Pioche daily record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1872-1876, 1874-07-08
TUE COMING CONFLICT.


be between the people and the politi-
clans Now We were and are not inclined
to attach much Importance to the vatici-
nations of Gorhsm. whose forte lies
rather as being an adroit political bush
whacker. than in forecsste as TO the
events still beneath the political hori-
ION. There are, however, certain cir
cumstancss, the occurrence OF which
seems to favor the correctness of Cor
hams political provisions. We allude
to the spitefnl restivensss and malicious
anger lately shown by the politicians
al Washington at the structures
Of the press, and the exposures
caused by the investigations that the
press demanded, which were so reluct-
an,ly accorded. Still more particularly,
we notice the daring conspiracy in which
a majority of the Republican members
of the Senate and Congress were partici-
pants. These things would lead any
candid observer to believe that there is
more truth in Gorham's prediction than
the mans character as political gueril-
Ia would seem to warrant. Furthermore,
from the fact that all the Senators who
voted for the gag bills, both Of Carpenter
and Freylinghuysen, profess to be Re-
publicansi that the majority in tae
House who voted with Poland for the
passage of the latter measure, were
doubtless Republicans. These events
would fairly give rise to the impression
that the Republicans, as a party, were
about to espouse the cause o! the politi-
clans, and assist them in preventing the
unfavorable comments OF the press
through the fear of being subjected to &
kind OF star chamber process before the
venal officials OF the District OF Colum-
bia. That will be heavy load for the
Republican party anu the politicians to
undertake, even though they may be in
trenched in spoils piled mountain high.
The gage Of defiance has been thrown
down by the Congressional conspirators
against free speech, and they will find
that the press has not, and will not be
slow to take it up. Senators and Rep
resentatives are protected in what they
say and do in their respective chambers,
and so also must be the press, speaking
in the great forum of public opin-
ion, be protected, when it is en-
gagged in the performance OF its leglti-
mate duties. We are no advocate or de-
fender OF the public press when it is
prostituted to purposes OF scandal, malice
or blackmailing No reputable paper
will engage in such practises, whether
its circulation is counted by tens OF
thousands or few dozeus, While no
decent journal will allowitsef to be used
for such base ends, it will aud should
closely scan and comment upon the con-
duct Of all public men and the effect OF
public measures. That is the bounden
duty and particular province of the
press. In doing this it may frequently
happen that injustice will be done to a
particular individual; if it is, il is easy
for him to procure redress. If an accusa-
ton is made against him and he is inno-
cent, it is easy for him to demonstrate
the fact. But the trouble is that the
men who are now writhing under the
lash of the press are not innocent, and
because they cannot successfully defend
themselves, has aroused the anger and feel.
ing of malicious revenge that prompted
the passage of the Gag bills. 1t is twit-
ting on facts that stipgs, aud it is to pre-
vent further allusion to facts that hurt
that has induced these men to make
their attack on free speech. But we tel
these political plunlerers, we tell then
and any party that dares defend them
that the war that they have entered upor
will only terminate in their own destruc
ton. The conflict will be one l'out
IbuCc anu VIII pt WhSOu uht'l oiic Slu
or the other is completely destroyed
There can be no quarter given, n
terms made. On one side are the plum
derers, on the other those who dare o.
pose them, prove their guilt, and as
for their punishment, as policemen al
rest and prosecute thieves. 1t is war
the end, the bitter end, and we, for on
part welcome it. 1t must come soone
or later, and better come now, befor
these spoilers become too powerful. W
have no fear as to the verdict of the pee
pie when appealed to. The public wi
never justify any attempt to restrain FIRE
speech, and will be certain to mark b
its severest disapproval the men an
party who seek such restrictions.
majority in the Senate and Congress
have done so; the members of that m
jority are Republicans; we are now wal
ing to see whether Republicans as
party indorse these men in their attacl
ON tue press. Inc matter 10 LOO iupo
tant to be evaded, and the action of tho:
conspirators must either be disavowe
or supported. The issue is made u
aud is contest whether the public pre-,
shall be free. as it OF right has been az
ought to be, or whether it shall be go
erned by a modern Star Chamber in u
District OF Columbia. On this questiG
parties, public men and the press W
have to take sides, and the sooner tn
do it, and the clearer they define the
positions, the better it will be for ther
A SALT LAKER named Fillidan h
Just returned to Zion from Stickeen, al