The Washington times., 1905-04-17
What Shall We Do?

Our present system of government,
based upon written Constitution, as
construed by our court Of last resort,
is admirably adapted to organic
change. The Constitution itself was
compromise between conflicting in
terests and opposed PHILOSOPHERS of
government, and the decisions of the
Supreme Court, by which it is inter-
preted, have adapted it to our varying
needs from time to time.
Our system has not only grown but
is capable OF further healthy develop
ment- Indeed, it carries within itself
the means to direct such growth, to
ameliorate and correct unhealthy ten
denotes, and to eliminate the waste
products of norman metabolism. To-
day. its trend is toward q political
evolution, which is merely slow and
deliberate revolution, as far removed
from violence and shock as human
wisdom can maintain.
This system of ours is not perfect,
by any means; but 1t works well and
we are justly proud of it. 1t has pro-
tected the nation from the onslaughts
OF harebrained radicalism as well as
from the dry-rot OF conservatism. 1t
stands as an obstacle in the way of
haste, and makes deliberation essen
tial to all important action.
Checks are imposed upon the peo-
pie, upon their direct representatives,
upon the representatives of the States
composing the Union, upon the execu-
tive branch of the Government, and
upon the judiciary Nevertheless,
whatsoever change the majority of the
people desire, that they may and will
obtain-only, and herein lies the chief
virtue of our system, the desire must
not merely be that Of the majority
but 1t must be persistent and en-
phatic. This means delay, with op-
portunity for full discussion and de-
liberation Of all measures proposed, as
well as time within which to adapt
ourselves to impending changes and
new conditions
This country is not ruled by mere
numerical majorities; 1t is governed
by majorities whose will is persist
ent, and whose expression of that will
is clear. Recently, numerical ma
jority Of the people desired the free
and unlimited coinage of silver at
set standard of value, and the ex-
preston Of their desire was emphatic.
Our system placed a check upon that
desire, however, and It was discovered
that the majority were not in earnest
about the matter but had lost their
interest within the brief space of
four years. IL the desire had been as
real and continuous as it was yoclfer-
Gus, 1t would have expanded until the
electoral vote had represented the
popular Will, and the personnel of the
National Legislature had changed
And SO we might trace the various
checks which we have placed upon
our own actions. all working TO the
general good and restraining precipi-
fancy, but not one or all of which
could hinder the real and continued
will Of the people.
Today, there is before the people q
very general and somewhat intense
discussion Of the advisability of fur.
ther national control OF corporate
wealth engaged in interstate com
merce. This discussion, ordinarily
is divided into Q) whether the Gov
ernment shall exercise further power.
over manufacturing and trading cor
porations commonly known as trusts
and (2) whether 1t shall exercise fur
ther powers over the common car
riers.
Already the General Government
exercises important powers over th'