National Republican., 1880-11-16
IsrHEnEsUcH A PLACE AspERDIrroN

This is free country, and every man,
woman and child who live within the linz
its Of the United States aud enjoy the pro-
lection of the old dag are free to entertain
any view they may be pleased to hold on
the questions Of politics or religion. This
is one of tho blessed fruits that are borne
upon the tree of liberty. Under this free
dom some of the brightest intellectual
lights in the nation are led to differences of
view and antaSonisms of opinion as to poll
itics and religion. This larger and
grander liberty has youchsafed to Colonel
ROBERT G. INGERsoLL the right and privi-
lege Of differing with the apostles aud the
vast throng who adhere to the faith they
established as 10 the existence Of a place of
torment that is inherited after death by
the unrepentant sinner against the statutes
published TO the world in the midst of tho
thunders of Mount Sinai In other words,
II is the inherent right of Colonel INGER-
SOIL, under the Ggis of Amcri can freedom,
to nntagonize the purposes and decrces OF
the ruler over all, and wait tho final issue
to settle the right and wrong Of the case.
If he chooses, in the midst Of all his intel
lectual greatness, to make mistake in re-
gard to these important questions the re-
sponsbility is his own, and no one has any
right to aniagonizo his election on that
point. This seems TO be q clear case that
has assumed character and shape under
the broad glare of light and knowledge,
and while his selection of religious theories
may be regretted no one has right 10 say
to this eminent citizen of free country,
You have no right TO investigate the mys-
teries Of the future in your own way.
There is nothing in the constitution and
laws of this great republic that iuhibit tho
most perfect freedom on this question, and
he who is prepared TO take responsibilities
cannot by any human power be prevented
from taking all the consequences that such
chances involve.
According to Colonel INGERsoTL the full
right to pursue any religious dogma he may
select for his guide on earth is clear, but
we have been greatly puzzled 60 under
stand how 1t is possible for him TO hold his
views relating to n hell or the absolute
necessity for it while he has been battling
with so much eloquence, vigor aud power
the democratic party and its catalogue
of historic sins. 1t would seem to argue
want of wisdom in arranging the econo.
mics Of proper system of rewards and
punishments not to provide for such case,
some such place MS Colonel IYGERsoLr. re.
pudiates. We should think his fitl
would be staggered when he calmly sur
veys the field and considers what is due tc
justice and right not only here but here
after, under his experiences in the political
arena. 1t occurs TO US now, if tho colonel,
religious faith has never yet been shaken il
is to be severely tested in tho future. A
glove was gently dropped Rt his feet yes
terday morning, challenging him to q
gladiatorial contest over the result Of the
late election, which he may or ho may no,
lift and accept as casus beEi with thu
great champion of modern dem ocracy. I
occurs to US that if he ever wanted n plac
over which to literally roast an adyersar,
he has need for it now, and the chances ar
ifhe is provoked to combat ho will find i
and proceed at once to torture.