The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-12-16 00:00:00

CORRESPONDENCE.

We wish it to be distinctly utukrstood that by inserting
letters in this column, we do not thereby identify ourseiver
. . -

with the opinions of our Correspondents.
MR. BRADLAUGH AND HIS OPPONENT'S.
To the Editor of the " Observer."

Stn,—ln your last week's impression, I perceived no
less than six letters, which were chiefly conspicuous for
the absence of logic, and rational argument, and for the
free indulgence of a nasty bitter sarcasm. These letters
lbelieve truly were not prompted by strong adhesion to
their professed principles, nor by a strong repugnance to
the principles inculcated by Republicans; but by a sense
of burning irritation at the favourable reception of Mr.
Bradlaugh. Some of them extol " our glorious consti•
teflon," without giving any definite idea as to why such
praise should be bestowed. All indulge freely in con-
demning, either directly or indirectly, Mr. Bradlaugh and
his principles' and all his adherents, without refuting
them by good sound argument.
There is a " suggestion " which is neither conspicuous
for its wit, nor for its gentlemanly spirit. It is no doubt
the "suggestion" of one who is acquainted with, or at
least knows "the Republican Glassulaker ;" and a " sug-
gestion" which was the result of much thought, and
concentration of all his meaner, baser, faculties. I was
about to remark that if its writer had subscribed his
name, he would have shown a more manly spirit; but f
think it would have displayed a greater amount of im-
pudence and bold assurance on the part of its writer; for
the baseness still remains in all its rotten glory. But if
he had subscribed his name " the Republiciin
maker " would have been able to give a direct, open, can-
did, and fair reply to its writer. As it is the writer seeks
to throw out his nastiness through the medium of the
press, while he himself remains in obscurity. " The
Republican Glassmaker " referred to is doubtless Mr. IV.
H. Packwood ; as he was the most conspicuous glass.
maker present, not in a base position, but in an honour-
able one ; if it is he, and the writer will frankly admit it,
" the Republican Ulassmaker " will withont doubt reply
for himself.
Another letter in headed '' Unitarianism and Brad.
laugh," in which the writer eays he has been trying to
think whether there is any connection between Unitsri.
anima and Infidelity, and Unitarianism and disloyalty;
those being the two chief subjects of Mr. Bradlaugh's
advocacy. It seems to me that the writer's powers of
thought are not very great if lie cannot discover a wide
distinction between Unitarianism and Infidelity; and
really displays • great amount of ignorance in the writer
of Unitarian principles. If he will look into an exposi-
tion of Unitarian doctrines with an unprejediced mind
(many expositions stein print:, he will discover as wide •
distinction between Unitarianism and Infidelity, as be.
tween Infidelity and the Established Religion of Eng-
land ; perhaps a wider. Unitarians have been greatly
misrepresented, and it seems there are those who would
misrepresent them still, despite the many true and honest
expositions of the doctrines and principles they profess.
What is meant by disloyalty, I cannot imagine, as regards
its oonnection with Unitarianism. When advocating pa-
litical principles, Unitarians utterly
.disregard religious
ones; and if their political principles come nearer Re-
publicanism than most other sects, it is because they
deem such principles more compatible with the interests
of the people. I shall not endeavour to give any exposi•
tion of Republican principles, as they have been amply
explained by abler pens and abler tongues than mine: and
unless I see, based on solid argument, some refutation of
his political principles, I shall deem Mr. Bradlaugh's too
strong for refutation.
. . . _ . .

It may be asked, why I have not subscribed my name
in full. The reason I advance is because my letter con-
tains nothing but truth; and truth sent out from obscu-
rity, is far better than a nasty sarcasm. If my name
should be desired by anyone. I shall only feel proud to
give the name of the writer of a missive, which I am
conscious neither harms nor injures anyone. Hoping
this will find is space iu your paper I remain,
Yours truly,
SINE ODIO.