The Colville examiner. [volume] (Colville, Wash.) 1907-1948, 1911-05-27

itics 1t has gained strength in state
after state, with. no great leader to
further its ends; nor has it caused
political revolution. For few years
after its adoption men changed their
methods to suit the new conditions,
thus putting beyond their reach the
sunrise which follows the dawn of
the new awakening.
To break down the party system,
ruled by the aristocracy, strengthen
ed bv greed, was the problem of
the democracy. This is being ac-
complished today by the direct
primary, which enables the people to
vote directly for the officials. The
direct primary has existed for many
years, but being purely local, has not
been a great power in the govern
ment. 1t is only since 1t has become
a state institution, regulated by state
laws, that it has become prominent.
The rise of democracy has been
marked by another indication that
the forces are being brought to light
which are turning the current of
progress toward sell government.
For, throughout the Union, laws
have been passed compelling candi-
dates and party committees to pub
lish statement of their expendi-
lures, and their sources of income.
In fact, many states have limited the
amount of money which candidates
or committees may spend in primary
campaigns or general elections.
Formerly the purification of pol
itic has been looked upon as an
iridescent dream, something unreal
and fanciful, incapable ever of being
realized. But the successful innova-
tions of these Fundamental reforms
the secret ballot, the primary, and the
reformed political party-are steps
toward a hitherto undreamed of de-
mocracy
There is always the danger, how
ever, that the rise of democracy will
not be accompanied with wisdom and
restraint. In olden times the
tyranny of mob was as cruel and
as much to be feared as the tyranny
of a king. Some check must be put
on the power of the masses. The
veto of the courts on legislation is
necessary unless the people are
checked by their own intelligence
and unselfish courage
The work done by the states in
breaking the shackles of democracy
probably affects more people than
that done by either the cities or the
national government. Nearly all the
capital now invested in the states is
under their supervision and control.
That the movement is not socialistic
is shown by the fact that state
ownership is rarely attempted.
Municipal and feda,:.i ownership are
common, but the present movement is
toward regulation and control. The
activities of capital have aroused the
awakening consciences of the people,
and the iron rule of law must bend
to the influence of moral law.
Turning to the progress of Ameri-
can cities, the good and bad influen-
ces at work are best illustrated by the
story of the lives Of two men. One
was poor, man of the people. The
other was rich, a prominent mar in
the state, pillar Of society. In his
high position he kept out of politics.
The poor man was anxious to rise in
politics thinking that perhaps he, too,
might become a pillar Of society. He
asked the city boss to send him to the
common council; he joined the gang
of politicians, and when money was
distributed among the faithful he ac-
cepted his share. One day, while lis
tening to a great orator tell of the
deeds of the heroes in the battle of
Gettysburg, tears filled his eyes, and
he said, ooh, if | could only die for
my country" But the rich man, too.
knew of the money distributed among
the councilmen; when the crash
came-when arrests were made for
bribery, anonymous letters were re-
ceived by the district attorney tell
ing whom to prosecute and how. No
one knew whence the letters came,
except that they were from some
high-minded citizen, who knew of
the evils and was endeavoring to save
the people. Soon the man who had
wept to die for his country, was an
exile in a strange land, fleeing from
prison; and the rich man, the robber
of widows and orphans, the pillar of
society, died by his own hand.
Thus the people in America today,
while seemingly willing to do great
things for their country, have not
learned that self-sacrif1ce is the only
true heroism. That to reform others
they must reform themselves, and re-
strain the greed, which is steadily
leading the municipal government
down to destruction.
The people have been left in ignor-
ance of the cost of city government.
The records of the blunders and greed
of politicians have been concealed
where the eye of public opinion could
not penetrate. Now system Is being
adopted by many states requiring a
uniform system Of municipal ac-
counts. AS result the graft is
brought to light, and dishonest COM
missioners are forced to resign or suf-
fer due punishment for their crimes.
Municipal leagues are carrying on the
work, and overthrowing party organ
Zation in America.
The commission form of city gov
ernment Is steadily gaining strength.
This system requires Intelligent vot-
ing, and brings the voters into closer
relation to the administration by the
initiative, referendum and recall.
And so the hand of fate seems to
be steadily leading us upward, plac-
ing our municipal institutions on
higher plane, and discarding all the
ignorance and greed which drags