The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1868-04-28

discussion. w mere pJ IS pO7olDI0 ~
do so, the canvassers or speakers on.
both sides ought to discuss the lead
ing questions at issue before the same
audiences, so that they may hear both
sides, and make up their minds as to
the merits of each, or both. 1t is
objected to this plan that both parties
do their best to call out their full
strength, for the purpose of encour-
aging their respective champions, and
that thus reason is compelled to give
place to passion and prejudice. Hhis
objection has something in it. but is
not entitled to the consideration
claimed for it. Truth, when ably
presented, is always of sufficient force
to push its way over both passion ard
prejudice. Sound argument, based
upon facts, cOmpactly and logically
arranged, will have its effect, however
indisposed those who listen to it may
be to accept it. No large crowd of
Republicans and Democrats could be
collected together to hear a joint dis
cussion between two of their speakers
without more or less being Influenced
by the arguments to which they
listened.
But there is another instrumental
ity for influencing voters, to which
none of the objections urged against
joint discussion can possibly apply.
We refer to the circulation of news
papers. 1t is customary for par
ties to raise various sums of money
for the purpose of carrying on politi-
cal campaigns. How can most Of this
money be better spent than by invest
ing it in good newspapers, which are
to be mailed according to lists care
fully made up by the local and general
committees? Here the right man in
every case would be reached, and in
stead of being subjected to the super
fetal and evanescent impressions of
single public meeting, he would be in
contact with varied and instructive
Republican reading matter for six
months. In the majority of cases he
would come to look for his paper with
positive interest and pleasure, his
family sharing the feeling. II any
thing, therefore, would be likely to
make him Republican voter in the
end, it would be precisely that meth
cd. At any rate, it would make him
a better citizen, better informed, and
more open to good political iufu-
ences of all kinds.
We are confident that, if the Re-
publicans of Indiana will devote one
half the money usually spent by them
in torch light professions, mass meet
ings, music, and hullabaloo generally, /
to paying for, aud judiciously circu-
lating, the newspapers Of their State,
among undecided aud doubtful voters,
the result will prove beyond a doubt |
bhe wisdom of the change. We /
have heard it said that one grocery
was a more powerful auxiliary in
political campaign than a dozen news
papers, but we do not believe word
Of it. One reason why the newspapers
are not more influential among doubt
ful voters is, that they do not take or
read them. So rapidly is education
and intelligence progressing in this
country that the great majority Of
voters will soon be capable of reading
for themselves, and determining their
duty in local, State, or National poll
tics. The party that overlooks this
fact, and makes no pro-
vision for those who would read, but
have not the opportunity, may expect
lefeatin the end-ignominious and
We say, then, to Republicans, dis
'eminate truth. Supply every section
If the country with good Republican
Let the people be
informed, both as to the
and intentions of the party.
Let canvassing committees immedi-
ltely find out who are the undecided
7oters in every school district, and let
he means be furnished to the County
Executive Committee that papers may
De mailed to them during the cam
oaign. By systematic work of this
character the State may become
strongly Republican, while the people