Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1894-01-19

II pioNeS at once the want a: n
'good cause, thus to plot in hiding tn
| promote an object which fears the
day. 1t proves want Of manly cour-
age, which. in Just cause GLADLY
chaiiehses the encounter of honest.
public debate. Even if done with good
purpose the method is debasinr and
degrading. 1t is the way of n Grim
'inal in individual conduct I'm no,iti-
cal affairs it seeks to strike an IN
seen blow which shall do ininrv to
ones fellow-men. 1t is tho old n,atho5
of iniquity and tyranny in govern
'ments, and in the experience of re-
'publics has been always charaeteris-
tic. of plots against the rights Of a
particular class. defined by race. by
religion, or by some other line that
Justice and humanity could not con-
denim.
For such reasons the democrat tic
'party-always guiding its right action
by the plain principles of liberty
has always stoutly fought. and fought
with success, every political machina-
ton which covered itself under secret
association. l doubt not il ALWAYS
will. and with like result.
Next. l understand the prime mr.
pose of this new society is 70 ipf,ict
some special injuries upon citizens
who hold Il particular religious belief
by depriving them of some politicol
rights belonging to their equal citizen
ship. by denying their rights TO en-
joy religious opinion. and last and
least, by even attacking their proper
'ty rights as secured by laws.
IF this be true, in whole or in apv
substantial part. this new society Is q
conspiracy against our political order
and social happiness which ought to
excite general indignation; if il were
seriously to extend. even general
alarm. The attempt outrages modern
civilization, and would turn us back
to the tragedies and horror of ages
of civilreliSious strife, not to be now
read Of without shudder.
IF there be Il special doctrine of
civil liberty that has brought more
peace and good viii, to men than
another, that has better given securi-
'ty to religion and freedom of con
science, that ought to be more sacred
1y maintained, it is that of absolute
and utter separation of church and
state. But to prescribe one religion
is i'll principle no less tyranny than
to prescribe one, differing merely in
the degree of violence upon liberty
TO engage the state in Il crusade
against one, in attempts to deprive
of any civil rights the professors of Il
religious faith, Is but the entering
wedge that will drive the constitu.
ton from this doctrine and leave.
as natural result, union between
state and prevailing church after
the conflict ends.
Its enemies accuse the Catholic
church of aggression. When they
point out an act which crosses the
line of separation, they may call for
ITS repulsion. But the false charge
as the basis of Il crusade ought to de-
'ceive no man.
They likewise assert that the Catho-
Tic church would divide the public
school fund, Or seize II part of the
public moneys for their schools. This
is familiar slaTder in WISCONSIN.
The like of it deceived no one when
'vociferated in 1890 with similar Dur
pose; and our people have not become
'dolts i'll the three years. The school
fund of Wisconsin had its origin in
democratic fidelity and foresight and
is safe from harm so long as demo-
cratic principles prevail.
mo one ought to be led aStray by
such false assertions regarding an
Others religion, more than by Sian
'ders upon his own. Above all, what
ever be his attachments, the good
citizen will despisc and resist every
effort to impair enjoyment Of the
right of religious liberty, or to deprive
his fellow citizen of any right or per-
'sonal independence because Of fidelity
ito the dictates of his conscience.
You authorize me by your questions
ito proffer a suggestion to my Catholic
fellow citizens.
''This is not your special controversy
Natural as it is for you upon whom
the first impact of offense falls to
lead resistance or retaliation, you have
mo greater interest in this invasion Of
liberty than every one and all your
fellows, in the ultimate result. You
cannot be deprived of your equal
rights as citizens Of Il free country
until all citizens also lose theirs in
Similar degree. Ours is a government
of law, resting upon the intelligent
Justice Of free men. 1t impairS
great cause to make it appear as only
the interest Of some instead of all.
When secret society can make dan
'gerous Roadway in political affairs
among us, it will be time, not for
your special alarm, but for terror to
us all
1T is not your peculiar duty to deal
with this confederation. 1t is public
cause and q public duty. Leave 1t to
your fellow citizens. There need be
no fear in a state which has given
the proofs Wisconsin has that her peo-
pie understand the great doctrines
of civil liberty and know how to
maintain them.
civilian f. Villas"
A PHYSICIANS TESTIMONY.