Mexico weekly ledger., 1892-07-14

+fSUf society desired. The mill
tant type has given way to the in
dustrial, and it follows that the meth
DDS used in maintaining the former
should be replaced by those requisite
to the development of the latter. In
the early history of the race, when
war and conquest were the principal
occupations of men, a strong central
government was an absolute neces-
sity. This form was adopted by the
Oriental nations, by the Greeks, by
Sparta, and obtained throughout
Europe during the Middle Ages.
But that system has passed away,
let us hope forever. In its place has
sprung up the industrial system,
whose chief characteristic has been
independence on the part of the in
dividual in the management of his
own affairs. Under this system,
whose fundamental principles are
cooperation, right of contract and
right of property, u splendid fabric
of society has beer developed. But
our modern so-called social reform
ers, unmindful of the teachings of
experience, in response to the de-
mand of the mob, would abolish
these time-honored institutions with
one stroke of legislation. The de-
struction of the institution of private
property is the most inconoclastic
doctrine in the entire range of social
istic philosophy. This institution, so
perfectly adapted to the wants of
man, has been one of the strongest
civilizing influences the world has
known. History acquaints us with
no period when property did not ex-
list, and it was doubtless coeval with
human society. Without it, indus
try and thrift would give way to idle
ness and indulgence, and the bene-
ficent gifts of the Creator would be
forever unimproved and unacknowl-
edged. Destroy this institution and
you have already undermined the
chief corner stone OF society.
Opposed to this doctrine of pa
ternalism is the doctrine of individ-
ualism-the doctrine of conservative
Democracy. This doctrine has for its
support the dictates of reason and
the sanction of history. Its teaching
is this: That, taking human be-
ings as they are, in their actual
state of moral and intellectual
development, taking account of
the physical conditions with which
they are surrounded, the promptings
of self-interest will lead individuals
spontaneously to follow that course
which is most for their own good
and the good of all. 1t makes the
State the servant and the individual
the sovereign. 1t insists that man
can govern himself; and that if he
cannot, he should not be trusted with
the government OF others. 1t re-
iects alike the doctrine of the di-
vine right of kings and of legisla-
lures. Its only equality is the
equality of opportunity, dignity and
privilege before the law. 1t accepts
inequality in capacity as fact plain
as the MONDAY sun, and accords to
every man the just rewards Of his
merit. Is it reasonable to expect
the best result from Il imam hampered
by laws regulating his every action?
1t may be well to check refined
methods of deceit OF cruel utilization
of advantageous position, but it can
never be right to deprive energy,
talent and character of the natural
reward and incentive of their exer.
tons.
History is prolific in lessons
against over-legislation. I'm Gaul
during the decline Of the Roman
Empires says. Leciant, $50 num-
erous were the receivers in compari.
son with the payers and SO onerous
the weight of taxation that the la
borer broke down, the plains be-
came desert, and woods grew where
the pillow had BEEN Tame and
De TocquevilIe attribute the French
Revolution 10 the pernicions In