The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1913-04-12
STILL A DEMOCRACY.

1t is worth while and then to look at
ourselves through the eyes of another In recent
book Mr. Walter Murdoch. an Australian discussing
the democracy Of England and America maintains
that it is yet to be proved that democracy has
gone further than the trial of this form of supposed
|self-government Speaking OF America, he says
Looking at the industrial conditions off, say Pitts
burgh looking at the hideous putrescence of municipal
government in cities like New York and Philadelphia
noting the all but universal corruption Of politics.
the still more deadly corruption of the judiciary, with
be surprised if many observers say sadly that
democracy in America has definitely broken down, and
that peculiarly ruthless plutocracy has taken its
place?
We fear it must be acknowledged that the writer
had all too much evidence which his charges
But it is impossible to believe that he was right in
his conclusion Our Cities especially great cities
have been corrupt But already are everywhere
signs of improvement evidences only citizens
have found things intolerable but that they
to do better than merely attempt to decency
that they are seeking new forms of assuring clean
and democratic government In Philadelphia much
has already been accomplished. Recently New York
has been quckened by overwhelming evidences of
corruption to struggle to free herself there
can be little doubt that the fight will be kept up until
real results achieved. Other cities all over the
nation are active In the endeavor to put end to
corruption. Our industrial conditions have been and
still are reproach to But they not an evil
which enduring without effective protests The
temper of the people the voices Of those
represent them best the call of the president,
all emphasize the demand for REFORM for considering
the needs of humanity, for stopping the sacrifice OF
man to the dollar
There have been instances, too many instances Of
corruption In our courts. But there has not been
general corruption. And today nothing more clearly
manifest than the determination of the people that
the courts shall be kept clean. More than that there
are many movements foot to simplify legal process
and secure immediate justice
Beyond these things there are many currents in
our national life that to prove that America still
holds firmly to her ideal of by the people
| and for the people. Where such government seems
to have broken down at least to have failed of
accomplishing its result plans are sought
Movement toward recent developments everywhere are
all signs of these things The adoption of the
constitutional amendment providing for an income tax
and the certain ratification of the amendment pro-
ngness of the people to amend their fundamental
instrument of government in their determination that
government shall be responsible the citizen With
the people Of nation awake so Jealous of
their liberties there need be little fear that
will break down.
For awhile in restoring the nation after the civil
war and in developing resources, we may have
fallen into condition of suggishness and apathy
which has allowed the power Of wealth to creep in
until it held too great place. But the spirit of the
country today, like the spirit OF the CO.'S gives
of being ready to do whatever be
to maintain a real democracy.