Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 64:255 (Jul 1907)
Article: The Renaissance Of Democracy
Author: Frank Tracy Carlton

BSac 64:255 (July 1907) p. 409

The Renaissance Of Democracy

Prof. Frank Tracy Carlton

We are living in an era of great political instability; our political pyramid is standing on its apex. Old traditional party alignments and affiliations are no longer looked upon as something sacred; the party fetich is losing its authority. Old watchwords and rallying cries have lost their potency and charm for the mass of the common people. The crack of the party whip no longer inspires terror among the rank and file of the great parties. A man is no longer a Republican or a Democrat merely because his father cast a ballot for Lincoln, or his grandfather one for Jackson. Many of us no longer vote as we did four years ago. It is even not in good form for the good citizen to vote a straight ticket. The “insurgent “and the independent are becoming conspicuous because of their numbers. The two old parties are in a condition of unstable equilibrium; two natures are struggling within each of them. Behind the scenes, more or less hidden from the public gaze, two factions may be found fighting desperately for control: one is a progressive wing with a positive program, the other is labeled “Stand pat” and “Let well enough alone.” What is the true significance of this political phenomenon? Much has been surmised and put into print; but no one has pointed out the lesson of an earlier period in our own national history.

The maxim that history repeats itself is at least partially true. Parties and principles when young and ardent stand

BSac 64:255 (July 1907) p. 410

for change and for destructive forces and tendencies; they loudly proclaim that it is their purpose to tear down the existing political edifice, to modify existing conditions, and to rectify injustice. High ideals are found in every plank in their political platform. After the new aggressive and progressive party with its new and inspiring watchwords seizes the reins of government firmly in its hands, it stands firmly and manfully for constructive statesmanship; but, sooner or later, the voice of history tells us, the exercise of power and authority and the tempting taste of the spoils of office transform gradually and subtly this bold party of progress and political radicalism into one of inaction and of content with past achievements; in short, it becomes the “Let-well-enough-alone” party. The function of protest, which should never be allowed to atrophy, now devolves upon others. Power—the control of men and of wealth—leads inevitably and invariably to conservatism, and finally to stagnation. The warm, attractive glow of lofty ideals and noble ambitions is dissipated; and in its stead creeps in the dull and deadening fear of the party lash or the enervating longing for political spoils and privileges. This ...