Page:Back to the Republic.djvu/89

 doctrines and anarchistic heresies—all dangerous weapons in the hands of demagogues for mischief–making.

Lincoln gave a very good definition of boards and commissions when he said: "I think they are contrivances to cheat the government."

Socialism is that phase of democracy which negates property rights.

Anarchy is that phase of democracy which negates law.

The initiative is that phase of democracy which makes it possible for the infuriated mob, under the leadership of the demagogue, to enact legislation.

The referendum is that phase of democracy which assumes that the minority should rescind impulsively at a special election the deliberate action of the majority at a regular election.

The judicial recall is that phase of democracy which makes it possible to take a case from the courtroom, where it may be decided in accordance with the law and the evidence, to the street-corners, where the agitators may appeal to passion and prejudice.

Government ownership is that phase of democracy which assumes that government should not mind its own business.

We should at once abandon all of these