Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1858-03-11
Free Opinions.


No people of earth boast more. and
with better right, of freedom in the ex-
pressions of their opinion, than we. 1t is
enjoyed in its broadcast latitude. both in the
forum and by the press-from the veriest
school boy. TO the highest diynitary in the
land. Every person regards himself as
{ the official critic Of every other persons
conduct, and makes his report with all the
punctuality of the most regularly consltu-
ted parliamentary body.
This freedom Of opinion is a matter Of
true national pride with us. as it is one of
the dearest of personal rights; but. like
many other of our best privileges. an inju-
dicous use of it will make il oftener a
curse than blessing. When, instead of
a fair and honest expression Of the faith
that is within them, it is made the channel
of coarse ribaldry, Of disgusting defama-
ton and SANDER. it loses its exalted char
acter, and becomes the chosen weapon OF
error. We are well aware that any strc-
lures upon the liberties Of speech and the
press will meet with prompt and meIited
rebuke, but we are well assured, that
against the tendency, at this day. towards
an Incorporate use of these sacred rights
the warning voice will be the voice of wis
dom.
Freedom of opinion is the balance wheel
given to the people TO check and regulate
the conduct Of their landers. 1t yields an
influence which no other power could WELD
IN restraining the acts of ambitious, schem-
ing men. and in regulating the whole ma
chinery of government and society. but
when 1t forgets its high Office. and attacks
persons instead of principles. when it ex
hausts itself in discharges of billingsgate
rather than in fair AID candid discussion
and criticism, it becomes nothing more
than cOwardly mode of SANDER and black
guardism.
That this is too frequently the case, We
have only to read much of that which is
written and spoken. of late, to know. &c
back only as far as the bred Scott decision
and YOU will find hundreds of newspaper
scribblers. and discounted politicians
with 10. brains enough to observe dis
tinclion when pointed out to them. opening
upon the members of that highest tribuua
our country knows the West persona
abuse. These were followed by others ;
little higher in the scale of intelligent be-
ings, but who were none the less cewardly
and unmanly in their attacks. Some, in
deed. differed honestly from the decision
in this famous case, not by impugnins
motives. and vilifying private character
but by candidly examining the principles
at issue. With such differences no on,
can take exception.
We merely mentioned this as singh
instance Of the extravagant and disgrace
ful extent to which this liberty has beel
carried, It is needless to refer to any 9th
er.
1t must be seen by all that the teDdenc,
of such state Of things reflects very I'm
favorably upon the character of our coun
try. and it should be tho desire of ever
patriot to see it changed. and wisdom. in
stead of fanaticism, take the helm of al
fairs. The right to private judgment an,
to the expression of that judgment ar
among tie first of mans natural rights
but it should never be exercised withou
intelligence and sound discretion. Thes
remarks should not be unheeded by som
of our orcn party. who, in their late differ
ences, have resorted to personal abuse
rather than fair and honest discussion
Let Democrats beware of these structure
lest they produce discord in their ranks
and give cover TO the enemy thereby. br
let them rattle. cultivate harmony Of fee
ing in remembrance of that ancient fail
which has made. and ever must presery
uss national party.
GREAT BARGAIN !! - Lot l20 in ii
original Mat of Plymouth, situate on L.