The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1891-12-25
POLITICAL INTOLERANCE.
Ridicnlc and Abuse Fiji tbs Place Of
Argument Toward tho ALLAN &c.

!
Argument Toward the ALLAN &C.
The Home journal, Houston. Geor-
gia has the following to say on politi-
cal intolerance.
1t Is always commendable to advo-
cate with courage the convictions of
principle that are held to be true. In
argument and action newspapers and
men should give unmistakable evidence
of the faith that is in them. But this
courage and this evidence should be
shown in a conservative way.
Surely it would be disaster if all
men were alike in thought and action.
AS no man is perfect and all are liable
to err. none should be intolerant in
discussing the contrary opinions en-
tertained by others.
Every editor should express fear
lessly his convictions OF right,and duty,
but the honesty of contrary opinions
should not be discredited without suf-
fcient cause.
1t is unpleasant to note the growing
tendency of editor ana politicians to
displace argument with ridicule and
abuse in combating opinions with
which they do not agree. This is not
only wrong in principle but it is hurt
full in practice. Our people are en-
dowed with reason. and an appeal to
that attribute is more apt to be effect
i've in combating an error.
1t Is especially to be regretted that
the discussions in Georgia for and
against the political opinions enter
tanned by the Alliance have been harsh
and intolerant on both sides.
There is positively no need of intol-
erence, ridicule or abuse
If the sub treasury plan, or any
other demand of the Alliance, be re-
garded as unsound in principle. unsafe
or hurtful in practice the opposition
should be fearless in argumentative
FORM but not discourteous. The hon
esty of man or measure should not
be publicly attacked unless there is
ample proof to sustain the attack. 1t
is not right, nor good policy. for us to
regard and proclaim every man an
enemy who entertains opinions differ
ent from these we believe are correct.
On the other hand the Alliance lead
ers have been entirely too apt to dis
credit the movements of all those ed :
itors and public men who cannot en-
dorse their political platform in its en-
tirety. By argument they should
prove that their demands are replete
with intrinsic merit and freighted
with good for the people. The man
who cannot adopt the Alliance plat
form is not necessarily an enemy, and
should not be SO regarded.
Intolerance and abuse never sue
ceeded in harmonizing any people in
any line of action.
This intolerance of contrary opinion
will surely act to estrange the Alliance
people from the Democratic party if
persisted in. Also the intolerance of
the Alliance leaders will serve to drive
away Democratic sympathy. and the
difference will become greater, to the
political hurt of both the Alliance and
the Democratic party.
There should be no conservatism in
the discussion of all questions pertain
ing to the public good-political and
otherwise. Firmness and truth should
be shown. but there is no proper place
for epithets in dealing publicly with
men or measures.
Intolerance abuse and ridicule are
not the weapons of reason and often
assist the cause against which they
are used.
Let us prove that our OpiniOns are
correct. and not depend for success
upon abuse of those who do not agree
with us.
Intolerance is never commendable.