The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-11-26
The Era of Discussion.

WE are evidently entering upon al era OF
discussion, in which the fundamental princi-
Piles of republican government and their
actual realization in our laws and institutions,
are to receive more thorough examination
than has ever before been given to them. In
the columns OF the press, in public meetings,
on the lecturing platform, we find this great
work OF discussion going on. We rejoice to
see 1t. Doubtless many foolish things will be
said, many extravagant speeches made, many
impracticable theories broached; yet from all
some truth will be evoked, and the general
result will be to increase the intelligence of
the masses on the vital questions of the hour.
Truth can endure discussion, so that we
are always glad when society begins to wake
up, and look about it and inquire. Error,
on the contrary, cannot stand the light. Its
refuge is in darkness and intellectual and
moral stagnatlon. We care not how bitter
mans preiudices may be, if he will only read
and think and investigate, he will become
more liberal in spite OF himself The greatest
foe to true progress is indiGerence-that
sleepy, sluggish habit of the mind in which
men do not care enough for either truth or
error TO make any effort in their behalf
We are especially glad that the topic of
suffrage is being so wtdeiy discussed. The
time is favorable for Il. The elections are
just past, so that men may advance their true
opinions without Immediately endangering
their party organizations. 1t would have
been impossible before the late elections TO
have induced the Chicago Times and the
Boston Post to speak out upon this subject
as they have done since. Now is the time for
every man to contribute his mite to the proper
solution of this great problem. What we need
most of all is TOR men to speak out their real
sentiments. II man thinks universal suf-
frage is impracticable and dangerous, let him
say 80. If another thinks that an intelligent
test should be applied, let him speak out. If
third believes in a property qualification let
him show the grounds of his belief. II a
fourth thinks that the color of a mans skin
should determine the matter, let him, if he
can, bring forward his reasons for it, If still
another believes that women we'll men
oneht to be allowed to exercise the elective
franchise, let him say so. Let Us have, then,
this whole question discussed from its very
foundation and in all its aspects. Such
process is in accordance with the theory of
our political system. 1t is the people form
ing an intelligent Judgment upon political
question, with reference, not to partisan
issues, but to its real merits. The great
trouble with many Of our people is that they
cannot look upon a question OF this kind in
anything but a partisan aspect. But this is
time, and favorable time, to throw aside
partisan feelings, and to settle great ques-
tion, not upon the shifting sands of tempo
rary expediency, but upon the eternal rock
of principle.
Hence, we welcome this era of discussion.
Let the good work go on. Let thought meet
with thought, and idea grapple with idea.
Let men bring their old and darling preju-
dices to the light and examine them. What
ever cannot stand the light must be cast
aside. Let the fires Of discussion be heated
hotter than ever; truth, like gold, will only
be purified thereby. Whatever cannot stand
the test must be consumed.