erpetuates a pernicious sectionalism,
and deprives the South of that bipartizan rivalry which keeps open the
currents of political life.

Since the Civil War the struggle between the two dominant parties has
been largely a struggle between the Ins and the Outs. The issues that
have divided them have been more apparent than real. The tariff, the
civil service, the trusts, and the long list of other "issues" do not
denote fundamental differences, but only variations of degree. Never
in any election during this long interval has there been definitely at
stake a great national principle, save for the currency issue of 1896
and the colonial question following the War with Spain. The revolt of
the Progressives in 1912 had a character of its own; but neither of the
old parties squarely joined issue with the Progressives in the
contest which followed. The presidential campaign of 1916 afforded an
opportunity to place on trial before the people a great cause, for there
undoubtedly existed then in the country two great and opposing sides
of public opinion--one for and the other against war with Germany. Here
again, however, the issue was not joined but was adroitly evaded by both
the candidates.

None the less there has been a difference between the two great parties.
The Republican party has been avowedly nationalistic, imperialistic, and
in favor of a vigorous constructive foreign policy. The Democratic party
has generally accepted the lukewarm international policy of Jefferson
and the exaltation of the locality and the plain individual as
championed by Jackson. Thus, though in a somewhat intangible and
variable form, the doctrinal distinctions between Hamilton and Jefferson
have survived.

In the emergence of new issues, new parties are born. But it is one of
the singular characteristics of the American party system that third
parties are abortive. Their adherents serve mainly as evangelists,
crying their social and economic gospel in the political wilderness. If
the issues are vital, they are gradually absorbed by the older parties.

Before the Civil War several sporadic parties were formed. The most
unique was the Anti-Masonic party. It flourished on the hysteria caused
by the abduction of William Morgan of Batavia, in western New York, in
1826. Morgan had written a book purporting to lay bare the secrets
of Freemasonry. His mysterious disappearance was laid at the doors of
leading Freemasons; and it was alleged that mem