The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-30
Striking i'm the Dark.

To the Editor OF the Indianapolis Jou rnaI:
There seem to be some lessons which can be
learned only in repeated adversely and disaster.
Perhaps it is the purpose of these times. The
particular one in mind is suggested by the incli-
nation everywhere among all classes, the clergy
included, to proceed to do and accomplish things
in the way which all history and all experience
teach is sure to bring defeat of the ends aimed
at by employing the methods which are sure
to provoke the greatest antagonisms. 1t seemed
very bold in Peter to cut off the ear and strike
down the servant the spot but from
that day to this better sense has rebuked such
forceful attempts to establish truth and correct
principles. The best investment this Nation has
made since it's first struggle to establish form
of government, was the human life it sacrificed
at the first Bull Run. and in the several follow
ing disasters of that period. Anyone can now
see what would have ensued before this time
with the Union and slavery both saved; and yet
that was what we attempted to do at first. For
some inscrutable reason, the Nation which in a
quarter of century has outgrown the capa-
bility Of a party to govern it, which, under less
complex conditions, did toerably, now finds
itself laundering and toilng both from want of
confidence and devilish tendency. Especially
is this the condition of every fibre and muscle of
all labor and industry. The great mistake and
fault of the hour is that the country does not
discern the primary causes of all this, and
philosophically and coolly go about the work of
reno owing them. Instead of suffering patiently
the consequences of the first prime mistake, each
shouldering his part of the responsibility for it,
and bidng the time to correct it. all classes
to turn hot headed, and one put the responsible
ty of it on the other. And so, capital Institutes
lock-outs, labor declares strikes and seemingly
partake Of the contagion of forceful
methods that pervade the very air we
breathe. The Cleveland clergy institutes
the boycott against the newspapers pro-
hibitionists declare against reform except by
force-would prefer the prevalence of all evil if
instant force won't bring absolute cure. Now,
do not deny the use of forceful methods Of &C.
complishine some things. But If either divine
or ordinarily intelligent human law ever sane
toned force except against the incorrigible,
where reason would not reach, / never inter-
preted it so. Force is for the unreasoning and
incorrigible.
Half the existing trouble would be past ii all
could come to understand its origin. OF course
the existing attempt TO abandon all but force in
moral reform had its origin in other cause. It
is one of those sweeps of forgetfuluess of all
teaching and all precedent III success, which has
been brought about by great provocatien. But,
like all the other disturbances and abnormal
conditions, it can have Justification, because
it's ways destructive of all possible good.
Fitful striking in the dark, at friend and enemy
alike. is the work Of the hour AS no good ID
accomplished by injustice and violence.
reason, amid disaster repeated, will soon discern
another way. and the end Of il all cannot be far.
off. B.