Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1870-08-20
MoRAI COURAGE.

MORAL COURAGE.
The doctrine Of equality, which lies
at the foundation Of all u institu-
tlons, and which sweeps away heredi-
tary distinctions, leaving a free course
open to merit and energy, does not al
WAYS produce that independence Of
mind which 1t would seem ought nat
uraliy to ensue from so noble a prinei-
pie. Authority, which in other coun-
tries Is inherent in birth, rank and po-
sition, Is with us not abrogated, but
transferred to q power more potent
than any other-that Of public opin-
ion. Like the atmosphere, 1t presses
with an invisible but a salutary force
upon every one of us, and though per-
haps unconsciously, we are yet really
submitting to this rule Of authority as
completely as the subjects of the most
despotic King submit to his power.
This Is perhaps not so surprising when
we consider how dependent We are on
the opinion of the multitude for our
positions in life. In other countries
many hold their places by birth, and
by family influence, more than by real
merit Oh by popular favor, and large
numbers find their employments wait
ing for them, without exertion on their
own part. But the theory of our in
stitutlons requires those who seek pub
lie fayors to try to impress the public
with some favorable idea Of their abil-
tiles or their claims. While the adj
vantages Of our system are so numer-
Gus and 80 important oyer those of
most other nations, 1t demands at the
same time the greatest watchfulness,
lest In our freedom from all compelled
slavery we bow our necks too willingly
10 the rule of public opinion. There
Is q moral cowardice which is but too
palpable among many, which shuts up
all private opinions until it be seen
whether they will be acceptable ;
which squares its conduct with the
generally received standard, instead of
aspiring to the highest proof Of duty
that conscience reveals; which takes
refuge in silence when right and duty
urge the u~tterance Of unwelcome
truths. There Is a bondage to the po-
litical party, religious sect or social
clique with which q man happens to
be connected, which, though 1t may
not blind his mental vision to its faults
and errors, too frequently closes his
lips from uttering what ought to be
said, although it may be distasteful.
There are but few influences o
dangerous to individual and national
progress than this unique submission
to the worlds opinion. The unjust
laws which in some lands restrict the
freedom of speech and the liberty Of
the press, are not more destructive to
the advancement Of society than the
letters with which some men volunta-
rily bind themselves down. Every.
one Is conscious Of secretly cherishing
some opinions at variance with those
held by the circle In which he moves ;
at least Of seriously doubling many
points commonly received. 1t may be
that he Is in error, but be that as 1t
may, he is doing both himself and So
ciety a grievous injury, by outwardly
a~equiescing in what he inwardly re-
jects. Thorough interchange Of opin-
ion corrects errors and establishes
truth. Where secret convictions,
whether false or true, are fearlessly
proclaimed, they will soon find their
level. The truth that Is in them will
be. confirmed and disseminated. and
the error blown away like chaf before
the wind. But when they arc shut out
from the free light that would purify
them, they corrode if false and lose
their influence If true. Especially is
this moral cowardice sinful and inju-
rious when it prevents a manly protest
against wrong In its varied and allur-
ing forms. There are not q few who
shrink from embracing vices them
selves, which they can yet see spread
ing around them without putting forth
an arm, or uttering a word to stay
their destructive power. One, who, in
time of physical danger should use
every energy for his own safety, and
yet, after securing that, should calmly
look on the destruction Of his compan-
ions without an effort to aid them,
would justly merit u scorn. But
still more does he who can complais-
antly witness those around him suffer
ing the wreck Of their integrity, virtue
and happiness, content that he la:
himself escaped the shoals. In al
q and In all lands the evils Of so
ciety have received their most fataI
blows from a few fearless voices thai
have been lifted up against them. II
Is not so much the mental vision thai
is required to discern the truth ant
goodness, as the moral courage thai
dares openly spouse it. Were eacf
one brave enough to act up to his OWL
best convictions ; to honor virtue ano
rebuke vice In whatever garb they may
appear; to preserve a noble simplicity
and frankness that fears nothing sc
much as deception, and breads no cen
u r so much as that Of his own con
science; he would then enjoy thu
blessings Of free Institutions, as only
those can enjoy them, who bring int
their service an independent mind ant
n sincere heart.
Our CoNGREssMAN.-Ho Hon. Thoma
Fitch, Il popular Congressman, mad'
a eneecb In washoe CITY. last night, 4