The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-04-12
Vol XXXH HwoaNsi eccEN Richmond Wayne County Indiana

spirit or any other thing disembodied can be
5, powerful as to close the lips of in ses,iga-
ton, how long would it take to enbody
that power 10 the statute box. and law in
carcerate us within the walls of an inqaisi-
ton? Every man, therefore, ough. 10 break
off the fetters of prejudice and party spirit.
and avail himself of the largest means of
discussion, either by his own tongue and
pep, or the TOT CUES and pens OF others mors
able than himself. 10 this way. and in this
way only. may we arrive at truth. 1t is the
truth that makes US free" 1t is Gods free
gif. to all. If my antagonis. in science.
politics or religion has been more fortunate
than myself in the discovery of truth, it is
his duty to communicate the truth to me
and o less ny duty and interest to receive
and enjoy it. But some one may say, has
not discussion done harm? The Pope
thought SO when Luther shook the very
walls of the Vatican with his denunciations.
The Pope and the schoolmen thought SO
when Calico with his telescope demons'ra-
ted the great fact that the centre of our solar
system is in the sun.
"If he, Galileo the martyr sage
Transcend the kno wiedge of a brutal age,
And tell how PLANETS in their orbits run.
Their my site whiri and circumvo Dive the sua.
Forth stands the church with fell decree;
All else was false in physics, and all else
Is heresy whate'er thy glass reveals.
Twas said, in luisitors the cell prepare,
And lock the immortal science martyr there. !"
Kings thought discussion was harmful
when their divine righ. to rule, even if they
ruined. was disputed. Indeed there never
was false religion, false philosophy. false
state policy, or tyrant. or trent bling cul-
prit at the bar of Justice that did not fear
- ho TOD = hats
evil has been inflicted upon society. when
sophists have made "the worse appear the
better part" 1t is very certain tha, absence
Of discussion has never prevented the better
part appearing the worse. While free dis
cussion has very soon dissipated sophis;ry
and made the truth appear triumphant
The statesman never uttered truer senti-
ment than this: that error is powerle S, il
truth be left free to combat ii, When we
have mined in the veins of thought to rid
truth Of its attendant cru lies, it must be
cast into the crucible of discussion. From
That has been said, it must appear. as doubt.
less we all believe, that the permanency of
our institutions depends upon the elevation
OF the masses. They must be informed of
their rights, duties and interests and know
ing them they may dare to maintain them.
Not the least un favorable indications of this
result are our common schools. acade mics,
colleges and literary associations. This city
unfortunately. destitute of an
sociation of high literary type accessible
to all. we would fain believe will hereafter
be enriched in this respect. The least l can
say In conclusion is. trust those having
undertaken a work so noble, will not suffer
t to fail. and to those not yet identified with
t, that you will come to its aid. and make
he Richmond Library Association an insti-
.ution of which our peoplo will be proud in
years to come.