The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-07-13
To Whom II May Concern.

but We think that we can reduce all these
different methods Of discussion to two
principal ways. The first in order but tho
last in repute is the way Of personal abuse.
Be sure that he who follows iris way 10
without the brains of scholar,-the char
lily of Christian and the character and
manners of gentleman. And knowing
this,-do not stoop to argue with him,-for
in doing 30 You lower yourself to his own
level. In logic as well as in life F." evil
communications corrupt good manners."-
The other method of discussion is fair,
straightforward argument which comes
from head having brains, and heart
havingS Christian charity,-and which is
clothed with the courteous manner which
gentleman is expected to possess.
1t is easy to understand that this methed
Of discussion is beyond the taste and ap-
probation of those who have never had
the education of scholars, aud have never
enjoyed the association of gentlemen. 1t
is quite obvious that nowadays discus
sion is generally degraded with abuse.
Which proves that many who discuss are
neither scholars in knowledge, Christians
in charity nor gentlemen in manners.
When discussions are private, if men wish
to abuse one another,-let them do so &C
cordiDg to their tastes and IL they wish to
attempt to conclude an intellectual discus
sion by q physical concussion,-wby,l let
them do so,-and in doing 30 prove that
they are not gentlemen.
But when discussions are carried on
through the Press and attract public at
tention because they concern public inter-
ests We protest against the substitution of
abuse for argument. For then not only is
the truth of the questions under discussion
to be considered but the honor of the
Press is also concerned. And the Press,
that binds itself to abuse when it finds it.
| self too weak to argue, is not at for peru
sal and ia less fit for instruction.
We are more than sorry to say that the
Press, in this country, is more noted for the
violences of it's abuse than for the abilities
of it's arguments. Men differ. Difference
leads to discussion. They discuss. They
are weak. in brains- or strong in bluster.
They begin to abuse one another. Having
never learned logic they give the lie to one
another. They mstate dispositions of one
ther,-falsely construe the words of
one another. Aud each thinks he has con-
quered the other ;-whereon both conclu-
sively prove that it would do no harm to
either had they little more common
sense;-and that it might do vast amount
of good to both, could they spend one hour
every day in the company of gentlemen.
For, he, who, for the lack of argument,
stoops to personal abuse, not only shows
tho weakness of tho cause which he thus
tries to defend,-not only shows the weak
ness of his brains and the lowness of his
manners, but he sinks beneath the per
sonal notice of those who have the minds
Of scholars and the manners of gentlemen.
In this country, our people are constant
ly ut variance upon all sorts of questions,
but most at variance on religious and po-
litical subjects. Thus divided,-they form
sects and parties.
The respective representatives of these
sects and parties are constantly discussing
the questions which separate them, through
the Religious and Political Press. But
howl
Do they deal in fair arguments7 Do
they eschew prejudice and Passionf Do
they, like fair, honest, honorable oppo-
nents oppose principle to principle,-fact to
fact,-logic to logicf
In general-No.-
They denounce when they should discuss.
They. abuse when they ought to argue.
Which proves that not all whe write for the
Press arc scholars, or Christians or gentle
men. Which proves further that if the Press
IL, in great measure, to educate our people,
ut is not going to make them very wise or
very refined So.
In fact,-our American definition of ar
gument is-personal abuse. Not q very
lofty definition-we opine.
Now Reason, without Arguments a
blockhead without principle-is a blind
man without truth, is falsifer with
out honesty, is hypocrite under Pas
s;np 10 n without |