The Grange advance., 1874-03-04
For The Grange Advance.


MHssRs EDIToRs 8
have noticed that the critics are very
considerate for the feelings Of the victims
whom they determine to murder out right.
When they have said all the nice things
they can about the hapless author, they
leisurely proceed to butcher him. They
first hatter, then annihilate him. They
smear him al over with butter, then swal-
low him whole.
Having somewhat against the article
over the name of A. Gaylord Spalding,
which appeared in the ADVANCE of the 18th
inst, entitled "What 1 know about news
papers, II propose to review the article,
and if possible expose some Of its rather
hollow pretensions. Right here, however,
let me say that do not claim to be critic,
nor have the least intention of joining
that body of self constituted literary over
seers. feel bound, however, to say that
l like Mr.. Spalding's style. He writes
with vim. He wields vigorous pen.
Those short, crisp sentences of his cleave
to the very marrow. Trenchant, caustic,
witty, bold and vehement, he sweeps all
before him. He drives you from your po-
sition before you have time to think He
comes down like an avalanche and takes
you willing captive for the time being,
and then to know that this gifted pen is
welded in the interest of freedom for
freedom of speech, freedom of the press,
universal, absolute freedom! is to raise
ones enthusiasm to the highest pitch
Those thunderbolts hurled at the defence
less head of non-producing aristocracy
those fearless fulminations against those
Siamese twin giants, monopoly and corrup-
tion, ought to give him undisruted right to
the title Of .' Workingmen's Champion
But, perchance, we have allowed our
selves to be carried away by the "plain
and burning" words Of this apostle Of
freedom. Suppose we return and take a
"sober second thought" Let us calmly
review Mr.. Spalding's position and see af-
fleet as often as we will, we cannot avoid
seeing that Mr.. S. is in favor of freedom,
complete, entire, and in all relations of
life, spiritual, mental, moral, temporal,
social, public, private-complete. Never
theless, he is a literary autocrat. He con-
descends to argue nothing. He gives no
&otn H.
nothing. He has no opinions. He knows
He asserts. He asserts boldly, vehemently,
and so asserted he seems to think his point
is argued, reasoned, discussed, decided.
Take his version Of religion, for instance,
and see how easily he disposes of it. He
says, Religion is a simple matter and
needs little discussion. Every one knows
what is kind, just, true, brotherly, and
that is the workingman's religion" But
don't you see, MIR. s., that there are
thousand and one religions, almost, in the
world, and whether simple or otherwise
there must be discussion, for each devotee
is warmly attached to his own. In the
present state of affairs there is need Of
more discussion and less assertion Nor
am quite sure that religion is 80 simple a
matter as Mr.. s. would have it. His may
be very simple, but some of US have re.
ligion so wide in its scope, that his is but
q fraction Of it. We have religion that
takes an eternity. Is that simple We
box :.;o o1..lo o. r.
simple matter.
But suppose we all forsake our creeds,
and adopt Mr.. Spalding's, which is GER
tainly short enough to suit the most violent
opposer Of '' tall-steeple creeds," and dog
matte enough to satisfy the stanchest theolo-
gian in Christendom, and will that put an
end to the discussion? Hardly, Mr.. s.
Your creed is not broad enough for all the
world. You blandly inform us that
everybody knows what is just, kind,
true, brotherly, and that is the working
mans religion" What is this but class
religion We all may know the principles
of this creed, but only workingmen may
receive its benefits Indeed, if this creed
needs little discussion it is because Of its
palpable absurdity, and not because of it's
| simplicity. No, no, Mr.. S., we cannot con-
sent to forsake the blessed religion that
| opens wide its arms to all the world, saw
ing. .Come unto me all ye ends of the
earth and be ye saved" to follow such a
gospel as you have given US.
| But the manner in which Mr.. 5. assails
the press is truly astonishing. Take his