Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-05
Free Speech and Free Press.

Freedom of speech in North Carolina has
been to all appearances thoroughly and
unf nimously INDICATED. Observance of the
principle has become the test Of merit in
the Tar Heel state. Any notions to the
contrary which may have hitherto pre-
vailed must be Immediately abandoned.
The board of trustees of Trinity College.
N. c.. refused to accept Prof. Bassett's
resignation, in spite of a storm of criti-
cism of certain views expressed by him in
print. The trustees considered him faith
full, efficient and valuable instructor, and
though they dissented from his opinions
on particular subject, they would not on
that account alone dismiss him from his
position, believing that such dismissal
would be a gross violation of the con-
stitutional privilege of free speech
The students of Trinity College were 50
indignant at the attacks upon Prof. Bas-
sett's freedom of speech that they hanged
in effigy distinguished North Carolina
editor who had been conspicuous in denun-
citation of Prof Bassett, and in the cam
paign to drive him from the state.
The North Carolina Press Association
then took up the noble work of indicating
free speech and a free press, and denounced
the hanging in effigy by the Trinity stu
dents Of a member OF the association "for
the apparent reason that he exercised the
right of freedom of speech in his paper"
The association regretted 1.-THE said action
as an attempt to abridge the freedom of the
press and condemned 1t ''in the strongest
language. as contrary to the true spirit of
the people"
Thus trustees, students and press asso-
citation have all based their actions on de-
votion to the principle of freedom of speech,
and however much they may differ in opin-
ion on any subject clearly no one of them
will hereafter. in decent consistency, ever
infringe upon the others right to express
that opinion freely.
The trustees will doubtless be encouraged
by this general acceptance of the great doc
trine which they have announced to adhere
firmly to the position which they have
taken, and not be content, after the per-
functory statement of an abstract principle,
to permit Prof. Bassett to be driven from
his post little later.
Clearly the students should apologize to
the editor whom they have hanged in eff
f1gy. He has the same right to free speech
that Prof Bassett has. No more and no
less. He should not be hanged in effigy.
and Prof Bassett should not be exiled from
opinion.
OF course no member Of the North Car
DINA Press Association. having so hand
somely indicated free speech and free
press In the matter Of the hanging IN
effigy, will ever attempt to abridge the free
speech of Prof. Bassett or any other man.
1t will, of course be recognized that Prof.
Bassett has the right to free speech in the
publication over which he has presided,
and in which he printed his Objectionable
opinion. The freedom Of the press in North
Carolina is not of course. confined to daily
newspapers. The monthly and other mag
azines are not under censorship. And while
opinions and differences of opinion are to be
expressed freely In the newspapers and
magazines no man for the expression of
such honest views Is either to be hanged
In effigy or unjustly driven from his means
of support or exiled from the state. Clearly
North Carolina will not tolerate any such
abridgments of freedom of speech and of
the press