The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-26
SOLDIERS FOR CITIES
by ABBOT KINNEY

DullQlnS IN chicago nave idlO Out Tic ioNci
story on the lines OF fertilization. The
object Of this defensive plan is not to pro-
vide against foreign aggression, but to
resist domestic riot.
For some time an influential body of our
citizens with the same danger in view has
advocated an increase In the army and its
concentration in the centers Of population.
The remedy thus proposed to meet re-
curing and increasing crisis is not the re-
moval of the causes. but only the suppress
sion Of manifestation Of discomfort.
Those advocating military concentration
at centers of population are placed on one
or other horn of dilemma. Either our po-
litical economy and method of government
is so partial and discriminating as to JUS
tify discomfort to the point of violence and
instruction in the body of the workers. or
our free institutions and popular govern
ment have produced lawless and danger
Gus class SO large as to defy peace officers
and to require military control.
| Either of these views is deadly ar
raignment of the American republic Those
who advocate permanent military estab-
lishments at large centers of population
assume by logical implication, first, that
existing sources of discomfort will grow to
need military force tor the control Of the
discontented; second, that a large army is
required for domestic rather than for for
eign foes, and. third, that American free
institutions and popular control of govern
ment are insufficient to preserve order, pro-
| tect property or even to secure the life of
the citizen from violence.
| In other words, the American republic Is
a failure; the powers of government can
no longer be derived from the consent Of the
governed. but must henceforth grow out
of certain class Of the people and be sup
ported by an efficient military organization.
| Those who have given attention to the
experiences of the world in military gov
ernments and especially to such as relied
on military force for domestic peace, car
not but know that It is in such govern
! ments ti1at order, property and life are and
| have been the least secure.
| That there is an undercurrent of discon-
| tent in this country Is true. 1t Is also true
| that dangerous outbreaks in evidence of It
occur from time to time. 1t is only reasona-
bic to say that this discomfort has Its ORR
gin in real abuses and injustice. 1t Is folly
for any one to say that our domestic dis
content Is without cause
Supporters OF the American republic have
but one course open to them. They must
search out the abuses and injustice that
breed discomfort and remove them. The
issue is status quo Of our political econ
omy and methods Of government with an
army establishment to suppress the insur-
rections which their unreformed continu-
ance will bring on, upon the one hand. or,
on the other, tireless and earnest work to
| remove the abuses and injustice and thus
remove the discomfort and avoid domestic
Instruction.
This issue squarely presented to the
American people can only be answered in
one way.
The people will hold to free institutions
and popular control of the government and
they will seek out the truth and see justice
done to ALL The people will never delib-
erately and upon an honest presentation
Of the real issue perpetuate abuses and
support them by military force.
Every one who makes fair investigation
of our present condition admits that there
are dangerous and growing abuses. Every
honest thinker equally admits the llnmi-
nent need of ending all abuses that exist
Every one admits the need Of betterment
throughout our politics. The line to fol-
low is disputed. Some advocate widespread
and radical changes to be suddenly
adopted. while others. more In conformity
with the American political temperament.
look to more gradual and conservative ac
ton. This latter is not only the safer
course, but 1t is also far more likely TO
secure prompt and effective results.
Too great and too radical changes alarm
the great body Of the people. They prefer
the ills they have rather than risk others
that they know not of. Too much reform
proposed all at once defeats the reformcr.
This Is true even though all the measures
proposed might in the end come to be useful
laws. Reforms worst enemy Is often the
most enthusiastic reformer. While con-
sentative and well-considered action must
be deemed 10th the safest and the quick
est method by which wrongs may be
riehted, we should not lose sight OF the
fact that there must be action. That ac-
ton must be we'll considered. 1t must be
courageous Intrenched abuse, the vested
wright to do a wrong, requires strong ac-
ton by strong men to be removed. 1t will
need work. Success cannot come out of
pleasant Words or idle promenades. The
time to do is now. The defects in our sys-
tenn are not the outgrowth of bad or law
less men, Our people are as good or bet
ter than they ever were. The trouble lies
in the fact that the methods of public
control of public affairs have been out
grown.
We have concentrated population and de-
veloped socially and industrally beyond
the methods of our political system to adj
equately deal with. Our fundamental prin-
ciples are sound and right; our free govern
ment is the only government suited to pro-
gressive civilization at the present stage.
Humanity can only lose by going back to
government resting for its domestic integ
rity upon military organization. No gov
eminent can today be deemed just, perma
nent or safe that does not rest upon the
consent of the governed. We cannot aban-
don our principles of freedom and equality
before the law.
Americans have the duty before them of
prompt and careful study of their political
condition. The end In view should be force
full action to bring the political system into
harmony with the wonderful material ad-
vances of the world.
The corrections made can only be safe
and effective when made along the line of
human freedom. The laws must be equal
and just to ALL Special privileges to none
is the watchword of reform. The day has
come for action. Partisanship will delay
and endanger the fullness. fairness and
promptness of action.
1t Is for Americans to see this fact and
avoid or neutralze partisan prejudice as