Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-12-09
Government By the Majority.

of Mr. Samuel Gompers' influence and
responsibility, declaring: cit is the con-
victon of the American people, and especial
~ of the American working people, that pol1t-
ical democracy, as we know 1t, IS the pest
form of government yet devised, and that 1t
must not be endangered" Political democ-
racy stands out in sharp contrast to govern
ment by direct action" of which Mr.. Gompers
truly says, "History records but few ideas
more tragic and more fantastic"
Thus speaks Americanism as opposed to
Bolshevism, and reason as opposed to pas
sion. Disciples of Lenine and the whole
flock of alien agitators rebel against orderly
processes. Courts of law, legislatures, bal
lot boxes and other institutions which we are
wont to prize as freedoms shield and sword
strike these heady radicals as so many bolts
and shackles of OPPRESSION Their idea of
reform is destruction; their idea of liberty
is wild license; their idea of justice is abso
lutte power for their own greedful minority.
That there are such things as common in
terests to be conserved, common rights to be
safeguarded and therefore obligations to
abide by the political decisions of the ma
jority, these advocates of government by
direct action do not for a moment concede.
They want what they want when they want
it, and they will brook no restrictions in
trying to get it. If the welbeing or the very
lives of hundred million people depended
upon their service, if the security of the ma
ton itself hung upon their fidelity to duty,
they nevertheless would quit their posts and
bid defiance to law if thereby they thought
it possible to carry their point and enforce
their will And thence they would find it but
a step to the torch and bomb of Soviet Russia
1t is against this un-American and anti
American course that Mr.. Gompers lifts his
potent voice. Referring to the majority con-
illusions of the great British Trades Union
congress recently held at Glasgow, he re-
marks: 1.-THE constructive forces of American
trades in tbo
failure of the direct actionists to secure a.
decision in favor OF their policy" And he
cOgently adds:
"'The political system, both in Eng
land and the United States, offers
periodical and absolutely free opportun-
1ty for arriving at decisions on political
questions. 1t offers method by which a
majority decision may be registered for
or against any proposition within the
realm of politics; and any proposition
whether wise or unwise, can be carried
into effect provided the majority can be
Convinced of it's desirability'
Now, this system is not likely to bring
the Millennium overnight 1t is in no wise
an open-sesame to Utopia or a panacea for
the ills all flesh is heir to. But it is at least
workable plan for procuring something
! like the greatest good for the greatest num-
| ber II it makes many a mistake it also
names Hdhy d discovery; teachable people
Will learn under it's trials and tests TT is
a better system than Hohenzollern Germany's.
! II the tree is to be judged by it's fruits, and
better than Bolshevik Russia's. It finds slim
FAVOR or none with radical minds, but it is the
pest that practical and patriotic men have yet
peen aole 10 DEVISE and it carries within it.
| self the means of such renovation and re-
| adjustment as changing times may need
1t has stood for a long age, this democracy
Oh ours. Keeping its children free and fling
Ing, ,a us beacon fire to the ends of the earth.
Inc oppressed in all lands have looked to
IL as TO star of promise. Surely, they of its
own lineage will never forsake it for false
| and perishing lights
Those wishing any information concern
ny tne condition of President Wilson may
obtain same from CDR" Fall of tho Irni+oJ
States senate.
!, Germanys Intentions may be warIike, but