The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-10-24

wealth gave to each man ample scope
for the exercise of his physical or in
tellectual energies which should at last
be crowned with afiiuence or prosper
ity.
TOO SUCCESSFUL.
But these conditions are rapidly
changing. The population becomes
more dense and the struggle for exist
ence, more severe. Under the changed
conditions a democratic form OF gov
ernment is peculiarly adapted for breed
ing all manner of strange political the
ories. We spoke moment ago about
the success Of this great democratic
institution. Perhaps we have been too
successful. The people have welded
the sceptre of government with such
marvellous results, that now great
number look upon 1t as a wizards rod
that will remove mountains, divide the
seas, transform human nature, or re-
verse the laws of trade and commerce.
The people are conscious of their power
but not conscious of its limitations.
This misapprehension of the nature and
functions Of state is probably at the
root of many of the new political the
cries of these latter days, the growth
of which is menace to the whole
social fabric. Though the present age
boasts of its practical turn. 1t is DOM
mated by some of the widest vagaries
that ever hair-brained specula tors con-
ceived. A natural anxiety therefore
prompts the thoughtful to inquire.
whether conservative democracy Will
be able to ride the storm that is every
where rising around it. Political crit
les of the highest order regard the out
come with doubt and uncertainty.
1t Is not my intention tonight to
crafty or offend the party bias of any
one by discussing the issues of the
present campaign. Yet it may not be
time wasted to note briefly a few of the
theories that animate many of our mod
ern political movements.
POLITICAL CLASSES.
Among the swarming masses of our
fellow w-citizens who participate in those
periodical though peaceful revolutions
called national elections. can be found
every variety and shade of political
opinion. If we should attempt to class
ify these opinions and form those who
hold them into separate parties the fol-
lowing divisions might be the approxi-
mate results:
First, and perhaps numerically the
strongest division, would be. the party
that has for its political creed the de-
baSing sentiment that "to the victor
belong the sDoils." The adherents of
this party are very conspicuous in each
of the great political organizations of
the day. They have been potent in de-
termining the result of many elections.
not on the ground of principle or party
policy but for the sole purpose of per-
sonal ACKNOWLEDGMENT This party looks
upon the state as a stupendous machine
for the distribution of offices and official
favors. Like Esau, they will sell their
blrthright for mess of pottage. To
them the privilege of having voice In
the government Is worthless unless in
some manner 1t brings immediate re-
turns ranging from cabinet portfolio
tc nights debauch at the expense of
some candidate. Fortunately this par
ty cannot attain any permanent power.
1t is at war with itself. 1t will. how
ever, be an important factor in shaping
the ultimate results of democratic
government.
Another class of opinions might be
formed into a party that could appro-
priately adopt for its platform the
words in which the old counsellor. Con-
zola, in the Tempest, draws his imag-
mary state.
"I would by contraries
Execute all things; for no kind of traffic
Would / admit: no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known: riches, pow
And use of service. none; contract. sue
Bourn. bound OF, land title, vineyard. none.
No use Of metal, corn, or wine, or oil,
No occupations; all men idle, all;
And women too.
All things in common, nature should pro-
duce
Without sweat or endeavor.
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need Of any
engine
Would not have, but nature should bring
forth
OF its own kind an abundance
To feed my innocent people,"
This party at present Is in a hope.
less minority. 1t manifests itself oc-
casionally by inflammatory pamphlets
and speeches, and sometimes by throw
ing dynamite bombs at organized So
ciety.
In contrast with this party that