Perils of Democracy

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 104, 30 October 1893, Page 2

Perils of Democracy

(Rigkt Hon. James Brjea, in the Forum) It is common to talk of ignorance as the chief peril of democracies. That it is a peril no one denies, and we are all, I hope, agreed that it has become more than ever the duty of the State to insist not only on a more penetrating and stimulative instruction, but upon the inclusion of the elements of constitutional knowledge among the subjects to be taught in the higher standards of our schools. Democracy has, however, another foe not less pernicious. This is indolence. Indifference to public affairs shows itself not merely in a neglect to study them and fit oue's self to give a judicious vote, but in the apathy which does not care to give a vote when the time arrives. It is a serious evil already in some countries, serious in London, very serious in Italy, serious enough in the. United States, not indeed at President tial, but at city and other local elections, for some reformer to have proposed to punish with a fine the citizen who neglects to vote, as in some old Greek city the law proclaimed penalties to the citizen who in a sedition stood aloof, taking neither one side nor the other ; for, unhappily, it is the respectable, well-meaning, easygoing citizen who is apt to be listless. Those who have their private ends to serve, their axes to grind, and logs to roll are not indolent. Private interest spurs them on ; and if the so-called " good citizen " who has no desire or aim, except that good government which benefits him no more than every* I one else, does not bestir himself, the public funds may become the plunder, and public interests the sport, of unscrupulous adventurers.