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Kansas University Weekly.
The Promises of Democracy.
Prof. Blackmar's article in the June Forum, "The Promises of Democracy; have they been fulfilled?" is one of the kind of articles we need to see often in such magazines as the Forum. Prof. Blackmar's style of writing is especially popular, and what he says is not so deep and exhaustive, as it is suggestive of what we think for ourselves, even if it is sometimes a little bold. His arguments are convincing. In this article he has followed along the line of his professional study, and expresses in black and white some of the ideas he has often argued in the class-room.
"As a people we have been taught." Says Prof. Blackmar "to expect great results from a democratic form of government." we have been taught the history of Greece and Rome and other great nations that fell because they did not give the government to the people. The question now arises as to whether we have found the remedy.
In the Middle Ages they achieved pure democracy, in which every man was equal religiously, socially, politically, and the French Revolution was the result. Then they discovered that all men are not equal, "equal privileges yielded not the same to all."
The Americans declared for Independence politically. But this was not interpreted in the sense of the French Revolution, that all men are equal in natural mental and moral qualifications; although it has been so proclaimed by many of our people. In practice it has never worked so. It has never accomplished more than equality "before the law, and fair political usage." This is one of Prof. Blackmar's fundamental theories. From the first, men in this country have not been equal in political power. Even now nearly half the voters have no representation, according to their own choice," while the majority elects.
The nation is oppressed by the faults of imperfect voting methods, office seeking demagogues and their subsequent legislation, the tyranny of wealth and monopoly--worse in some respects than the tyrannies of Europe. But, "In the face of all this ****we must admit that in comparison with other nations, we have in many respects the best government on the face of the earth." We have a tremendous task to put ourselves and our nation in position for self-government, but after all Democracy is not a failure. Not less democracy, but more—if it be the right kind—is our need." Its quality depends upon the eternal vigilance of its citizens.
The Kansas University Quarterly.
With the April number of this year the Kansas University Quarterly completes its fourth volume. It has published, and will continue to publish, the results of strictly original research of members of the Faculty and of advanced students. It will also contain hereafter, a brief statement of the work in hand, and the solid advance of the University Faculty and equipment. The QUARTERLY ought to have a considerable number of subscribers among the graduates of the University, and to secure this the subscription is offered for the coming year to graduates only at $1.00, one half the regular price.
Attend the "HUB'S"
Special sale of MEN'S SUITS.
Prices reduced to make room for Fall Stock.
All summer underwear must be closed out.
Special low prices made on MEN'S and BOYS'S SHOES for few a days only. Visit the
HUB SHOE & CLOTHING CO., LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
BUY YOUR
Books and Stationery.
. OF .
TRACY LEARNARD.
71O MASS. ST.
B. H. LESLIE, M. D.
Graduate University of Pennsylvania Medical College. Office over Newmark's, 909 Mass.
Residence at 1040 Vermont.