Arizona daily citizen., 1901-09-19

don the experiment of being a
self governing people
We are aware that at time when
mems emotions are keyed up to
the highest pitch even those who
are usr ally sober minded are liza
BILE to be provoked into the ex-
preston of extreme opinions. All
Americans are opposed toanarchy,
all Americans hate assassins, and
all Americans will join heartily in
an orderly, lawful, constitutional
movement to rid this land of the
enemies of law But in doing this
the liberty of no peaceable Amer
lean must be jeopardized. A New
York Republican newspaper wants
to make the ''villitication o. Amer
lean institutions" treason. Fan
atics of this kind are only'less dan
gerous than anarchists.
The murder of President Nc
Kinley has emphasized the neces-
sity of imposing restraints upon
the anarchist propaganda in the
United States. 1t is regarded as
essential that steps should be ta-
ken to protect the state from fam
atics who preach the gospel of
murder and practice the arts of
the assassin. But in dealing with
this problem Congress must exer-
else the greatest care. 1t will not
be difficult for the the thoughtful
mem bers of Congress, without re-
gard for party divisions, to consult
calmly and with judicial consider
alton determine, what may proper
ly be done without makinga broad
departure from the guiding prin-
ciples of our institutions.
1t ought to be possible, through
wise legislation, to secure some
measure of protection from anar-
chist violence without infringing
upon the rights of law abiding cit
liens. 1t will require the skill of
the ablest and most experienced
members of Congress, aided per-
haps by the best jurists in the
country, to frame a statute which.
while correcting a grave evil, does
not eepardize the rights and lib
critics of the innocent. Such leg
islation as may be enacted should
embody the sober judgment of the
leaders of both political parties.
1t should be the outgrowth Of no
impulse, but the product OF delib-
crate judgment and calm refec-
ton. 1t is not matter of emo
tionalism, but a national police
measure. 1t may involve greater
restrictions upon i'm migration. 1t
may be nee ssarv for the people Of
the United States to consider whe-
ther the time has not come when
this Republic can no longer ex-
tend a hospitable welcome to all
who seek a haven of refuge from
Old World despotism and oppres-
sion.
When the nation is restored to
state of normal calm it will prob
ably be found that while the peo-
pie desire and intend to have pro-
lection from anarchistic assassins
they will not sanction any extreme
from American prin-
ciples. The United States is COM
posed OF 100000 sovereigns. 1t
is for them to say how the head of
the Government created by them
shall be guarded against assassins
who hate law, order and all forms
Of government. It is for these TO-
100000 sovereigns to determine
whether "villifcation of American
Institutions" as New York con-
temporary advises, "shall be made
It is indeed infamous
Tor any man to villify the institus
ions of country of which he is
an lnhabitant. Common decency
declares that as long as that coun-
Try is haven for him he should
respect government which rep
the greatest advance ever
made in free institutions. But the
phrase "villification of American
institution" is most elastic one,
and if interpreted in a narrow and
revengefnl spirit might be the
means of doing injury to the most
patriotic and public-spiritcd citi-
zap That wonld ha a moat doc