The Lubbock avalanche. (Lubbock, Tex.) 1909-1922, 1922-10-31

In the Revolutionary War the American peo-
pic fought and won the struggle for independence
and the principle OF self government. They wag-
ed war for the freedom of the seas in 1872 They
batcd for the emancipation OF the caves in SOL.
They she'd their blood for the freedom of Cuba
and other Spanish colonies from oppression in
1893 A few years ago they sacrificed thousands
of young lives in order that autocracy might be
crushed and the principle Of democracy and self
government preserved and established throughout
the world.
In every crisis the American people have prov
ed that they are willing 10 lay down their lives IL
necessary in order that may preserve demo
cratic government for ourselves and extend lis
blessings to those less fortunate than ourselves
There can therefore be question TO the sta
bity and permanency of democracy in this coun
Try against foreign aggression. Would II not be
we'll therefore. to inquire whether Govern
ment is as safe from internal aggression as it is
from foreign foesp
In their zeal for the democratic form Of gov
eminent the American people have at various times
extended the suffrage to increasing proportion
Of the population The property limitations of snf-
frage in the early part OF the nineteenth century
were removed no limitations suffrage may be
made by reason of race color previous condi-
hon of servtude' only few states require edu-
catonal qualifications and finally by constitutional
amendment women are enfranchised the
basis as men. In form, therefore, our Govern
ment has become more and more democratic.
How does such a mass of people actually per
form the governing funeiionp In two ways. Cd
by a constant expression through the press and
the forum of public opinion and it's influence the
actions and discussions of public officials and GU
through the election OF officials certain stated
intervals
In order that the people may perform this func
ton effectively is necessary that II be done in
diligently There can be no public opinion and
the ballot box may be worse than useless unless
the American people are acquainted with the prob
lens of the locality. the State and the Nation
which problems, it may be noted, always to
increase in completely Popular education. there
fore. is absolutely essential TO the of dem
ocraic government Without il the people lose
their ability to protect themselves and to promote
most effectively the common interests
Granted however the ability OF the American
people to govern themselves and to solve thci
common economic and social problems. the Amer
lean democracy and the principles OF self govern
ment may yet be endangered at any time through
the plain neglect of the people AS in war SO
in peace there must be eternal viligence. There
fore every and woman should perform MS
or her full du,y in the peacetne struggle Tor good
government with the same zeal and devotion that
have often been exhibited on the field Of bar
tie No general would expect to win a victory with
an army OF camp slackers. It is the plain duty Of
every voter to fall in line election day aad
through honest intelligent voting to help the coun-
try solve its problems and win victory for the lie mol
cratic form OF government