The people must perhaps re-cast much of their legislation, to make sure that their public franchises and natural monopolies are not exploited by the few at the expense of the many. In a country where the press is allowed unlimited freedom, and where every man has a share in the government, where laws are flexible and easily modified, there should be little difficulty in curbing the pretensions of insolent wealth and protecting the people from lawlessness. Possibly in the Socialistic movement, which is now academic, crude and unscientific, and which, in its present stage, oflfers as a healing balm for industrial evils only the paralysis of state despotism, there may be a curative germ. Certainly, at its base, is the principle of human brotherhood, co-operation and a lofty altruism. It is now in antagonism with the Democratic Ideal ; ultimately it may be resolved into an auxiliary in purging society from some of the evils with which it is infected. If we live in an era of greed and graft, we also Hve in an era of enormous goodness, unparalleled philanthropy, increasing intelligence and advancing ethical standards. Can there be any doubt which forces will win? The Democratic Ideal, towards which all nations are drifting

THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL. 151

by the inexorable sweep of ethical forces, still shines before the American people. Whatever is rotten, vulgar, base, corrupt, in our body politic will be eliminated by the same law of progress, moral, physical, social, spiritual, which has brought the race to its present transitional status. Lincoln's ideal of a government of the people, for the people, by the people, will not perish from the earth. Up from the scum and reek of corruption -- unless the ancient power of conscience and intellect are dead ; and they are not dead, but live in deathless vigor -- will spring a new growth of justice, liberty, love.