The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1891-11-06
An Open Parliament.

''ShN viz sShSS u out III
the space of a few minutes whilst make
suggestion. 1t has appeared to me for
long while that some improvement in
the use of the local newspaper was not
only desirable and necessary, but prac-
ticable. 1t has been observed by MANY
of the most intelligent portion of the
community that there is need for en-
larging the scope of the influence of the
newspaper. As a matter of fact, Mr. Ed
itor, there is ii section of the community
which positively ridicules the average To-
cal newspaper as being little better than
a gossip shop, or as an emporium of
small talk. How far this remark, which
myself have heard repeatedly, is true,
| cannot tell; but it cannot be denied
that the local newspaper has, to some ex-
tent, played into the hands of the enemy
and, to that eXtedt, deserves the scorn-
full opprobium that is heaped upon it by
these intelligent and progressive critics.
10 one jealous of the influence of the
public press, this criticism, coming as it
does from the most intelligent people, is
all the more CALLING; and, therefore,
there is the more urgent need for reform
ing the evil, or at least making such az
engagements as shall measurably dimin-
iSh the sources and powers of this criti-
cism. With a view to this, | make the
following suggestion.
l think that, if portion of the local
newspaper could be devoted to the free
discussion of topics of interest to the re-
spective communities which they serve,
instead of being padded with all sorts of
nonsense which ministers to the bad taste
of the public, this evil connected with
the local newspaper would be greatly di-
minished. Why could not something like
an ''open parliament be instituted, con-
Quoted by the editor, in which all mat
tiers of social and Intellectual interest
could be freely discussed by the constit-
ucncy of the paper? In the absence of
any better means of intcrcommunication
such an open parliament would act some
what as an exchange. where thought on
topics of local interest might be freely
delivered. The topics discussed might be
public and free discussion as l suggest.
Among other themes for consideration.
we might mention the following: How,
permanently, to provide for the intellect
ual well being of the village commune
ties; the problem of the second Sunday
service; the cemetery question; how far
is the principle of cooperation capable
of application in the farming community
and almost endless variety of questions
which will doubtless occur to the mind
of the reader. AS we would not be linn
tied in the time devoted to the discussion
of these topics, it would signify little how
many contributed their opinions; but it
would be distinct gain if the local news
paper could be read, as the daily news
paper is read, for real and helpful news
and not as, at present, for the sake of
knowing such items as who has painted
his barn or who has bought a new
horse.
| do not disparage this so-called small
talk, but wish to point out some advan-
tages of the plan | have here outlined.
The newspaper itself would be distinct
gamer. 1t would, by the establishment
of the ''open parliament" speak with an
authoritative voice to the whole COM
munity, including the Submerged TENTH
of intelligent and cynical scorners. 1t
would, [ believe, greatly increase the
popularity of the newspaper, making it
not only the medium of the news collec-
tor, but largely the creator of news
throughout its constituency. What would
appear, from The nature of the case, in
would suggest and stimulate thought in
other parts and thus bring the intellect
of the community into the columns of its
recognized organ. No one, | am sure,
would welcome such an innovation as the
one l have suggested more heartily than
the editors.
Again, an opportunity would thus be
given to those who complain of the
meagre literary character of the local
newspaper to clear it from its I'M
healthy reputation, by lending to it the
valuable assistance of their ideas on the
lltlDS UOpiCS uISCuSStu. ain bilC
impression that, if the editor would en-
courage the practice. clergymen would
take hold of the opportunity. offered by
the open parliament, of discussing top
les before the larger audience of the
newspaper, topics which they feel COM
PEELED to withhold from the pulpit. At
first, perhaps, this advantage of reaching
so many more than they can possibly
reach on a Sunday, and in such calmer
frame of mind, will not be apparent to
ministers but upon reflection they must
see the force of it, if they are at all pub
lie spirited and desire the welfare of their
respective parishes and are willing to
profit from the experience of others, es-
pecially laymen, in their work. But the
most distinct advantage of the scheme |
have suggested is the generous impulse
it would give to thought and the help it
would be in the direction of breaking up
that isolation which is, at present, the
chief cause of the discomfort and quar-
relsomeness of the village communities.
When there is no vital contact, through
thought or through industry, with the
outside world, or the means of contact
are difficult, it stands to reason that this
isolation, in the absence of powerful
and pervasive spirit of love, must breed
diseord and division. People indulge
these unwholesome Whims because no
noble and unselfish design is engaging
their minds feel that if an opportun-
ity were offered to treat of living topics,
in a broad and practical spirit, it would
serve to bring out many helpful lives of
activity and thus quench, to some ex-