New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-07-01
Higher Standards Now.

Higher Standards Now.
I believe we have made large gains in
this matter and that higher standards are
maintained, but we are still on the wrong
side Of the line of safety. Whatever dis
agreement there may be TO all other
things, We should endeavor. so far as in
ton. We shall not eradicate it, as we shall
not stop entirely the commission OF other
crimes. but we may largely reduce Its
prevalence, and whether not this be re-
duced viii depend more upon the self-re-
straint and sincere loyalty to democratic
ideals of those who enjoy exceptional OPP
portunities than upon any specific measure
Of legislation.
Placed by general consent in a different
category but breeding corruption ana
spreading insidious Influences are the ef-
forts TO secure and TO hold improper PRIV
lege. The victories of democracy have been
won against privilege; And the cons .ilt
struggle must be to keep our institutions
free from the blight Of favoritism and OF
special grants al the expense or the genera d
welfare. To one occupied with pubic az
fairs ii frequently seems as though me Sc
curity Of the common lnterest-Whlch one
would suppose would be the hTst anu IS.
sential considerations the most dlfncuiI
TO maintain. The constant endeavor, prose-
cuted with Tegrettable measure OF success
10 place men in public office VINO are hot
corrupt in the ordinary sense. but can pe
relied upon 10 serve some particular interest,"
to which they owe primary allegiance mas
honeycombed administration aro mace out
statutes 10 large extent a patcH"oI n VI
special fayorS Much OF this sort OF lhip5
is done without a sense OF wrongdolng; II
there be aught of democratic spirit IN those
who thus contriye against the community
self-interest bushes Its too feeble protest
Necessity of Fidelity.
Under these conditions there are those
chosen as the representatives OF the people
to deliberate and decide according TO ln9l.
honest Judgment as 10 what may -
the announced policy of the party TO WI I:
they belong, who merely ask what their
masters want They are dnsfe ~ I've what
is demanded 10 avert what Is opposed.
This practice of prosttuung lhe as CIV i
of democracy and of using the necessdIS ~
S.rI',,1sofaIttie of free government against
itself is far more serious imam any oPeti
attack upon our governments = go;
rnfione of free government are a InocheIS :.
and to secure fidelity III representation -
fundamental concern ,,, @or ono
it would seem to be so silhple ~, I've
faithfully to discharge ms repi !if
responsibility and thus realize !Ae SdtlsI"I i
tion and distinction OF honoraole ser siSe;
rror,,S sem, 10 be so natural that 1t could
be taken for granted, and that as ,niibi
fair and impartial considefatlon nrs}as
Iroceed 10 the decision OF contFoN eTsles
over measures and policies; But expt t.
teaches US sad lessons TO the contrary
Part for Every Citizen.
H., ,,,-a,r, citizen has an opportunity 10
NAV his part and the part is influential III
i,ronortion to his weight ana lnHueiiSS,- -.
bar especially has large pednSinster
y enI,aTnme6t of laws without the AID OF
those trained in law. Al every polnt we
need the knowledge and guidance oL eA
,rartc The bar rejoices IN its traditions OF
Independence and public spirit, aliG nc 49,
of a democratic community mas idIe OrfII
TTnities and exceptional Obligations. 10 pe
= Minister of Justice should anywhere re
a position OF dignity and hohoF, 70 DS
minister of justice under democrats 70
tutions is a privilege OF Noca'ioiI W., W
cannot be outranked. But how shocking
~ this privilege is ignored ana inns ot-
portunity perverted 10 base uses WheIi ia
Yers became legislators TO write llelf Sc
1,tes under retainerS or TO employ tilei
activities in poisoning the springs Oh so'
eminent! . ,o,.,ir1
and must learn ever in greater degree, thIt
fair and candid proceedings are the peSt,
that if they would have rights. they lluSI
5iScharFe duties: and that If they would
receive thew must receive under talr con
ditions and give just returns. ne SUI pes1S
of enterprise must be laid in the puplIc co!i-
fdence in respect for our institutions IN
the recognition of the supremacy OF me
public interest in guafanfees OF r@cil' CS"l
advantage and in due regard TOT the &C.
nands Of honor
Must Be Government of Laws.
4 natural outgrowth of the evils to which
I have referred, but disposition W Ilicn ~
wrongs can excuse is the spirit OF laWleSs
ness ! do not refer 10 those oCcaStO a.
deeds of outbreaklng violence WilicH ~ ~
too strongly condemned But ratneF 40 !
refer to what is really more serious ana
that is. a spirit OF Impotence WIN INC
necessary processes Of government
Democracy must be a government "
laws Its first essential is obedience 10 us
rules To be willing TO abide by The puonc
will declared n accordance with constituted
methods; to seek to perfect mo- n!etHNGs
where they may be deemed defectlVe, III
the orderly manner proyided l0r tIae pu,
they are defined; to recognize the Hihltd-
tons of authority while securing ali the
benefits that they may be derived from a
inst vigorous and efficient exercise of its
powerS-these are the manifestations or
the spirit that is truly democratic, ana 10
the extent that this disposition pfeValls
NAV we measure the capacity for se!L-SoF-
eminent. -
schools are too numerous and the adyan-
tages of education are too eagerly sought
throughout the country 10 permit US 10
fear the excuses that might be due to
mere ignorance. It Is rather question OF
appreciation, on the part of those who have
had these advantages. OF the necessary
conditions OF progress. We are realizing
more and more what can be Obtained from
our institutions. Freed Of the vices OF cor
ruption and favoritlsm, they should work
as they were intended to work.
Where laws are imperfect means are az
orr command to amend them; where ad-
Ininistration is faulty measures may be
taken to correct It. But ia all this, IT must
be remembered that more important than
any suggested change is the maintenance
Of that disposition to obey the laws and 10
safeguard the integrity and dignity OF pub
lie authority without which reform
could be of permanent value.
Rewards in Democracy.
The lawlesa spirit is frequently mani
tested in reckless abuse and indiScriminate
censure of public officers. The most i'm
portant agencies OF democracy are, after
all not the organs of government, but the
influences that shape public opinion. No
legislator or administrative officer holds a
more important public trust than he who
seeks to mould the judgment of the people
in q sphere which, under modern conditions,
IS Of unpar? lleled opportunity.
Democracy must prize its public life. 1t
has stripped 1t almost altogether OF cere-
monial and OF meaningless and absurd
forms. It has placed the public officer in a
position of power, TO be used for service.
He is the servant of all, and, bound by
obligation, is the master of none. Having
surrounded him with none of the pomp
which makes appeal to the thoughtess ard
ignorant, il must invest him with the
higher honor which should be the reward
Of fidelity. Those who cultivate the true
democratic spirit will be as earnest in their
sparing in their condemnation of the faith
less.
Just appreciation here as elsewhere, IA
the exercise Of the critical faculty IS most
difficult But as the tone Of the press with
respect 10 this matter has greatly improved
appreciation Of responsibility on the part
OF all those holding positions of power IN
the community. so we may look foT still
further recognition of the Importance of
Self-restraint and discrimination "A giving
praise or blame TO those who conduct pub
lc affairs And herein Hes a peculiar OBJ
legation on the part Of educated men. In
truthful accusation and reckless denuncia-