New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-05

cover for public wrongs ~ "
FALSE DOCTRINE OF MONTEsQI-IEJ-.
emerson had no patience with the doctrina If
in 'eSIa9u mat republic can be preserved only
''ii,i4l territory. The reverse" he said SIS
me truth"s We are fortunate IN bavirq- . dje+ri
. u powers and in the maintenance of local
phoIy through units conserved nv historical ar
, sentimental associations We live under C,onsti
80 80 wisely guaranteeing division Of powers
80 cen me FEDERAL and the state governments so
" e"ci may exercise its appropriate authority.
We have no need to look with concern mon in
,LIeaSlng activities Of the federal government so
'-e as Iey are pertinent TO the accomplishment
Vi FEDERAL objects and do not interfere with tbe
eINlSe or the powers of the states IN the conduct
OF their local affairs. But we MAY, Dro,ar1,- bo
ooIl'e alarmed when state governments lack yisor
and efficiency in the protection of their own cfti
Zens ana IN the control of the exercise of the fran
CIises they have granted. There IS no incon1pati-
~ oelMeen vigorous state administration look
ing AFTER It's own affairs and strong national ad-
Iill'lSltttlon dealing with national questions and
Supeil lslhS by strict and adequate regulation in
terstate commerce. Both are essential and in tha
1aop ION mat me people insist upon efficient and
responsible administration of local affairs are tbey
4'Aeiy 10 secure proper and responsible exercise
OF FEDERAL authority whatever its necessary extern
within its constitutional sphere
OURS NOT 4 PURE DEMOCRACY.
Ours is not and was not intende:, 10 ha a r,ra
democracy II Is impracticable that the people
should administer the government directly They
govern through representatfyes For tbeiy rrotnc
'oH they have by direct legislation created con-
sututions lettering the power Of their representa-
yves and establishing Safeguards by which they
suits Of their thrift
Me note with satisfaction the increasing sense of
Ie+SPonslplhtY TO the people the part OF those
go, 80 tgPIeSSht them. Efforts to dominate eEisla-
non Tor selfish purposes and attempts through tn,
ti"S OF popular election TO place in office those
- ~ me Galse or executing public trusts
private interests less successful than here
Ioioro The people have become intoleraut Of such
1I,'IloIotS representation, And it is entirely
Mljhin their power to pat stop it altogether,
IoAjical leaders who have performed the function
OF clearing houses for legislation, ana who while
re
tanner Of special interests careless alike Of party
principles public Justice are passinf, fro,n
the stage The people demand leadershi5 ana
parties need effective organization 10 advance
1I.eH principles. But the time is rapidly passing
Whtn any one long maintain a position of
WIDE political influence who is under suspicion Of
maintaining . double allegiance.
GNSELFISH LEADERSHIP A RIGHT
But We need more than escape from such rrostI-
TO have unselilsh leadership and uuselfsh repro
sentauon. Popular government Will not attain its
IutaI nhu! II becomes point Of honor for political
leaders not to make their political fortunes the test
Of their action. This IN the light Of human nature
may seem counsel of perfection. But the people
are rapidly becoming more conscious Of its neces-
slly and more critical OF its absence And as we
advance II viii become more obvious to the active
poHtlcal worker that Observation-Disclosures Is essential
TO successful leadership.
We are also encouraged by the insistence upon
inc performances Of public obligations. The in
dignation that has been felt with reference TO the
conduct Of large public enterprises notably in the
case or our transportation corporations has been
due on the one hand to the efforts they have made
TO attain their ends by debauchinc the administra-
uon OF government. and on the other hand to their
failure TO perform their obligation IN giving fair
and impartial service Their misuse Of the priv
ieges which the people have bestowed their
manipulation Of securities, their malien in
fuence IN legislative halls have had their natural
result in creating deep feeling OF public resent
r!ent This feeling IS most wholesome. 1t would.
indeed be cause FOR alarm If at a time Of great
prosperity the people serviIe IN tho presence
Of financial power and remained supine under
abuses Of public rights
FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Coincident with the insistence upon more faith
fuI representation IN the administration of govern
ment upon the performance Of public obligation
by our great corporations. we find throughout the
business world a more general recognition of the
responsibilities Of hduciery relation. This IS but
another phase OF the general public attitude tow
ard all who hola relations Of trust and confidence,
whether in politics or IN business. 1t IS but
aspect Of a wholesome demand which IS being
voiced from the Atlantic 10 the Pacific for the
honorable conduct OF affairs.
There IS also cause for qualification IN finding
the standards OF administration raised. 1t IS IN
eVitable with an alert and intelligent people that
the business of government Increases greater
attention should be paid 10 the manner in which
IL is discharged. We may look for n steady
provement in the public service ana on It's civil
side-in the sentiment Of honor and OF dis!ntcr-
ested fidelity that may attach to tit may rival
what has long been conspicuous in connection with
military and naval organizations The state
Is entitled to the best, and this We may hope the
enlightened patriotism Of peace VIII ultimately
cure.
There may be those who think that to attain
the ideals Of popular government changes IN our
organic law necessary. But there is
rant for change until conscience ana public spirit
obtain from existing institutions what they
able TO confer. An honest and Intelligent electo-
rate can secure the representation to which II ia
entitled. Public opinion formed after fun discus
sion Of pending questions eXerts Il force welluigh
irresistible As Jefferson said, Responsibility Il
a tremendous engine in a free government"
SAFEGUARDS OF DEMOCRACY.
II has been the fear Of those who dstrlst popu-
lar government that 1t would lead 10 excuses and
that sound judgment would from time to time be
~ cd nv 20 -
safeguards Of democracy arc education and pub
lie discussion Our country IS safe so long AS our
schools full.
There are those who speak the Language OF CON
servatisn. but whose underlying purpose, only
tLiuly yelled, IS protect those who have be
traved the public and to prevent necessary rene
dial action There others who resort to IN
hammatory appeal. careless Of the interests which
would sacrificed BY the arbitrary and III consid-
cred action they propose or defend We may be-
!ieve that the people Will not be deceived by
either. With extraordinary unanimlty they have
supported President Roosevelt in his courageous
and vigorous administration because they nave De-
lieved that he voiced the sentiment Of fair play.
II is this sentiment than any other that doni-
mates American life.
cannot by arbitrary legislation afford TO disturb
our Industrial enterprises. There are nlIhons OF
wage earners who depend for their daily bread
upon the stability Of our business interests
But there Is no reason why rapacity should not
be restrained and public obligation enforced
SUPREMACY OF THE PEOPLE.
Those who are loyal to the ideals OF popular GOV
eminent are anxious that the people should Vindi-
cate their supremacy and in so doing should SAFE
guard their essential interests This may be done
81 they use the powers OF government deliberately
and Justly The people OF this country not at
war with business or with honorable business or
CARNATIONS. They have no desire TO fetter lawful
en+erprises or TO impair the confidence which Is
essential 10 the maintenance Of our prosperity.
They 90 desire to thwart every attempt to secure
determinations or governmental favoritism. II
those who are sympathetic with this desire Will