Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-03-18
Evolutionized Democracy.

Advancement through slow, weary stages. 1t is
gradual metamorphoss from lower higher forms. This
principle Of evolution is the mmuable law of progress
Through its marvellous transformations it has brought the
world from babarsm civilization.
Evolution has developed every tribe and nation but the
progress each has differed did the character OF the
itself Some peoples have led the world in art or music
science literature The vigorous East con-
bued to world all the mighty religions. The nhab-
ants of West endowed with great political genius
to the and the farther removed from the
sleeping Orient the conspicuous is this genius Greece
created representative government Rome evolved the
majesty of law The Ce the Teuon each in his sphere
wrought marvellous transformations national character
The bold Ango-Saxon, endowed with the valor OF his
nena fathers made himself force that shook the thrones
of desposm ultimately created popular sovereignty
Arrayng himself in arms he met his tyrant king the
banks of the Runneymede and there wrung from him the
first rights of man. Across the trackless later
period people, far removed from Oriental agnaton and
inheors of wisdom and virtues of thousand years,
cried to the world "All free and equal Oppres
sion tyranny had last evolved independent spirit
Then Democracy spanning the ehasm between despotsm
liberty sprang lifethe dynasty of the
had begun its eternal reign.
And what we may ask, is this Democracy? 1t is
government based on of the greatest
for the greatest number 1t suppants the rule OF one
bv the rule Instead of exalting strength cunning,
calls for character Instead of subject existing for the
ruler the ruler created by and for the subject The
duct of an evolution worldwide ageong, Democracy
essential principle equality equality in the choice of lead
ers equality of obligation OF both leader and followers and
equality of privilege obtain leadership Founded on the
equality and brotherhood of it procaims, Il my
brothers keeper" Tempering egosm with aruism, it
makes motto the golden rule. Harmonzng all discor-
dant interests VIGOROUSLY the old wordprobem
relationships This creed of liberty fraternity,
equaly-this gospel Of hope and progressive call, De-
mocracy.
These elements have wrought hsorys marvellous transi
tons common and equal in the government, mans
right, revoluonized all society. Where slaves and
serfs once covered LASH with full rights
of Where subjects crushed by the iron heel OF
despotism citizens choosing their rulers Where yran
meal auocratc hourished, is justice with its
peace and security auistic triumph is the
obligation of leader and follower Yielding to the
higher the law the glory OF the leader becomes the
welfare of the follower The spirit of fraternalsm
comes the selfish use of power the browning triumph
of all history equality of privilege By magic stroke
OF individuaism created and the doors of
opportunity opened all 1t touches ambition and
men on speaks humble raispitter and he becomes
his countrys 1t awakens barefoot canaboy and
he his nations ruler Supreme is the abest
Our counrys grandest heroes have sprung from the
people and have risen high that royal booded kings
must upward gaze the heights of fame This
is Democracys glory But not all who strive attain:
few can lead most must follow This may be her weak
ness; but Democracy allows those rise who and
the of divine justice that all shall still be
and bear full rights OF men,
This Democracy in theory; what is it in practice?
The pessimist pointing threatening speces which, gloomy
orebodng have risen upon the horizon OF Americas
future asserts a failure Hear his story Social,
industrial political conditions appalling Americas
immigration evils have made her fair shores the dumping
ground the world The reign of privileged few, self
styled aristocracy creating class hatred awakening all
population The unwritten law is making
justice farce Race antipathy gives annually OF
stakes each with its but eloquent handful OF
ashes Where much vaunted equality: This despo
sm; it mob-rue and lynch aw-frenzied, atrocious,
despicabel Our industrial evils great in proportion
progress continues the pessm sowing broadcast the
industry is cold industry is but heartess oppression
Napoleons of finance their fortunes by the ruined
lives of fellow I'm gloomy sweatshops the stolen joys of
childhood mined into gold This spirit of commccalsm
dominates u.s. gold has become enthroned in hearts;
the almighty dollar has become god. Politically he
asserts America is corrupt to the We may boast OF
equality of privilege but bow heads in shame he
tells how the corporations gold buys special privileges
public opinion and makes legislation farce. we
equality the choice leaders but he that
elections often bought and sold, that political systems
often a form. that bribery and corrt"'o
their iny blacness before haunting with weakness
and goading in their glee Such his mounfu story
but pessimistic though it be- it is all hctio~ y
Conditions bad But is Democracy failure? Is history
but repetition OF the past endless round of caam