The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-10-10
Progressive Democracy
Continued from page one

Empires.
IL is our privilege to be living in
one of these high level eras We will
In the next few years see history in
the making. In fact we ourselves will
make 1t. 1t needs no prophet to
tell us that we are today fast APP
preaching one of these great focal
points in the history of the race. 1t
is an age Of development and prog
ress in many lines, an age of pros
perity. In fact we are prosperous to
a dangerous extent perhaps. 1t would
be interesting. IL space permitted, TO
/ discuss the reaction that must inevi-
tably take place.
Only Vital Things viii Endure
The old order OF things is rapidly
passing away; and again in this very
rapidity, we may perhaps read danger.
The change depends upon no class
OF party; the forces at work are
stronger than all classes or par
ties combined. The next few years
will see radical changes in education
Many of those things which are now
regarded as vital, upon which time
has placed its stamp of approval,
and which have endured thus far
largely because of tradition, will
pass away. Those and things which
are essential to the life of the ma
ton, which grip the very fibers of
being of the individual, will broaden
and endure.
In religion. dogma and narrow sec
tarianism must yield to those things
which take hold on life, which broad
en- and enrich and deepen it. The
Brotherhood of Man will become
more than a name.
The Party a Means
In politics also there is taking
place this same rebirth. The politi-
cal party is not an end: It is but a
means, a convenient and useful tool
to secure certain desired results.
This is the party's excuse for ex-
istence. A systematic organization is
always more potent than a mob, 1t
conserves that energy, that vital
nerve force of which we Americans
are so prodigal.
How Parties are Tested
This fall Of 1912 sees the beginning
of a period Of great opportunity, a
time when the political party can
achieve either a glorious triumph or
ignominious failure. That political Or
ganization which fails to read the
signs of the times, fails to properly
interpret the hand writing on the
wall, can not endure. In political
life as in the natural world, only that
which fills a need, which has a mis-
sion and which properly meets the
issues by which it is confronted, can
long continue.
Voters must Choose
The parties naturally stand for diff
ferent principles; each has a distinct
individuality. 1t is for every voter to
study the questions fairly and for
himself decide which one most merits
his support, which one will be best
fitted for meeting conditions as they
exist today.
The Present Need
What this nation at present most
needs, is not greater prosperity, not
expansion, not extension of interests,
not a development by which we shall
surpass the other nations of the
world in wealth in commerce and in
visible power. What we most need
which lies deeper than all these and
and what we must secure, is that
upon which our true national great
ness depends, success in self govern
ment. BY this standard will our sue
cess or failure be measured.
Our Problem
IL is up to US to prove that govern
ment by the people, for the people
can still exist upon the earth, and
that in the end the will OF the Ameri-
can people will triumph. and that no
special interests can thrive at the
expense Of the nations welfare. No
longer is there the blind answering
party allegiance Of the past. The
average voter. and II is the average
man who will decide all the ques-
tons of the future. will do consider
able thinking for himself.
II is a time of golden opportunf-
ty. That party which has a prophetic
vision, which can see the need and
rising above mere prejudice. apply
the remedy. will go down In history.
That party which ignores the need,
which clings TO old traditions. which
barters its birthright for the mess
OF pottage must die.
Aim Of Democratic Party
There are many important ques-
lions TO be considered. There are
questions Of trusts and tariffs and
taxes; Of protection and pensions
and the Philippine Islands; OF re-
ks-.s. .aA A. ana nan..hIicou