The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1911-05-16

DURHAM hECOhDEh, /
wealth and labor. In other words
our problem now, the great problem
Into which all other problems merge
is that of distribution. The only
lremedy can suggest to the evils
(which have given rise to it, is the
restoration of full competition In
every detail of the industrial field
That is where new and enlightened
trade agreement with our neighbors
on the north would be most helpful
And after that, must come such leg.
lislation as will result in the complete
land effective regulation of all public
utilities. such as railroads and other
means of transportation. These
things are Inevitable. soon or late,
and If they come Immediately, why,
just that much sooner will that equ-
ilibrium which means prosperity and
happiness for the people OF this
country be restored,
but we have what our forefathers
considered an ideal form of govern
ment," | suggested. "Can it be pos
slble that their wisdom was imper-
fect?"
The senator, who has thinkers
face, and who, when he is talking,
is prone to keep his eyes upon mani
mate objects, such as his boots or
his desk furniture, rather than up
on his listeners countenance, now
looked up, almost pugnaciousiy.
"a do not admit that our fore
fathers even for a single second be-
Iiieved the form OF government which
they devised was wholly perfect" he
said quickly. 81 surely do not think
that. There was great difference
of opinion among the men who built
this government. Like all great
achievements in which many men
have had hand, this government
consisted of q series of compromises.
AS 1t was finally established 1t is not
probable that, in every detail. ii en-
tirely satisfied any one of its great
founders. Each had been forced. in
order to schieve the general glory OF
the general result, to subscribe to
some thinos which he did not wish
TO subscribe to; each, undoubtedly,
had been forced to abandon some pet
detail which he thought essential to
the general success. l do not think
that any of them ever thought II
wholly perfect, nor was ii wholly
perfect; but they we're certain, and ]
am today, that it was quite the best
thing yet achieved along govern
mental lines. They knew that ii
would need, as time passed. read
justment, and, from time TO time.
/. there have been re-adjustments, and,
as time goes on, there will. be more.
The general demand. just now, is
that such change be made as will
lre-establish right relations between
producer and consumer, as evidenced
I by this sentiment toward reciprocity
la sentiment which now is ripe to
compass real results, but which has
never in the past been ready. Many
suggestions have been made in time
gone by; now for the first time, the
thought is being seriously considered
and when the American people Sc
riously consider anything IL means
that a very large proportion of them
think that thing is worth trial.
This is the great demand OF this
day and generation In regard to our
governmental system; some change
which will enable the poor man to
get more for his money from the
rich man that he does today; some
change in the great scheme of things
which will reduce the cost, in effort
Of the things our people need In
order % sustsan life and achieve
happiness, and which will increase
the reward of honest effort to a point
which will make it worth while.
Next to this demand there come,
that other which insists on such q
change in our governmental system
as will give the individual yotel
more real influence in the selection
Of those who are to represent him In
the conduct OF affairs"
what will accomplish this?"
He spoke very promptly. He
himself. was chosen senator OF tbs
United States BY the old system, bui
Is most emphatic In his advocacy Of
drastic changes.
THE things said he, which will
correct the evils ! have limited al
WI be the adoption generally Of
primary election laws providing foi
the selection Of candidates for publ,
Office BY fair ballotlng, instead 81
through the medium Of caucuscs and
conventions, and for the election d
the senator's OF the United States b.
the direct vote Of the people. Thes,
are the things most vital"
And viii they correct the ten
dency toward the array Of clasl
against class, Of"
He interrupted. II do not admit
that there has ever been 4 real ARA,
OF class against clacs In this coun
try. and ] believe that there Is, now
a constant decrease in the slight
tendency toward such a serious mis-
take as that would be. I do moi
roc0Qufza tho fftfafa and eonI,fpo