In framing the constitution the fathers of the American Republic
were chiefly concerned to repose power in Congress and to establish
conditions under which a military dictatorship would be forever
impossible. Across the world for a century fell the shadow of Napoleon.
Behind stood the sinister figures of ancient dictators and despots.
During the American Civil War the draft produced disaffection and
riot in the North, while Lincoln was permitted to exercise autocratic
power because he held his authority from “the people.” There was
confusion of thinking through facts of history which had no validity
under democracy, and sincere devotion to theories and prejudices which
challenge the basic ideals and principles of popular government. A
writer in The London Times Literary Supplement, discussing “The ways
of Revolution,” said, “In modern times democracy has almost invariably
had the best of the fighting. France herself was never led to defeat by
a Republican Government; Waterloo and Sedan were lost by her Emperors.
Swiss history is one long tale of democratic success in defence; two
Dutch provinces defied the arms of Philip II., and thirteen American
colonies the might of the British Empire. Democracy is more prone to
suicide than liable to conquest.”