The record-union., 1899-02-16

Of the party will make it serve as cap
ital for them. While from the stand
point Of party expediency therefore. it
is bad form, from the high plane OF
wisdom, patriotism and human right
the legislation is not only bad but dam
gerous, yiolative of every underlying
principle Of free government, and an
entering upon the scheme of suppress
sion of free speech.
Because the Legislature is strongly
Republican in both houses, and the Ex
ecutive is likewise Republican, and
therefore must bear the brunt of re-
sponsibility for such legislation, this
party strength cannot afford to allow
the hostility OF individual legislators
against certain newspapers to crystal
ize into law. If such a thing happens,
however, the party will not hold him
guiltless who contributes in any way
to such a result.
So then, principle and expediency
harmonic, are in strict accord against
the legislation referred to. But aside
from these considerations there is
neither need nor demand for the acts
introduced. While, without doubt, some
of the metropolitan press have per-
mitted their policy Of publishing SELL
sational papers to lead them into ex-
cesses. they constitute but small por-
ton Of the newspaper press Of the
State, and by no means the best por-
tion The punishment the bills pro-
pose would fall upon the absolutely
guiltless, those Of whom legislators have
no complaint It is improbable that
there is single legislator at the Cap
itol this session who would willfully
newspaper press deadly blow, or who
would. willingly employ his legislative
trust to accomplish his personal re-
venges. Nevertheless the legislation
proposed will give precisely such dis
astrous results as we have indicated,
without any compromising benefits to
the people. On the contrary the leg
islation proposed will clog the avenues
Of intelligence; cripple the most useful
education agency Of the age; make
towards out Of the most courageous
of the peoples defenders; reduce the
free press to the level Of the mere cir
cular; stifle free debate and free
speech, and give encouragement to the
criminal classes. Besides the legisla-
ton proposed is dangerous because ii
invades the basic principle Of free gov
eminent and thus threatens to- loose the
very tent hooks Of self government
and modern civilization.
upon its forefront, can be safely left
to the sound judgment Of the American
people to correct it's errors or applaud
its beneficent influence. In other
States, Connecticut is the latest in
stance. Legislatures are strengthening
the safeguards of the free speech and
a free press, by enacting laws that
are here proposed to be repealed. Can
California afford to take the position
opposed to the judgment of such States
and fortified by the history of free men
and free institutions everywhere?
The Legislature has sufficiently fright
ened and warned the few Offenders
against good taste and the rules of
propriety by the threat OF antagonistic
and destructive legislation; but surely
it will not, to crafty the revenges of
any individuals, or to punish the guilty
Few, impose upon the great body of the
free press, the guiltless press, of the
State, restraints burdens and gags
which will do incalculable harm, with
out possible good to any.