Page:Democracy, theoretical and practical (IA democracytheoret00hendrich).pdf/9



In the addresses delivered before the last two Commemorations the Professor of Chemistry and the Professor of Philosophy used their special knowledge to elucidate problems arising out of the war. I propose to follow their lead, in trying to explain the difference between a working and a theoretical democracy.

One of the avowed objects of the war was to make the world safe for democracy. Before we can do that we must be clear in our minds as to what we mean by democracy. The war is over, and military autocracy has been overthrown; but that form of government which we have agreed to call democracy is not safe. A new foe has arisen, and it is the more dangerous because it masquerades in various parts of the world as democracy itself.

Theorists have been telling us for two centuries that democracy is government for the people by the people. In my study of history I cannot find that any such government has ever existed. That democracy has meant government for the people I have no doubt; but that it has ever meant government by the people, or means that now, I am forced to deny. That it will ever mean that, so long as men are born with unequal capacities, and are disciplined in different environments, I cannot believe.