The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-10-21
This Country Of Ours
An Interesting Paper Read Before
The Pierian Chautauqua Circle
by Mr.. II. B. CO.

States" was by an upheaval in 1776. 1t
was here that the theory of equality was
put into effect, and became, something
more than dream. Think of the changes
that have come over the nations of the
| World, since we became nation. Think
how England, France, Germany, Russia,
Turkey, Japan and China have changed.
We are really the oldest of the larger ma
tons. Though we stand at the head of ma
lions in "Wealth and Resources and pO-
sess the intelligence, method, persever-
ance, courage and improvising powers to a
high degree, we do not call ourselves, ''The
First Nation. There is no first nation,
and even if we were one, it would not be
desirable that we should set the imprint of
any particular genius we may show. on
civilization. We aim and strive to have other
nationalities have faith in our national in
tegrity and sense of Justice. We believe
that humanity needs well governed, pros
porous and peaceful nations. Not great
nations only-but little nations as well
Never, surely, since our Civil War, have
thoughtful Americans had their minds so
shaken out of ruts, or been invited to ex-
tend their scope, to examine themselves
and their assumptions, and to know, eff
they are for America first, or, are not. !"
will not burden you with description of
our stiategic location, our climatic condi-
tions and it's effects upon our people, our
topography, or our vast natural resources,
but will endeavor to interest you in some
of the vital and dominant questions of the
day-and the fundamental cause for many
of them,-Immigration While the rest of
the World is asking-''How can efficiency
and liberty exist together? We are con-
fronted with many, as yet, unsolved prob
lens.
We are seeking organizations that can
increase our national power, and not sup
press mans free spirit. Better knowledge
and interest in public affairs. Better laws
for control and regulation of our out of
date Navigation conditions. Our disgrace
full Railway conditions and unsatisfactory
and unfair Corporations. Conditions for
better industrial organization, and for bet
ter Government jurisdiction and control of
our immigration.
Let us consider some of these questions.
Let us try and remedy the faults. For if
we could not overcome the many mistakes,
| L 49, Ill he Toe
mistake So much has been said on the
subject of the Government of these Uni
ted States that fear it is beyond me to
discuss the subject entertainingly-yet
feel impelled to give consideration to two
or three of its shortcomings. Our form of
Government is based on the Constitution of
Sept. I7-I7S7, and the several amend
ments thereto, which entrusts the operation
of our Democracy in the hands of three
separate Authorities. In the President; in
whom is vested the Executive Power. In
Congress, which is the legislative, and, In
the Supreme Court, which is the judicial.
President Wilson has said: Democracy is
the most difficult form. of Government, be-
cause it is the form under which you have
to persuade the largest number of persons
to do any thing in particular. This be-
ing so, all loyal citizens must recognize the
necessity for improving the type and quail
ity of the men elected to Office, and the
conditions under which he assumes the re-
sponsibility, thereof. The lengthening of
the term of Office of the Executive officials.
The Standardization, and better diffusing
of public finances and the devising of a
New Code of Statutes, which areconcise
and Observation-Disclosures defining the
law, that the guilty might not escape, by
reason of wit or other subterfuges.
One of the greatest difficulties which the
American citizen has to overcome, is his
reticence to concern himself with the short
comings of those, whom he has elected and
placed in authority of the creative and ad-
minisirative affairs. We must admit that
there are offenses committed by some of our
higher officials; some of whom are unwor-
thy, and lack practical experience, or abill
ity to apply sound business principles in
managing the Government.
Isn't it true that the efficient man who
is elected and appointed by the people,
and who fulflls his duties, with view to
the best service he can give the public,
should be entitled to longer service and en-
couragement, without uncertainty? While
the party man who looks upon appointment
to Office with view of what can be gotten
out of it? He is detriment and a YAM
pire, and we should be prepared to deal
accordingly, with him.
At the present time there appears to be
a generally prevailing ignorance on the
part of the citizen in regard to the finances
ofou Government, and further, not many