OF rhetoric
n every political conflict, ana partisan
organs proclaim it with the regularity OF
che tides.
In our free Government, where educa-
lion is prof1ered to all, and the largest
freedom of conviction ana action invites
Ghe humbleSt to honorable prelerment,
The learned must bear q conspicuous part
directing the destiny OF the Nation.
It is therefore appropriate TO present a
brief sketch of the past TO aid US in a
lucid comprehension Of the
DUTIES OF THE PRESENT.
Every one who molds thought or in
spires a fresh resolve shapes, in some
measure, the sovereign power of the re-
public. The times are propitious for a
dlSpaSSiOnate review of our political SyS-
tenn and the political duties, which none
can reject and be blameless. The claims OF
country should be second to nothing-not
even to religion. Especially should the
religionist, whether teacher or hearer,
discharge political duties with fidelity.
A faithful discharge of our duty to free
government is not only consistent with
The most exemplary and religious life,
but it is a moral as well as civil obliga-
lion. The government that maintains
LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE
As one OF its fundamental principles, and
Inder which the teachings of Christ is
recognized as the common law, has lust
claims upon the Christian citizen for the
Yigilant exercise of all political rights.
1t is often confessed among US that we
have suffered a marked decline in politi-
cal morality and in our political admin
lstration, but let it not be assumed thai
the defect is in our system of government
or that the blame lies wholly with those
who are faithless or incompetent. Ours
is, in fact, as well as in principle, a gov
ernment of the people. The theory Of
our Government is followed closely by its
application as a fact, and its administers
ton is neither better nor worse than the
people themselves. The framework OF
our Government is fashioned with such
harmonious perfection that the sovereign
power can always exercise a salutary
control over its servants.
Until the people as whole are given
over to debauchery, the safety Of our free
institutions cannot be seriously endan-
gered. Such result might not be impos-
Sible without the Generalization of ma
iOrity of the people, if good citizens sur
render their rights, and their duties, and
their Government to those who desire to
rule in protiigacy and oppression. II
reputable citizens refrain from active
participation in our political conflicts,
they voluntarily surrender the safety OF
their persons and property, and the good
order and Well-being of society to those
who are least fitted for the exercise OF
authority. When such results are yisi-
lle in any of the various branches of our
political system, it is not difficult to point
10 the true source and place the response
pility where it justly belongs.
RESULT OF INACTIoN.
The thief and adventurer will rob public
rather than private treasure, because the
one is guarded with less security than the
other. Men employ every proper pre-
caution to protect their property
from the lawleSs. When an injury
Is done to them individually they
are swift to invoke the avenging arm
Of justice. They are faithful guard
ians of their own homes and treas
ures against the untitled spoiler, but
6vince criminal Indifference to the public
wrongs done by those who in the enact
Ynent OF the laws, directly effect their
happiness and prosperity. To say that
politics has become disreputable is to
make confession Of guilt. He who ut
lSIS IL OGCOAilSS LIS CIV ii dCtlSGf. IL llll-
nicipal, State, or Federal politics has be-
come disreputable, who is responsible
for it2
Have the disreputable citizens who are
in the minority in every community, and
in every party, TO answer for it? Has the
worst element the inherent vitality and
robust intelligence necessary to obtain
control Of political organizations, and Sc
cure to themselves election to responsible
trusts? We are forced to confess that this
can only be done with the active or pas
sive approval Of the good citizens who
hold the actual power in their own hands
here IS not blot on our body polite
to-day that the better element of our pee
1,le could not remove whenever thew re-
solved to do so. There is not defect or
Ceformity in our political administration
that they cannot and will not correct by
THE PEACEFUL EXPRESSIONS
of theiT sober convictions. in the Iegiti-
mate way pointed out by our free insti-
tutions. 1t IS we'll to study and not un-
Cerrate this reserved power immediately
connected with the preservation of ouI
Government. The virtue and intelligence
Of the people Is the sure bulwark of safety
CT the republic. 1t is the only omnipo-
tent power that tOrbidS us to doubt the
complete success of free government. Il
may, at tllnes, appear slow to resent
wrongs which have had a slow and in
sidious growth. 1t may deserve censure
for its foroearance in sea ons of partisan
strife. 1t may seem lost as a ruling eIe-
iaent of our political system. It may be
u.nfelt in It's gentler influences, which
should ever be active in maintaining the
purity and dignity of society and govern.
stAent. But If for season the better
& fHorls OF a Tree people are not evident tC
2 quicken ana support public virtue, il
Iiust not be assumed that the source O.
GOD influences has been destroyed, OF
that
PUBLIC VIRTUE
~ be raStr,.s