The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-11-12
What ~ " Bad Reputation 80

Is 1t correct and proper to say that the faith
er OF A respectable family has bad reputa-
ton: .-
Should 1t be said that the man who lives in
peace with his neighbors, and supports his
family by the sweat of his brow has bad
reputation? ....
Should it be said that member OF the
church has bad reputation? ,..
Should II be said that man who associates
with respectable people has bad reputa-
ton?
Should 1t be said that any mans word at
all times is totally unworthy Of belief, and
that another mans word is good under any
and all clrcu instances? The man who is
arraigned in court-almost without excep-
tion-peads innocence, no matter how guilty
he may be. II the prisoners word is to be
taken, there would be no use of a trial, but It
Is never taken except when he admits him.
self to be a feon. In cases like this no matter
what his reputation for wrong may be, the
court believes him implicitly and proceeds
to sentence him accordingly. But no matter
how innocent the man may be-and no mat
ter how good reputation he may have for
veraclty. practically, 1t isn't worth centiln
court when he Is charged with crime. The
court, as !fit wonld call him q liar, proceed TO
| try the case.
We presume there is no cast iron rule which
would govern every mans opinion as
to what Is &" bad reputation" Viewing char.
acter from our own stand point, we do not
now recall the name OF single man in all
Of our acquaintance whose character we
would certify to be bad.
No man is wholly bad-no man is wholly
good Some men have certain virtues, while
others are distinguished for particular vices
or deficiencies.
Character should be Sacred. II, however,
the character Of any one Is assailed. and his
virtues preponderate his vices,we believe his
character and reputation Is good. A simple
vice, or the lack ofa single virtue, may make
him such person as we do not care 10 asSo.
ciate with, but for all that, he is man and a
brother who should not be deprived Of place
among men.
Long ago. enlighttned governments ceased
to brand with hot iron the face and hand OF
the,person convicted OF crime. The dlscontin-
uance of this barbarous and cruel practice,
was long step In the pathway toward chris
tiun civilization. In effect the aoolishment
of this custom, practically said 10 be culprlt
as our Saviour said on n memorable occasion.
" Go and sin no more"
Well, then, if the courts ceased to brand the
person, should they not now cease to brand
that which is SO much more sacred-lhe
character or reputation
1t may he all right and proper to prove GER
tain acts OF any individual who may come
into court, but TO make the broad assertion
that anybody has q bad character or Dad
reputation is quite another thing. WheneV-
er character IS aSsailed, the court itself, While
allowing all necessary aII lawful proof
should throw safeguards around him whom
il may be sought to destroy.
Charge that man is Il liar, that he Is
thief that he is too lazy to work for The sup
port of himself and his family, that he Is Il
troublesome neighhOr, that he impouhGs
stock that may he Connh treSpa>sinS on his
crops. These are specific charges ana tEeir
proof II possible, is perfectly legitimate, bnt
we implore you not 10 make the broad 'SHer'
ton that any man has Il bal character or
bad reputation.