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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 8

Governing and Governed

Governing and Governed

I have given first attention to the matter of domestic economy in considering the relation of the State to the sale of intoxicating liquors, simply because that is put forward by government itself as the ostensible excuse for license. But there are other and higher interests involved in this sanction than any which can be measured by mere money. For permanence and prosperity a democratic government, more than any other, must draw inspiration from the best elements of society. Its rulership must be pure; its citizenship must be untainted, in purpose no less than in practice. To the making of its laws there must be summoned intelligence and integrity; for the rapport of those laws when made, there must be enlisted virtue,' and courage, and conscience. It is thus seen that the State, when confronted with any question of internal administra page 9 tion Affecting directly its citizens, must consider its influence upon them, both as controlling the State and as controlled by it—as governing, and as governed. To the former pertains the active management of affairs, to the latter the experiencing of all public policies. Let us look first at the connection this question may have with the conduct of the State as a ruling power.