The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-02-18
The Old Guards Of Liberty


Editor Independent: 1t seems that
my letter of the 18th ult. has seen its
way into print. | am surprised at
this. 1t was not so intended. 1t was
designed as a personal view for per-
sonal use. | did not have the most
remote idea, when penning my letter,
that it would find its way into the
public arena.
The watchword in the leading politi-
cal and other parties now seems to be
suppression. New ideas crossing beat
en- pathways are with the leaders at a
discount, and by them deserve repro
baton. 1t is refreshing to have an
outlet to ones convictions. So l
have no complaints to make that you
have exposed me to public hearing.
Liberty Of expression is ono of the
primary and essential features in the
existence and perpetuity of any free
government among free people.
Just SO soon as you begin to suppress
expression and tamper with convic-
ton you dampen enthusiasm, and be-
gin a process of corruption. 1t puts
policy in place of principle, and tempts
man to duplicity in order TO gain
place, money and power. 1t at dice
finders advancement. 1t holds
thought in check.
What advantage is reading, study,
investigation and experiment, il, when
man, by the most laboriOus process,
has gained new Thought, he dare not
utter it; and is even brought into
disrepute for quietly entertaining an
advanced or progressive, personal sen
ilment?
What we need is thorough, oten,
free, fair and full, untramelled, manly
and honest discussion of all tno pro-
blems that confront. us as tree peo-
pie.
1t is to be hoped that series Of
journals are coming to the front
whose managers believe in the God
given right of American citizens, to
make an open confession of their con-
yiclions, on current questions with
out fear of mental torture. social
ostracism, or political demission.
You are evidently facing to the
front in the enrolment plan Push
the work. We enroll in the family,
the school, the church, and in all i'm
portant societies. Why not enroll
where liberty is at stake? Let lis
count our strength before We go 10
the polls or undertake to build This
is wise. Organization and education
and training are necessities. Simply
standing up to be counted and TIC be
shot at, to my mind, is species OF
insanity. To dominate men for Of
fee, when we. know we do not have
of the same web. Let us take time
to be sure of success. 1t will pay to
spend effort and money enough TO
get men and material in amplitude to-
getEer, before we undertake to put UP
the building. We ought to exercise
as much Judgment in regard to pc
litical party IS in putting up an ordi-
nary residence. Press tie enrolment.
None but fools and foes will object.
Let us not be too hasty il. forming
a party platform. 1t Is enough for the
present to be guided by essential prin-
cIples.
We know that many are dissatis-
fed with the present status and ten
dency of things in this government.
Those who are perfectly satisfied, We
do not wish IN our ranks. They will
be a dead weight.
But what we do wish in this direc-
ton is a consensus of the best opin
ions of all the true friends of lib
erty as to the most available means
of conserving the very best interests
of the country in the vast body of its
people.
Out of these views we can construct
a platform which can be carried II
successful issue. Interest, then. will
combine with .eason tc concentrate
our efforts and hold us together in The
way of universal liberty with national
and personal prosperity In perpetuity.
JOHN vINTON POTTS.
North Robinson, 0.