San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-08-23
BLOW AT DEMOCRACY.

NdNcCs
BLOW AT DEMOCRACY.
II was remarkable how in the recent
MEDIATE in parliament on the mining
eNIbsidy, almost every speaker felt in
stisuctively that this concession to force
wAs a blow at democratic institutions.
The prime minister solemnly called
attention to the choice before the peo-
ple, which was involved in the very
decision to which he had been com
PEELED.
Ramsay Macdonald, who knows
from buffeting experienced what it all
means, had already emphasized the
same aspect of the government de-
bacle.
There can be no doubt in nnyone's
mind as to the character of the strug-
gle going on. Workmen are already
pointing out that Mr.. Cook and his
methods of direct action, secured
greater results for the toilcr in three
weeks than Ramsay Macdonald man.
aged TO obtain for them In nine
months. Cook stabilized their falling
wages, and, in all probability, achieved
complete reconstruction OF their m
dustry. He has done more to discredit
parliamentarism, that is, British
democracy, amongst his fellow work
men than all the communists in Brl-
tain accomplished in years of agita-
ton. On the other hand, Baldwin and
Churchilrs hcadIong flight before the
forces of a triple or quintriple alliance
has shaken even il it has not tottercd,
the confidence of the middle class and
of all loyal workmen in the might
of democratic government. People are
asking whether after all, democracy is
only q huge bluff. The great surren.
der seriously disturbed all classes of
the community. 1t has excited the dis
affected with wild hopes. 1t has dis
concerted the contented majority with
black fears. There is no doubt it will
stir up the former to fresh efforts.
The railway differences have not yet
been negotiated. The managers say
they cannot carry on without either an
increase of rates or reduction OF
wages. The former would about finish
British trade, the latter is now un'
nttainable without struggle. The
president of the National Union of
Railway Men has just declared he be-
lieyed "they would see, this year, one
Of the biggest struggles that has ever
taken place in the history of the rail-
roads," and goes on to say he be.
leves "this is going to be the grim
NEST, fiercest and most desperate
struggle that railway men have had
to face" He is evidently convinced
that there is conspiracy amongst the
trading and owning classes to put
back the standard of life Of the work
ers generally. After Cooks startling
victory for his men. even j. ii.
Thomas cannot persuade his people
10 give in without striking a blow.
What the railway men and transport
workers did for the miners, the
miners and transport workers will be
expected to do for the railway men.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
The government may once more
have to chose between national stop
page and subsidy. Will democracy
face I'D to this dilemma? 1t will, il
bodily led. IL itssnerve fails Sec
ond time, the Soviet system will au-
tomatically have been substituted for
parliamentary government. The only
other alternative would be Fascist
dictatorship. The event depends upon
firm, prudent leadership. The ma.
ton is for existing institutions and
VIII follow any courageous lcau to
prevent their overthrow, but il the
skilled and nudacious leaders nre all
TO be found in the revolutionary camp
whilst the gencralship iD the constitu'
tional army continues timid, vacillat-
ing and jumpy, ! would not care to
predict the issue Of events.
Democracy is on trial throughout
Europe. In three great countries il
has been found wanting. in other lands
its position is being nssailed and in
no country is the attack on it more
insidious, more deadly than in Great
Britain. The kaiser has no doubt MS
10 the fate of European democracy.
He has been unburdening his disil-
lusioned soul to friendly Protestant
pastor.
democracy is lie. Democracy