Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-11-11
The Backbone of the Republic

-HE majority of the American people are
yoked with no faction, and bound to
no class. They have their party align
ments. their social and religious comrade-
ships, their vocational affinities. But in
these relationships there is nothing rigid or
exclusive, nothing that sets man apart
from his fellow countrymen, combining him
to some one circle and alternating him from
others Democrats and Republicans
Masons and Pythians, Methodists and Bap-
lists, artisans, lawyers, merchants and teach
ers-they are Americans all; and in mat
ters concerning the great common interests,
il is as Americans that they think and act
Indeed. in the most vital interests, the inter-
ests that "come home to mems bosoms" with
the keenness of a common humanity, their
Americanism itself merges into still wider
consciousness, and they think as citizens OF
q republic which knows no narrower Dounus
than the human heart.
This we say, is characteristic OF the ma
TONS rank and file. True, there are separat-
lists of divers sorts, from the shag-haired l.
w. w. down to the poor snob who fanc1es
that new suit or an old name makes him
better than his neighbOrs. But the majority,
truly believing that
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The Mans the gowd for a. that.
60 their way content with common rights,
mindful of patriotic duties, envying no ones
good fortune, harboring no class animus.
It is to such Americans that the republic
looks for steady guidance in these troublous
days of the world. 1t is in them, loyal and
numerous in every field of labor, that our
democracy will find its friends and con-
servers. Their voice is never loud, but it is
ultimately decisive. Their plea is for no
~
eral good. They are ing suffering and good
natured, so much so that their rights Oft
times are ignored by smaller groups over
Jealous in pressing some particular claim.
But theirs are the rights which are para
mount because they involve the widest
sphere of social wellbeing and concern the
largest number of human lives. They con-
stitute," as Vice President Marshall recently
said, 'the backbone of the Republic" And
he cogently added:
''They are not organized SO as to be
heard in the halls of Congress. They do
not want to form themselves into an or
ganization. But they are rapidly COM
ing together and it will not be long, I'M
less the truth is seen and acted upon in
business and legislation, until they, too,
will be hammering at the door of Con-
gress, saying: We too, have some
rights in this republic for which we have
And they are going to say in the social
and economic life of the republic: Right
and duty walk side by side in every call
ing, and he, whether rich or poor, who
does not listen to both voices, shall be
for us social outcast'''
This great body Of citizens is commonly
called the middle class" But it's distinction
lies in the fact that it is no class at ALL It is
just the public. Whateve. of real prosperity
we nave, it is chiefly instrumental in creating;
Whatever OF true freedom we enjoy it mainly
mas achieved and it must preserve. Cults and
cilques fret their little hour upon the stage.
and are forgotten; but this highly human ac-
tor called the Public, survives all changing
scenes and gives the play its drift and large
slSnlhcance. 1t is not so swiftly progressive
as those of furthest vision could wish but II
holds steadfastly to what it tries and finds
GOOD. 1t is slow, Is this middle class"
winch is no GLASS; but it is sure; and with
1ts sturdy common sense and love of fair
play, 1T works out reforms which vour bril-.
liant radical despairs Of
IN these unbiased yet united millions gro
Inc substance and soul of Americanism the
nope and pledge of our democracy. Their
calm Will Is going to rule, however the mas
slons or the moment may buster. Their
sense OF common justice is going to prevail
regardless of class 'isms and factiona1 cries