South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-01-12
WHY ARE REPUBLICANS AND
DEMOCRATS?

In a recent article i'm the New York Sunday Times.
prof Brander Matthews of Columbia university makes
an iumipauns noupartisan analysis Of the two sreat
political parties.
starting with our constitution. ne says, it IS
inevitable should a republican and dem
ocratic party. The constitution compromise be-
tween principles of Hamilton and Jefferson. The
former wanted "a strong central government, with
great authority. The latter a measure Of
local and individual freedom. out of the views of
Hamilton and those he represented the federalist
party which became the wing party. which became the
present republican party out Of the views of Jener-
and his followers The republican party. which
became the present democratic party.
Each of these great parties. says Prof Matthews
through an vcissitudes mas maintained its gen
eraI character And propheses that they will re-
main substantially the same C. century from now, be-
antagonstic principles they stand for are
eternal. They existed in primitive society they will
exist in the ultimate stage of social evolution
What are the rights of the individuals? What are
duties and powers OF society We never
wholly agree in our answers, says Prof Matthews.
To the true Jenersonian. that government best
which governs the Hamiltonian the state
should recognize duties individual. and
Interfere to help him often as need he" And thus,
he SAWS interesting truth that the logical
extreme OF democracy would be government at all
which anarchy. and tho logical extreme of repub-
cansm would ae the substitution Of governmental au-
thority for Individual freedom-which socialism.
Needless 10 say. hoaeyer the republicans have never
advocated socialism. the democrats anarchy. They
keen away from the extremes the middle ground
provided by the constitution
The Hamutcn.tn believes i'm government by the
best bs selected leaders. guide less
competent mass, and this true arstocracy in the
best sense of that abused word The Jenersonan be
leves that the average man however unenlishtened.
actually his least knows what
he wants better than any superior person it
for him: and is true democracy In best
OF that abused term The parties occasionally fail TO
run true TO type but i'm general these the principles
they represent Illustrated pretty well the present
national campaign.
Why, then, are republicans democrats Be
cause born that way. answers Prot Matthews
1T is case OF predestnation is example of
free will" "a matter Of temperament. Of our
general character attitude society. some
times get into the wrong party; and then. finding
later that don't dt It and find proper
place. Some Of US stay in the wrong party all our
lives although in constant discomfort with But
most Of belong the republican the democratic
party because instinctvely feel that fit there
And Prof Matthews adds the honest comment that
nobody safely declare either party absolutely right
absolutely Each respect the other. and
respect the others point OF Both agree to
disagree without being moved to hatred contempt.
And here is where Americans have ineNpugnaole
advantage the voters OF most other countries"