Page:Back to the Republic.djvu/128

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Chapter X

CONCLUSION

I HAVE striven to make clear the meaning of the words "autocracy," "democracy" and "republic," and have urged the importance of avoiding the extremes of either autocracy or democracy and the vital need of adhering strictly and literally to the republic.

If you have read this book carefully and are still in doubt as to the meaning of those three words, I beg of you to read the works of Alexander Hamilton, the words of George Washington, the teachings of James Madison, the decisions of John Marshall, the debates of Daniel Webster, the utterances of Abraham Lincoln, the addresses of William McKinley, and the Constitution of the United States, and study the laws of nature. You will then reach the conclusions set forth in this book.

When you understand clearly the meaning of the words "autocracy," "democracy" and "republic," you will favor the republic as the best form of government. It should then be your solemn

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