Plymouth High School - Mayflower Yearbook (Plymouth, IN)

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THE STUDENTS VOICE 19 SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY Earl McLaughlin ‘08. There has been no time in history when the necessity for government did not exist. There has been no time in history when some form of government was not known to man, for the relation of man to man necessitates government. The form at times has been crude and undeveloped, yet always in harmony with man and his stage of advancement. As we look back over the past we find social groups num- bering countless thousands. From the very beginning the po- litical institutions of these social bodies have been undergoing an evolution. The development has been due to slow and deliberate human effort. From the dawn of history when men were formed into bar- barous tribes subject to despotic rule until the modern age of civilization when nations stand forth free and self-governed, the law of our fathers that In union there is strength has suf- fered no amendment. Governments are the living exponent of these social conditions; they are called into existence by the people and maintained by them for the benefits which the power of government confers. Governments are not of spontaneous growth. They arc not found by philosophers and lawgivers. Such institutions are the works of human effort directed toward promoting the wel- fare of the people. In the primitive age society was weak and incapable of rul- ing itself, therefore submitted to a despotic rule. But during the progress of time society advanced, increased in power and in- fluence and the governments were forced to change their forms in compliance with the thoughts and feelings of their subjects. Since the progress of the governments from the beginning has been due to the advancement of society, the growth of govern- mental system, as a consequence of social, moral, and intellectual development, must be accepted as a natural law. Our life is one of progress. Men in all civilized lands, im- pelled by the same feeling of humanity, influenced by a common welfare are gaining independence, extending the domain of pri- vate rights, making laws and advancing toward a more perfect state. Since society emerged from the primitive state, since it began to improve, democratic principles have advanced and dem- ocratic institutions established. Since the rise of popular educa- tion in the last century, the advance of this democratic principle has everywhere been ’marked. A few generations ago the ruler was supposed to receive his power from God; now he receives it from the people. Then the people served the ruler, now the ruler is the servant of the people. 1 he idea of the so-called Divine Rights of Kings ’ has been destroyed. Now almost every nation in the civilized world recognizes that governments must be con-

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18 THE STUDENTS’ VOICE Francis Arietta Thayer—“Ton- de Thesis: 'Die American Navy. Vice-President of class ’06-7; President. Girls’ Basket Ball team ’06-7-8. Four years Lat- in student. “Her virtues, graced with ex- ternal gifts. Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart.” G len Cove Worthington— “Worthy” 'Phesis: Forest Preservation. Business Manager of “The Students’ Voice.” 1907-8; Boys’ Quartette. “Look here, upon this picture. See what a grace was seated on this brow; Hyperion’s curls; the front of Jove himself!”

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20 THE STUDENTS’ VOICE trolled by the people. No political question of the present day excites more profound interest than the advancement of the the- ory of self-government. It affects the welfare of society and determines destiny of nations. Man is by nature speculative. While it is true, in a measure, that some would change the forms to which they are accustomed, still to be dissatisfied with the present condition and continually desirous of a change seems to be born in human nature. Man is constantly living in dreams of what is to come, in ideals of what ought to be. Were this principle otherwise, humanity would still be groping in the darkness of the past ages. It is owing to this spirit of progress, these dreams of ideals that we are enabled to live in the exhilarating atmosphere of civilization. As society has improved the spirit of Democracy has made rapid progress. It grows with the growth of knowledge. It strengthens with the strength of reason. Its power and influence is advanced by the advance of man. Under it man feels in his inmost soul that everything should be free. When visited by its spirit, he is actuated by a nobler resolve, he kindles with loftier aspirations, he performs deeds more heroic, he speaks with an eloquence more sublime. The star of democracy first appeared on the western horizon ; but so dense was the fog of conservatism and doubt that the peo- ple living in the eastern countries failed to see its glories. But since the fog has been dissipated its glories are reflected from England's shores. It has tinted the sunny fields of Spain. It has reached France. Piercing to the south, its rays of light have penetrated the monarchical gloom ami slavish ignorance of south- ern countries. Brazil, Chili and Mexico have thrown aside the cloak of royalty and are wearing the cloak of democracy. If the visions of the prophets are ever to be realized, if the nations of this world which arc yet lingering in the gloom of ig- norance and superstition of the primitive ages, expect to attain self-government it must be through the education of the common people. Contrast United States, the home of freedom and culture with Russia the home of bondage and ignorance. In Russia the education is only for a chosen few. here it is for everybody. Rus- sia is the home of confusion and strife. Men who try to educate the lower classes forfeit their lives. Would Russia but educate her people and give them voice in the government she would soon stand forth as a far more highly civilized nation. Now we see that with the advance of democracy and democratic prin- ciples that the world moves to a higher elevation. Therefore, as we go farther tonight let us not stop with the education which we have received in our short school career, but push on and on striving to reach a higher plane and to promote the cause of ed- ucation. Since with advancement of education will the state of democracy shine brighter and clearer over this world. To you, sir, the superintendent of this school, our first words of