The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-15

tory is listened to with more deserved
attention than the Hon. James Bryce,
who addressed the students OF the
University of Virginia on Monday. Not
only does Mr.. Bryce possess an extra
ordinarily wide knowledge of Ameri-
can affairs. but he added to his re-
marks that wisdom which comes only
to thost who, like Ulysses, have
"Much seen and known
OF cities, councils, governments and
men.
Himself not least but honored of them
ALL
Mr.. Brycc's Judgment therefore, on
the present trend of political thought
in the United States is a matter of
profound moment. Briefly, his con-
clusion is that honest. intelligent and
earnest men have begun to gravely
doubt in many parts of the world
whether Democracy as preached by
Rousseau and jefferson is indeed an
absolute panacea for all the ills from
which human governments suffer. In
1ISo under the influence of the French
Revolution the master minds of
America proclaimed. and probably be-
lieved, that government was an avoid
able III. and that the instincts and
powers of men alike would lead them
10 perfection If they We're not inter-
fercd with. Since the American Revo-
luton was successfully accomplished.
ment have in large measure been abol-
ished. The principle OF government by
representation Is impregnably fixed
throughout the English speaking world.
Even Russia has attempted a sort of
constitutional government. and Persia
has set UP a parliament. Yet mankind
is not satisfied. Many wise and patri.
otto citizens seriously doubt whether
wisdom in judgment and action are
necessarily always on the side of the
majority of the voters In other words.
the stern test of experience has great
ly shaken the dogma of political per-
fectibility, with resulting doubts and
criticisms of legislative government.
sDr Woodrow Wilson to much the
same effect spoke in New York on
Jefferson's birthday. pointing out how
the modern trend was distinctly away
from government by legislation, and
towards government by commission.
THIS turning from regulation under
laws made by the public themselves
TO the regulation of irresponsible COM
missions was characterized by DR..
Wilson as atchange from law to per-
sonal power.
Said DR.. Wilson: I'VE have in fact
turned from legal regulation to exc
J cutiVe regulation. We have turned
( from law to personal power 1t is
that choice which as Democrats we
challenge, and challenge with con-
fdence, as opposed to every ancient
principle of liberty and of Just govern
ment. Have we given up law? Must
we fall back on discretionary cxecu.
tive power? If we return to it
VIC abandon the very principles of our
foundation
1t is because The Times Dispatch sees
the danger of that abandonment that
we join DR. Wilson in urging Congress
10 ueiihe lesai ana l!egal comblna-
tions. instead of leaving so momentous
q decision 10 some suboficial appoint
ed by the President.
If Democracy has broken down; il
Ne can no longer administer our gov,
eminent by laws, bu, only BY execu-
tive order, the public should know it.
Meantime those who believe in the
capacity of the people for self-govern-
ment and abhor dictatorship under
the thin disguise of Legislative govern
ment viii d. well to demand a return
to law and an abandonment of that
abuse of personal. power which presi-
dent Roosevelt has developed TO such
menacing extent,