The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1892-06-17


that he had little faith in the ability
Of the masses for entire sGlf-goyeu=
uaent; but he vas at least honest in
his convictions, and after the adoption
Of the constitution, lHb0rsd TO make a
'65rmanent success of 1t, tEoGgn he
honestly doubted the wisdom of many
OF its provisions. Many people to-day
have the same doubt Of its utility,
only where Hamilton Ghchgtt it too
liberal We think it too narrow.
In reading his articles ia the Fed
eralIst, 81 it is interesting to note under
what conditions several important
parts OF governmental policy were
instituted. When Hamilton stretched
tie meaning Of the constitution 10
adopt a tariff, issue a currency that
might meet the emergency, have the
general government assume state debts
etc, he was not egoJlsticaE enough "a.
claim That his policy WAS perfect.
That assumption was left TO the CON
seryatives OF latter generations TO dis
cover and apply in their usuut brilliant
fashion. In fact Hamilton confessed
that his policy was one OF 5dieHcv.
He found country torn by internal
strife; threatened with foreign inva-
sioui without credit and without
resources. He saw but one wav toI
overcome tie difficulties and put the
new country On a creditabIe Gnancia
basis. He adopted those measures
that would secure the support Of the
moneyed Glasses, because Offering
them extra opportunities over other
classes. Hamilton frankly confssses
that he did this. 1t was a despgrate
eNpedient adopted at a critical time.
1t was at least temporarily successful.
I The wonder now is, not that Hamilton
favored such a policy then, but that
an intelligent people should have con
tinued it so long after it had CutIiyed
its usefulness and the circumstances
| which called it into existauce. Could
Hamilton return for a few months and
hear our conservative orators euIogizs
his temporary eLpedient as the acme of
political sagsr7ty, he would probably
be forced into the peoples agitation
by his sound sense Of the fitness of
things even If he stlH retained his
former aristOcratic prsjudicss.
The instance mentioned is only one
OF many that could be selected for pro
htable object lessons to those who pro
TESS to be guided by the wisdom and
experience OF the past.
The fact that in q country managed
by popular government there ara CON.
tinuully arising new problems Which
should be settled by the people them.
selves and that as directly as possible
The present peoples movement is but
an effort Of the masses to make them
selves heard in the legitimate way pro
vided by the laws OF the country. Ii
is not by any means as dangerous as
our conservative friends would have
US believe. The danger would lie in
haying the masses Indifferent to the
great problems that must be solved.
An aroused, Interested ana susr
getic people is the great safe guard OF
our institutions. Had not the people
been politically asleep for many years
past We would not now be confronted
with the many grave issues demanding
! speedy 'settIsment, The conservatives
viii have to learn that they themselves
are d great obstacle, if not an element
of positive danger when they stand
between the masses and their demand
for reforms through the legitimate
channels OF the ballot.