, 1923-10-22
Life, Liberty and Happiness

The Declaration of Independence and the pre-
amble of tho American constitution state Piainiy
the objects of the separation from Great britan
on the one hand and the advantages througn INC
establishment Of the federal government on the
other. They may be summed up IN inc worus
Iife, liberty, and the pursuit OF happiness"
ORGANIZED government then, in America means
that individuals are entitled to protection ron
assault, arrest and invasion OF properly, except
ms provided by law. 1t signifies that In TINS
country one may pursue any occupation or pleas
ure so long as it does not Interfere with the
rights and privileges OF others. 1t means that IN
diyiduaIs are entitled to innumerable ndvant-
ages and comforts provided by public agencies
such as schools, good roads, sewers, light plants,
and water systems.
For these purposes and innumerable others
every man, woman and child in the country, di-
rectiy or indirectly, contributes to the expenses
of the federal state and local government. The
bill is small for the services and the advantages
which are secured. Indeed, no country in the
world offers SO great returns for tue taxes
which are levied and collected.
Occasionally the government does not seem to
provide a remedy for all the difficulties OF pub
iic concern and interest or it may be that justice
is secured only after longer delays than seem
necessary or justifiable. Consequently there
arises sharp public criticism and even discon'
tent.
Such situations may he attributed to ono Or
both of two causes. Either the people through
their representatives have not conferred suifl-
cient authority and proved adequate legal means
to meet the situation or the governmental Off.
Gals are lethargic In performing their duty.
In either case the remedy lies with the people
themselves. The blame can not be shifted
because the people of the United States have
undertaken to govern themselves. Through rep
resentatives whom they select at stated intervals
and through the power of public opinion as for
INFLATED and expressed in the press and by dis
cussion, the necessary governmental machinery
must be provided and kept in effective motion.
A democratic government to be effective presup-
poses individual duties as well as rights and
privileges. To evade the duties is the best way
and privileges.
1t is impossible, however, for the citizen share
holders of the American government to fulfill
their whole duty TO the nation merely by good
intentions and a patriotic attitude. National,
state and local problems confronting the govern
ment are peculiarly complex. To solve them de-
mands not only patriotism but intelligence. In
such degree, therefore, as the citizens of this
country bring to bear upon the solution of our
social and economic problems and intelligent pat
riotic interest to that extent and no more may
we expect good government.
Popular education is, therefore, an absolute
necessity in a democracy. Those who are inter
ested in our form of government for the bless
ings its bestows on each individual in the coun-
try as well as for the example it sets to the rest
of the world should realize that its preserva-
ton and development depends on popular educa-
tion. Patriotism and good schools arc INSOFAR
able in this country.