New-York tribune., 1896-05-24

larity in politics wears also the mask OF cyni-
cism But 1t may be remembered that one OF
the most profound students Of British politics.
who was also an American statesman or the
very highest rank, Alexander Hamilton, frankly
defended the electoral corruption Of the small
boroughs as a less evil than unbridled Democ-
racy. Hamilton was man too earnest TO be
rated as cynic Perhaps something conveying
as little censure will be said by historians Of
the United States OF the present day
Most OF Mr.. Lecky's attacks on American politi-
cal life are drawn from other writers. from MT.
Bryce. ex-President White, of Cornell University; !;
President Gilman, of Johns Hopkins University;
Mr. Lea of Philadelphia, and others. HIS at
tacks on English defects are drawn from his own
observation Outside OF civil service abuses. the
censure on America Is confined largely to the
municipal governments. 1t is conceded that
efforts are making to remedy these defects
But they are at the worst local plague
spots, the disease being counterbalanced by
the general political health of the country
outside Of the cities. On the other hand.
the democracy of Great Britain according to Mr.
Iecky threatens the very existence of the nation.
Conservative tradition is strong in the minds OF
the people Aside from that there is nothing
theoretically TO prevent the complete subversion
BY a single vote Of the House of Commons OF the
most cherished portion of the British Constitu-
ton. The United States have written constitu-
ton with strict limitations as to changes. and the
certainty that all the people will be consulted be-
fore any amendment can be made. This constitu-
ton provides for court to interpret its provisions
with power TO set aside the highest legislative en-
actment executive decision in case Of conflict
This court, in spite Of the lapse of years and the
usual decay which years bring, remains. In the
eyes OF Mr.. Lecky we'll Of most other critics.
one Of the most consistent, most august tribunals
In the world. The Constitution is not a minute
document but its scope is great that
a Mormon dogma. asserted dubiously by Mr..
Lecky attributes ii TO divine inspiration. The
remotest and most insignificant state legislature
is obliged to reckon with the National Constitu-
ton in making laws. and the revision 10 which
these laws are subjected the moment they come
within the ken of United States court Is relent-
less Only by an extremely slow process can the
Supreme Court of the United States be brought to
reverse its own decisions A generation passes
usually before the thing can be accomplished. and
the most important example of reversion required
the greatest war OF modern times to make 1t N
matter OF record. Democracy, therefore. can make
only slow progress In modifying the organic law
Of the Nation 1t gets on more rapidly. according
10 Mr.. Lecky. when 1t comes to the Executive. the
National Congress and the State Legislatures.
The makers Of the Constitution dreaded democ-
racy They endeavOred to lessen the dangers OF
popular government by the familiar but now I'M
potent device of the electoral college. They made
United States Senator's the representatives, OF
States rat her than people but the pressure OF pub
lie opinion has relegated the actual choice to the
masses Of voters. AS for the House OF Represent
atives and the State Legislatures. 1t is to be In
ferred that the state OF things could not be worse.