INTRODUCTION
The title of this book, Democratic Ideals, gives the key to Mrs. Colby′s life and work. She sought liberty for the individual, she desired democracy for the state. This she illustrated in all she did. She was always a free lance. When sometimes harassed and cramped in her undertakings for want of money, her friends would recommend positions on newspapers, or other lines of work which might furnish a good salary. Her reply was always, “Oh, no, I must have my freedom; I cannot be a mere machine to follow a regular routine.” Whitman was Mrs. Colby’s favorite author, and in her own copy of his poems, which has been given to the writer, the most trenchant utterances of the poet on the subject of liberty are marked, and often illustrated by penciled notes.
But it was not for the individual alone that she desired liberty. Her ideal for the whole people was democracy. She longed to see our government complete, our Constitution a charter of liberties for all. Even in her advocacy of Woman's Suffrage her chief thought was not 80 much the practical advantage of the vote to women, as the maintaining of the integrity of our republic, the fulfillment of the promise made by the founders of our Government.
The life of Clara Bewick Colby illustrates in a most emphatic way the power that may be attained by the possession of a lofty ideal, with earnest determination, and persevering industry, in spite of adverse circumstances and seemingly overwhelming difficulties.
Unassisted and from humble beginnings she became a well known and honored advocate of Woman’s
