Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-09-25
no RIGHTS UNDER InI CONSTITUTION.


While il is true that under great
pro~vocation many incorporate words
have been spoken and written as 10 the
measures that should be taken 10 sup
press anarchy in America. some sug-
gestions have been offered that seem
practicable and entirely in keeping
with the constitution.
Manifestly our forefatllcrs never an
ticipated the growth Of anarchy in free
America when they framed the bill of
rights or they would have added a
clause that would have removed all
doubt rs to their meaning. If, indeed,
there is any ground for doubt as il now
stands. Article | of the amendment TO
the constitution reads;
Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment Of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the free
dom of speech, ar of the press; or the right OF
the people pcaceably To assemble, and TO pc.
tition the government for a redress OF griey-
ances.'
surely they must have been too eau
tious of postcrity TO give any chance
for the overthrowing of "A government
they labored 50 earnestly TO establish,
and when they say the freedom of
speech and the press must not be
abridged they also meant that il should
not be abused. The expression, 1.-THE
right of the people r%EAcEABLy TO as
semble," seems to fully explain the in
tention of the declaration as a whole.
Can any assembly of anarchists, when
the purpose is to plot against the gov
eminent and its leaders, he called 1
~peaceable assembly? Violent languag,
leads 70 personal violence, as we hav,
seen in the case of Czolgosz. Anarch'
lists are given no such right under the
constitution, ever in its most liberal
Interpretation.
When there was no freedom of speech
and Of the press, when the right of pc
tition was denied, naturally our fore
fathers considered them a great boon
to mankind, but in their freedom from
tyranny they did not contemplate such
a thing as anarchy.
While it may not be possible to class
assaults upon the head Of the govern
ment, or %inccndiary utterances. as trea.
son, they can be declared ~felonies and
punishment administered in accordance
Herewith. An attempt upon the lif,
of the president can and should be
made punishable with death.
The people and the press must con
tinue to demand firm but just meas
ures for the suppression of anarchy
There is little doubt but early actor
will be taken, or as soon as congress
convenes.
Education rs a means is good as far
as IL goes, or, rather, will result il
good in the future, but will not NEE
present demands. Possibly after sew
eral generations the teachings of GU
churches and schools may be instru
mental in wiping out every vestige o
anarchy, but they will have no effec
upon this hardened class of criminal
Of today. They deny the existence o
God, despise religion and have con
tempt for all the moral forces, and fey
of their children attend the publ
schools. As a rule they inhabit tn
vilest and most inaccessible districts q
our large cities, a fit place TO propa
gate their hellish doctrine.
Now is not the time for honeye
words or yelvety hands Il check tn
growth of anarchy. Those in autho,
ity must move lawfully, but firmly an
determinedly. No milk and water po
icy will meet the occasion. We hay
no patience with those who fear tn
danger Of repressive measures. A go,
eminent that cannot protect its ow
citizens, and especially its chief magi
trate, does not deserve to exist. Thel
will always be more or less dang,
from lunatics and cranks, but we muI
not harbar and tolerate those wi
openly advocate assassination and Il
overthrow Of the government.