Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1904-07-15
NO. 9
Monarchy Is Outworn.

was never at so low an ebb as IL is to-
day.
The republican form Of government
has proved itself vital and practical
The seeds Of democracy have been
sown in every nation OF the world
Those seeds have germimted. are
growing.
The mental and moral poverty OF
most of the klngly tribe furnishes
horrible example that is vastly aiding
the spread of republican sentiment.
The spectacle furnished by the hered-
itary rulers supplies a more powerful
argument for the democratic idea in
government than all the books that
could be written on the subject.
Look at them-in most cases a lot of
mediocre degenerates who are poison.
ing the moral atmosphere of the world!
Profigate, idle, sensual. their blood de-
peted by intermarriage, there is
scarcely a virile, clean or really able
man in the whole list
William of Germany is probably the
strongest of the lot He has escaped
the moral taint that disgraces most of
them. He can boast of intellectual at.
tainments, though his attempt TO pose
as a universal genius has made him
the laughing stock of thinking men and
women everywhere. He really believes
he is endowed with the divine right to
rule, and his attempts to play in that
high and mighty role are often ludi-
crous, sometimes even painful. His
spectacular and sensational exhibits Of
egotism are not particularly harmful,
but his opposition to the new spirit OF
the age is. Taken all in all, however,
be is probably the least Objectionable
of any of the monarchs of the greater
nations. But, granting this, is he such
a man as free and great people would
voluntarily choose to rule over them?
Without the accident of BIRTH would
he be considered for moment in that
relation?
Edward of England can hardly be
considered in the light of a ruler. He
is figurehead, tolerated because of a
tradition. He simply serves to consume
a large amount Of public revenues that
might be used in more beneficial ways.
Hesis good fellow, and when that Is
said practically all is said True, it is
reported that his influence had some
thing to do in ending the Boer war.
But that attitude was probably due to
no love for the Beers, but to the more
selfish desire that there might be moth
ing to mar his coronation, Even his
most ardent admirers have never play
ed him up on the score of intellectuali-
ty. Morally his claims to public re-
gard are still less.
Nicholas of Russia is the creature of
an autocracy. bureaucracy and an
aristocracy stronger than himself He
is to be credited with a desire for
peace, which he has not been vigorous
enough to make of any effect.
These three monarchs are all de.
scendants of Victoria and from that
fact are not so discreditable as some
of their brethren. There are three 9TH
ers that can be mentioned with some
degree of respect-Oscar of Sweden,
Franz Joseph of Austria and the new
king of Italy. Little is known of the
last, but he has shown some friendship
for the people, and because of this
much can be forgiven him.
Outside of these the list is sorry
enough. Gaze on them:
Alfonso, of Spain, whose escapades
since he came to the throne have caus-
ed his best friends to believe him in.
sane.
Leopold Of Belgium, whose conduct
has shocked all Europe and who re.
Gently drove his daughter from the
body of her dead mother!
Peter of Servia, who gained his
throne through the assassination of his
predecessor.
George of Greece, whose affairs have
become so common that they have al
most ceased to cause comment!
And, last and worst of ALL Abdul
Hamid of Turkey, debilitated by ex-
cesses before his time in terror of his
life, paying his debts at the point of
the guns of an ironcad
Do they not furnish an elevating
spectacle?
Compare this precious company with
real men like the presidents of France
and of America. These men have won
their way from the ranks by the sheer
force of character and ability.
They are shining testimonial to the
rule of the people.
In this day. when our toad eaters are
bowling down to foreign kings, when
there is a secret desire among a few
simpletons for the stronger" govern
ment of a monarchy, 1t is well to call
attention to these things.
The republics of the world will grow
more and more democratic, and those
peoples unfortunate enough to have
over them effete royal relics of an out,
grown system will arise in the name of
liberty until every throne is swept from
the face of the EARTH
The more the world reads Alfred
Austins effusions, the more it realizes