The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-01-07
Mttt. MnnrnpU rnttpr
Editor and Publisher
1901 1884
GOVERNOR sALTONsTALL

Governor Saltonstall takes office at
a time when the country is calling men
OF brains, honesty, integrity and
courage to save democracy from foes
at home and abroad So satisfied was
the German Feuhrer with the effec-
tiveness of fascist propaganda in the
countries to the south of us that he
smugly predicted rough sailing for the
Lima conference plans to promote pan
American unity. Probably some of
the United States delegates "got the
jolt of their lives" by the sight of
swastika banners Haunted before their
faces in the streets of the Peruvian
Capital. For the first time they real
lied that the fascist incursion had
made formidable Roadway on the
American continent. That the menace
IN South American republics was un-
known to the average citizen in the
United States reflects little credit upon
the Intelligence Department and our
public news gathering agencies. Or
does it clearly exemplify the indiffer-
ence and disdain to which South
American sister states believe thew
are subjected by the COLOSSUS of the
North"-a belief which is held mainly
responsible for the almost total fail
ure of the Lima conference?
But in one respect, at least, the
conference did not fail. SouthAmeri-
can fascism opened the eyes of United
States delegates to the real danger
tat similar inroads are quietly de-
veloping in the United States by
means of ingenious and persistent
propaganda inspired from abroad
Governor Saltonstall like President
Roosevelt, is conscious of the condi-
tons which are natural allies of the
forces determined upon destruction of
democratic government. "These are
tragic times" his inaugural address
says, Times which truly try mems
souls. The world has gone mad with
tyranny and persecution. There is but
one hope left. Democracy must moi
faIl. 1t is the one thing to which
helpless minorities cling. To preserve
that democracy our government must
not only adhere to the fundamental
principles of freedom and liberty, but
government must provide for the
- SNS VI ITO NIIlHCIlS. IL IlluSC Iuf0lSf
security for the aged and opportunity
for the young. 1t must recognize the
changing economic status and the duty
Of the State to cooperate harmoni.
ously with both labor and capital. t.
the end that the words 'life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness" shall
take on a new and a real meaning.
These are sentiments that point the
clear course to be followed if demo
cracy is to prevail. Given the will t.
tight for democracy, the generality Of
citizens can take renewed assurance
IN final victory. But the salvation o.
a peoples government" and The
achievement of democratic ideals will
not come suddenly nor "fall like thu
gentle dews of heaven" on all the ma
ton at the same time. Democracy
must be made real practical pro
gramme not merely to be prated about
but to be put into actual practice il
every community, town, city anC
state until step by step the blessing,
OF democracy become universally an
preciated. In this great modern cru
SADIE there is encouragement to expect
that, through restored honest and eff
clent government under Governor Sal
tonstall, the Commonwealth will con
tlnue its leadership.