Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-18

public. We recommend that this centen-
NAL anniversary be celebrated throughout
the confines OF the nation by all the
people thereof. and especially by the
public schools. as an exercise to stir the
patriotism of the youth OF the land
Democratic Incapacity for Govern
ment
We call the attention OF the American
people TO the fact that none of the great
measures here advocated by the repub-
lican party could be enacted and none of
the steps forward here proposed could be
taken under a democratic administration
or undone in which party responsibility is
divided. The continuance OF present poll
cies. therefore, absolutely requires the
continuance in power OF that par.: which
believes in them and which possesses the
capacity to put them into operation.
Fundamental Differences Between
Democracy and Republicanism.
Beyond all platform declarations there
are fundamental differences between the
republican party and its chief opponent
which make the one worthy and the other
unworthy of public trust.
In history the difference between de-
mocracy and republicanism is that the
one stood for debased currency. the other
silver. the other for sound money; the
one for free trade, the other for protec-
ton: the one for the contraction of
American influence the other for its ex-
pansion. The one has been forced to
abandon every position taken on the great
issues before the people, the other has
held and indicated all.
In experience the difference between
democracy and republicanism is that one
means adversely. while the other means
prosperity; one means low wages. the
other means high; one means doubt and
debt, the other means confidence and
thrift
In principle. the difference between de-
mocracy and republicanism is that one
stands for vacillat:on and timidity in
government. the other for strength and
purpose; one stands for obstruction. the
other for construction; one promises. the
other performs; one finds fault, the other
finds work.
The present tendencies of the two par
ties are even more marked by inherent
differences. The trend of democracy is
toward socialism, while the republican
party stands for a wise and regulated
indivdualism. Socialism would destroy
wealth: republicanism would prevent its
abuse. Socialism would give to each an
equal right to take: republicanism would
give to each an equal right TO earn. So
cialism would offer an equality OF pos
session. which would soon leave no one
anything 10 possess; republicanism would
give equality of opportunity, which would
assure to each his share of a constantly
increasing sum of possessions. In line
with this tendency the democratic party
of today believes in government owner
ship. while the republican party believes
in government regulation. Ultimately de-
mocracy would have the nation own the
people. while republicanism would have
the people own the nation.
Upon this platform of principles ana
purposes reaffirming our adherence to
every republican doctrine proclaimed
since the birth of the party, we go be-
fore the country. asking the support not
only of those who have acted with us
heretofore. but of all our fellow-citizens
who regardless of past political differ
ences. unite in the desire to maintain
the policies. perpetuate the blessings and
make secure the achievements OF a
greater America.