Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-08-16
JUDGE WILLIAMS ADDRESS.

l!atnS before the Summer School
at Newport. It is replete with
patriotism, wisdom and felicity
Of expression and we regret that
we cannot present it to our read
ers in its entirety.
After defining public opinion
as "the aggregation of individual
opinions" he says of Its reforma-
ton:
Reformation should begin at the bot
tom and work up. l am OF the opinion
that in onr time too much value is at
tached To the fnrrihle correction of evils
through the functions OF COVER" n.cn: and
not enough TO the improvement of indi-
vidual citizenship. Legislative enact
ments that do not embody and represent
public opinion are for the most part a
delusion aud snare. My faith in legis-
lation to make men good, moral or gen
erous is minor quantity. What is most
needed is something that will develop
ami impart controlling power to the in
diviiual."
Our "moral reformers" should
profit by this, forego their efforts
of moral reformation by law and
direct them to more fruitful puff
pose. Of reformatory agencies,
he said:
Looking at the subject in the light of
history, it appears to me that the most
effective instrumentality for the expan-
sion and elevation of the moral faculties
of man is the influence of religious insti-
tutions upon human affairs. What I
want to emphasize is that the develop
ment of our moral faculties is the great
est necessity of the age, and that religi-
GUS institutions are the best means Eow
known to stimulate and expand these
faculties
He deplores the selfish spirit Of
commercialism and finds but one
adequate remedy for 1t. He says
"My observation imprerses me with
the belief that the most effective way o.
overcoming the cruel selfshness OF ths
world is to 1mpregnate the hearts of the
psople with the teachings of Jesus o
Nazareth"
He believes these teachings ere
gaining ground.
81 should say that sectarianism, dog
matte theology, the ceremonials of relig
ion and the claim of the inerrancy of tn,
Scriptures were losing the hold the.
formerly had the popular mind
but that the essential teachings of Jesu
Christ are gaining ground I entertain NJ
doubt"
Speaking of the influence o
the clergy, he says:
"Next to the public press, the mos
potent influence upon public opinio,
proceeds from the clergy. Some Of thes,
gentlemen are erratic, some have yea
not according to knowledge and som'
are illiberal in their views. but the az
gregate result of their labors, withsu
question, is to uplift humanity to high
er and better life."
This conclusion is doubles.
correct, aud we imagine if the er
ratio, the ignorant and il1ibera
were unfrocked and their place.
filled with the most efficient mef
the aggregate RESULT would bs
about ninety per cent. more up
lifting.
He justly deplores the evils o
vicious journalism:
Newspapers are more numerous ane
more ably conducted now than ever be
fore and WELD an incalculable influence
upon the thoughts and actions of men
They are winged messengers of intelli-
gence. the avenues of knowledge to tht
people, the searchlights OF the politica
world, but then the moral influence il
not what it might be or what it ought t.
be-"
He depleres the publication o.
vice and crime as demeraiizing,
and deprecates the indiscrimin,
ate abuse of public men and Of
fcia1s:
''Many people dependent upon tn,
newspaper for their informs alton take ul
the idea that our government is rotter
from top to bottom, and that most OF ou
public men are 'grafters,' when the fac
is that the administration of our public
affairs is as free from peculatior ano
fraud as 1t has ever been since the form.
alton of the government"
This is doubtless true, but il
has been mainly through the in
huence of a free and fearles!
press that it Is true. While
Eternal vigilance is the price Q:
liberty" so long will a fearles.
and independent press keep it.
searchlights turned Upon public
men and their conduct of public
affairs.
He is not afflicted with mon
opoliphobia:
"We are confronted with sudden an.
extraordinary olterowth of trnsts mon