The Washington herald., 1908-02-01
GOV. HUGHES VIEWS


Continued from Page One.s
abuses. and for the strong impulse he has
given 10 movements for their correction
Differences Of opinion now as always ex.
ist with regard to the best means OF solv
ing some of the extremely difficult prob
lens that are presented. But those who
earnestly desire progress and the estab.
lishment of our security on its necessary
foundations Of fair dealing and recogni
tion Of equal rights, appreciate the greai
service he has rendered, and the funda
mental Importance Of the purposes he ha.
had in view. We shall have in the neX
campaign a notable vantage ground
gained through the general admiration OF
his strong personality and the popular
appreciation of the intensity Of his desir,
20 promote the righteous conduct Of af
fairs and the welfare OF bis feIlow-men.
Historic StruggIe for Popular Rights
"The most impressive revelation Of
modern history is the picture it affords Of
the widespread struggle against eyer
form Of oppression and exploitation. an,
the onward march Of the people towar,
the realization Of the ideals Of self-gov
er7meut This movement sometime.
checked by arbitrary power, sometime.
impeded by ignorance. sometimes suffer
ing from the peryersions Of selfish amb.
tion, sometimes under the urgings of pas
sion running into want0n excesses witt
their inevitable reactions. nevertheless.
broadly viewed is an irresistible move
ment against which in the long run. tn,
of class or Of privilege win b,
poWerless 10 prevail.
Our Advantages.
TN this county Of extraordinary re-
sources there are presented to an npre
cedeuted degree the advantages Of a FIRE,
society. We are blessed with "a system
Of government admirably adapted tl
maintain the rights and 10 safeguard tht
opportunities Of au 1t has not been de
signed for the benefit OF q few. but fol
the many. II Is not government FOR
any class. 10 is not a government for the
holders OF privilege. il Is not a govern
ment for the talented or for the rich. il
is a government f0r the people and 81
derives its strength and its assurance oil
from the fundamental con
acption Of equality before the law. and
from the appreciation 81 the common
rights Of manhood
Socialism Uu-American.
"Our government is based upon ths
principles Of individualism. and not upon
those OF socialism. Il was not estab-
iished Ia substitute ore form Of despotism
for another. It was founded 20 attain
tEe aims ~ liberty. of liberty under law
but wherein each individual for the de-
yelopment and the exercise Of his indi-
yiduai powers might have the freest op-
portuuity consistent with the equal right
OF aII others, and wherein the rewards
of Industry and thrizt-the gains Of hor-
est eflJ-t-might Doe secure
"We do not seek 90 multiply the ac-
aviJies Of government so as to bring
about vexauous interference with liberty
o. 10 restrict legitimate enterprise W.
depreeate all unnecessary governmental
action. But our individulHsm does not
justify uubridled license. Its aims may
demand, and frequently DO demand. tho
Intervention of government with ueces-
sary restrictions and regulations not "a
euraiI the liberty of the people but to
protect d. Wherever. iu order To main
tain civil rights. 10 secure the public
from aggression. cor 10 compel the per-
formance Of public obligation the action
Jf the government as the organ Of the
popular VIII is necessary. there its power
should be firmly, adequately. and inn
partially exercised
Fundamental Principles.
Now. ! do not profess 90 be able 10
speak the last word with regard TO the
questions which confront us. Many Of
them are difficult and in the effort 10
reach true conclusions mistakes may be
inevitable. But before these are deal,
with specifically we may properly make
closer inquiry as TO the principles which
should bee che guide Of our action and
% which We should render uuquestiouel
allegiance
What are the conditions. so far as
government is concerned. Of progress
in the United States2
Purity of Elections.
There must be the freest opportunity
for the honest expression Of the popular
Will. To this end every practicable means
should be employed 10 preserve the purity
OF the ballot Political contributions from
corporations have wisely been prohibited
and publicity OF campaign expenses
should be enforced. The most stringent
should be adopted TO prevent
corrupt practices
representative Government.
This is "a representative governmen,
and not pure democracy. The latter
would be unworkable in a country of this
Except with regard TO funda-
mental questions or matters compara-
lively simple. it is impracticable for the
electorate directly to express its views.
Our system presupposes the fidelity of the
chosen representatives Of the people. /
believe in party government to enforce
and apply party principles; 7 believe IN
the responsibility of party administration
in accordance with the policies announced
In the party platform.
Efficiency in Administration.
L also believe in securing the highest
possible degree Of administrative eff
cheney. our first object should be TO de-
rive from existing laws the maximum of
benefit according TO their intention. The
drmness and the impariality of justice in
the execution of the laws insure that re-
-pect for law and order, and that stabil-
.ty Of government which conditions every
honorable enterprise and Underlies the
OF every man. whatever his
work.
Special Privilege.
THE battle for free institutions has