The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1880-01-28
lCommunicatedl
Public observation-disclosures Sense---General
Consent---Vox Populi
lCommunicated.l


Consent---vox Populi
Perhaps acts primarily in the line of neces-
sary or self-evident truths. and is closely re-
lated to morals. 1t enlarges through personal
experience and observation of constant good or
bad results of conduct 1t is progressively
enlightened by history-the record of a wider
and larger experience. The comparison which
it thus makes implies an underlying recogni-
ton of the essential likeness of those under
going this experience, and will justly limit it
self to their general condition, rather than to
their superficial or accidental environments !:
and will probably become chiefly prudential,
instead Of highly moral or intellectual.
Given limited and elementary public opin-
ion how is progress actually made to higher
For the most part by discovery in science, and
by practical invention; and evidence (I), by
the advance in useful arts, as notably the
printing press, steam engine and telegraph
by greater contrast of natural forces in the
interest of man, and alienation of natural
hardships arising from cold, heat, rain, wind,
etc. (2). On higher plane, in more compre-
hensive, liberal, and beneficent methods OF
government and education. All these advan-
tages when known are increasingly and at
length universally demanded. They are COM
monty the joint product of the study and la
Dor of the many, sometimes however, single
superior mind will take gigantic stride in
advance of his fellows. The utilization OF
experience is no doubt in our time mostly eff
fected by the newspaper which daily gather
ing up the principal events transporting in the
civilized world, presents them fresh and pi-
quaint to the appetite of the myriad learners
Summarized and classified by the statistician
and annalist, the lesson is enunciated and APP
piled by the practical philosopher, whether
he be farmer, mechanic, merchant, statesman,
OF what not. That lesson is again diffused by
the press and public opinion formed.
QUERIES AND OBSERVATIONS.
How will it be in community where the
great majority are unable to participate in the
increasing knowledge and progress of the mi
nority, by reason of dissimilarity of language.
habits and education?
Will there be two co-e&isting phases ofpublic
opinion, one comparatively ignorant and inert,
the other intelligent and progressive?
If so, how shall this difference be bridged
over and the lower elevated?
How is uniformity of (public) opinion
brought about between the wise father and the
unlearned children, so that the latter as they
reach maturity, stand side by side with the
former?
What distressing condition, when the nat
ural order of things is reversed, and the ig-
norant legislate for the wise, the lower for the
higher, the children for the parent
If the blind lead those who see, what then
Some alienation is found in the suggestion
above, that in the sphere of morals and self
evident truths the perceptions of men are
essentially at one, yet even these are likely to
be shorn of their fair proportions through
narrow understanding and limited expert
ence. But how will the liberal application
of fresh knowledge and new found benefits be
effected by the "voice of the people," if the
people know not of them?
QUERY.
In res pubhca, would it not be we'll for the
(enlightened) man to regard himself as the
keeper" of his Qess Fortunately brother?
V