The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-01-10
Reform the Political Canvass.

More sober reasoning and less Of partisan
prejudices are what men want in every |
country where the press and speech are free
How else is it possible to reach the truth
of facts, and the utility of measures? And
of what philosophical value, and of what
really good influence are the sheer asser-
tions and exaggerated declamations of the
political restrum where figures OF speech
and the play of fancy are substituted for
plain, straightforward statements and au-
thentic historical data? Indeed, are they
not worse than useless? Do they not occa-
sion, instead of remedy public evils? And
if 60, are they worthy of rational beings?
These are questions that should be asked
fculties which beset the path of the Amer.
ican and English governments. and all
others too, that in any degree recognise
parliamentary forms, demand go early a
remedy that we must, preforce, begin to
consider whether the way in which we
conduct our political canvassss is not en-
tirely behind the exigencies of the times.
Then, to approach the subject more near
ly, is there any honest, sensible discussion
during these contests? Do we not nearly
always find in it's stead bald asseveration,
a garbling or suppression of facts, violent
ldennnciation, questionable attempts at jo.
coseness, and the most revolving personal
abuse? A vast number Of political speeches,
80 called, were made last year and this, and
with a few honorable exceptions, they were
Just what we have described Men stood
up before crowds Of people, aud in the
effort to interest them, to nmuse them, to
make "hits," condescended to make noun
tebanks of themselves, utter the widest as
sertions, and use language Of vituperation
that would strike awe into the marrow of
Billingsgate 6shwife. They did and said
things Of which they would be utterly
ashamed in the circle Of their private in
timaoy. Now, for this TO be not only tole-
rated but popular, is by no means credi.a-
BILE to our masses. 1t is the despair OF
earnest thinkers who look with unfeigned
. alarm upon the signs of the times. The
only saving clause they find in it-and
that but poor one-is that the unreason
on one side is greatly balanced by the un.
reason on the other. But what must ulti
mately be the consequence, should either
| party thus under the control of exaggera
tion, chance at any time to win by over
/ whelming majorities? Would there not be
, danger Of prescription and prosecutions
! leading at last to resistance and thereby
l paving the way to military government
!, The query is worth pondering, Moreover
In the event Of a strong oppressive regim,
( being established, on the plea Of subdueini
d disorder, might not fanatical support be
J ensrgized for it on the same principle tina
permits men to cheer wilful mis- statement
z and abusive attacks upon candidates to
day? How easy to misceprssent and re
8 vile all who attempt to resist usurpation!
= Has not such, indeed, been the cours
g pursued in other countries against the op
ponents Of tyranny. Can not our reader
Is remember how universally the champion
% Of popular rights have been either de
D. nounced or ridiculed as rogues or madmen
T. Not many years since men Of wealth ant
distinction were arrested at an agricultu
g raj dinner In Paris as disorderly persons