CAUSES OF SOCIAL UNREST

Political “bosses” are often allied with powerful business interests which seek legislation and governmental administration favorable to themselves.  This has given rise to the charge sometimes made that our government is a “plutocracy,” a government of the people by a small wealthy class.  It is the feeling that this is so that has caused much of the social unrest at the present time, and that explains in part the growth of the socialists, and of other groups that would go much further than the socialists in their proposed changes, such as the I.W.W.  (Independent Workers of the World) in our country, the Bolshevists in Russia, and anarchists everywhere.

GOVERNMENT IN THE INTEREST OF ALL CLASSES

Unquestionably selfish groups representing great wealth have often exerted undue influence in governmental affairs without regard for the public welfare.  We have seen how the public lands and the nation’s natural resources have in some cases fallen into the hands of wealthy individuals and corporations to the injury of the nation and of those who want to use them for productive purposes.  On the other hand, it is natural that men who have been successful in managing their private business affairs should also be influential in managing public affairs without necessarily having unworthy motives.  Nevertheless, when government falls under the control of any particular class or group, whether it represents wealth, or labor, or any other interest, if it has not due regard for all classes, and if it denies to the members of other groups the voice in government to which they are entitled, it establishes a despotism and overthrows democracy.

Why the people submit to “Boss rule”

Why do the people submit to “boss rule”?  In the first place, they do not always submit to it.  Occasionally, when the “bosses” go to unusual extremes, the people give way to “fits of public rage,” to use the words of former Senator Elihu Root, “in which the people rouse up and tear down the political leader, first of one party and then of the other party.”  It is thus possible for the people to escape the despotism of “boss rule.”  But two things seem to be necessary to bring it about:  first, the people must be sufficiently interested in the management of their public affairs; and, second, they require leadership.  It takes close attention to public affairs to enable a citizen to make wise decisions for himself; and the average citizen looks around for guidance.  The absence of responsible leadership gives the irresponsible “boss” his chance.

THE SHORT BALLOT