Democracy And Character

he laws proposed by Democracy would be one compelling citizens to vote at elections. To the leaders of reform it would have seemed incredible that hardly-won privileges should be soon despised, and that a large proportion of the people should show so little interest in their rulers or their laws. And those who spoke warmly and strongly on the fitness of the people to govern themselves would have been surprised to find such a glaring neglect of the first principles of public duty. Yet it is unfortunately true that one of the pressing dangers of democratic states lies in theunwillingness of the citizens to discharge the simple duties connected with their privileges. In America, Mr Bryce tells us, the best life and energy of the nation flow habitually apart from politics. In Australia there is a growing disinclination amongst the best men to become candidates for parliament, or to take an active part in the organisation of elections. As regards voting, it is difficult, under ordinary circumstances, to bring electors to the poll; and even in times of moral or political crisis, when a strong appeal is made to every public-spirited citizen, the number that refuses to vote remains disgracefully large. Barely fifty per cent, on the average may be counted upon to do their duty. Probably in municipal elections the average is even less. For this aversion from public life and service there are many reasons. For one thing, the ordinary business of life is becoming daily ...