come grow with not much thought of public duty. The sentimentalists and the radicals, actuated more by the heart and self-interest than by reason, declare that all things are wrong and that we must tear down and begin over again, introducing doubtful principles and ideas often obsolete and unpractical. It is probable that the true view is between these extremes,—that there is sound public opinion in this country, but that it is not making itself felt as it should, because the pressure of material things and personal interest prevents proper expression of it. Society as a whole needs a stronger sense of personal responsibility, creating a foundation upon which a really sensible and constructive public opinion may be built.
Few people realize the number of men in this country entitled to vote who fail to do so. In 1900 there were in the United States 21,329,819 males of voting age, or potential voters; and there would be some increase each succeeding year, and yet the vote for President was in 1896, 13,827,212; in 1900, 13,970,134;
