The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-09-13
MRS. BROWNS orIxIoss.
lMerchant- rravelar.l

What is my opinion of religious hber als? They are n far as ] have knowz them the most illiberal set of bigoss have ever met They contend vigorously for ibezal thought as they term it, ana the undergraduates of man in his religion, or irreigious belie1, and yet, if mar pursuing this course of liberality, sees fi to differ in opinion from these men whs advocate liberalify, he is set upon ana bounded for his narrowness of mind Not long ago had an hours interview with Colonel lngersoll, chief of the ibeI als, and don't think l ever saw a mar less inclined to permit men to think a. their conscience dictated. During th< conversation. which, of course, was oe religious beliefs, for the brilliant colone is undoubtedly confirmed crank on thl subject, 1 asked him how ii was, i christianity were . delusion and . snare that so many good men and women o the world, believed in its doctrines "Well' he replied with illogical fiber. ality, its hecause they are set of d. fools" It struck mo that a man, of In. gersoll's knowledge ofthe world and pro. | iessed freedom of thought, might have offered more logical argument, but was not surprised when 1 recalled pre- vious discussions with less famous free thinkers. am not disposed to believe that Liberalism is without good influence for think an orthodox biRot is no bettes than his hesesodox brother, but liberalism to produce an enlightening effect must le, its light shine not only into the darkness 1t seeks to dispel, but into its own dark ness as we'll.
 What is my opinion of knowledge ol the world? tis valuable acquisition and if it be the true and proper know. ledge, it is indeed that knowledge which is power. Many a man is suspicious, pasFow and mean because he lacks iu this knowledge and has not the basis upon which to build a superstructure iu which suspicion could be replaced by judgment, narTowness by wise ibesality and meanness by prudent generosity. II we study the world as we should, we will learn that it is only an aggregation of ourselves, and thorough knowledge of 1t is mesely a thorough knowledge ol ourselves, and we discover a more than individual application in Pope's line.: :" Know then myself. Presume not God to
 scan.
 The proper study of mankind is man."
 In the lesser affairs of life, knowledge of the world prevents many little an- noyances to ourselves and others inter- ested in us, and we may escape by it, the disagreeable epithet sverdant."
 l don't think this knowledge means a direct personal acquaintance with all the vices of the world, as many young men would conssrue it and offer it as an ex- cuse for the pursuit of vicious courses. Such men arc extremists, and are no more desirable in the worlds affairs than are extremists in the other direction, who may be termed hermits. True knowledge of the world prompts to the avoidance of both, and directs us into that golden mean where we may assist those beginning their studies, and be an ornament to any circle in which we move.
 What is my opinion ofdispu,ing abou. tastess It is a foolish piece of business, because the average person in matters of taste is not open to conviction, and argument is therefore so much wastage of words. N a man likes butter on his watermelon, whose business is it but his own, and what odds is it to his palate that other palates are not like unto it Instead of condemning that man, why not rather commend him, because he not only increases the demand for water melons, but also makes more trade for the dairyman What if a good, and pretty woman admires, loves, and marries homely man? Isn't it bless ing to him, and doesn't she prevent the possibility of some one of these disput- ants about taste having to lop of all her well grafted ideas and take the man her. self? or course, of course. Then why go about finding fault with people be- cause they do those things for their own pleasure, which pleaseth them best? If l want te wear bright green gown and scarlet bonnet, what right have dozen other women to turn their heads and look aiter me with derisive scorn? may violate all the received rules in harmony of color, and shock the public taste, but % long as don't seek to thrust my ideas of harmony and taste upon other people, why should they seek to thrust theirs upon me? There is no reason why they should, and because there is none, have nothing to say in opposition to any peculiarities of taste people exhibit, so long as they con6ne them to themselves.
 A Man Who Rats Nice and Flies.
 Placer tCal.) Herald.