Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-12-23
BRYAN FOR a FREE PRESS.

Commenting on the trouble between
President Roosevelt and Joseph Pull
itzer of the New York World, Will
liam j. Bryan comes out strongly on
the side of the latter and warns the
president that he cannot muzzle the
press. Under the heading, "Presi.
dent Oversteps the Limit. . The Com.
moner says:
President Roosevelt has sent to
congress a message which announces
a new and dangerous doctrine. It is
the duty of every publisher, every
believer in free speech and a free
press to resent the presidents attempt
to use the government to terrorize
those who would criticise the action
of public officials. No official can
claim exemption from criticism mere
ly because he is an official, and no
act of government is so sacred that
the humblest citizen may not express
an adverse opinion upon it.
1T is matter Of little consequence
whether the charges made by the
New York World are true or false
that can be determined by suit at
law in the ordinary way-but it is
mattr of great Importance that
every editor and every other individ-
ua1 shall be free to express his opin-
ion on any subject connected with
public affairs.
Thinks Inquiry Best Course.
"The World demands an inyestiga-
ton of the Panama purchase, and it
is for congress to determine wheth-
e.' the investigation shall be made.
The fact that the president thinks
no investigation is necessary is inn
material.
"If a law is passed which requires
The presidents concurrence he. can
sign or veto it-that is his constitu-
lional right. If, upon receiving his
veto the house and senate approve of
measure by a two-thirds vote the
neasure-according to the constitu-
tion-becomes law in spite of the
president. In SO far as the senate
and house can constitutionally act
without the presidents concurrence
they are at liberty to do SO without
consulting him or in spite of anything
ne says. In SO far as either house
has the right to investigate it can do
so whether he approves or not. An
Investigation is the best method OF
bringing out the facts, and II there
has been Misrepresentation the presi-
dent ought to urge an investigation
rather than oppose it.
"But his proposition that the gov
ernment can institute libel proceed
ings against an individual or paper
for criticism Of the governments ac-
ton is not only new doctrine but
an extremely Objectionable one. If
lany individual has sneep libeled he
I lhas action atsslaw It fha Individual
concerned does not see fit to prose
cute his remedy the government can
not become his champion.
"The Panama purchase was made
| by the administration in pursuance OF
IN act of congress. If any improper
Influence was brought to bear upon
the senators or members to secure
the passage of the purchase act the
public has the right to know it, and
| INV senator or congressman wrolg.
fully charged with being improperly
Influenced can resort to the cour. to
enforce his legal remdeies.
President Cannot Use office.
IF any individual is wrongful!
charged with briging improper infl,;
ence TO bear upon any senator o.
congressman, he can bring an actor
to protect his name and his honor
The presideptrsazzse act was r1rHe
hands of Attorney General Knox, an
that he (the president) approved Q
everything Mr.. Knox did. II eltne
the president or Mr.. Knox is charge
with improper conduct the courts at
nan to them, but the president car
not use the attorney general to pu'
ish those who criticise him, Senate
r Knox or any other official.
"Whateyer offense the World hs
committed-if it has committed
offense-is not against the cover
ment but against the individuals WI
have temporarily acted for the 60
eminent but against the individual
Who are accused of bringing improp
Influence to bear upon any otticla
"1r Pulitzer is on solid grou
when he resists the presidents
tempt to convert newspaper critAch
= Of officials into criticism against
government itself The presiden
message is indefensible in SO Tar
i. asserts the right of the gosernme
q. nrosecute the World or Mr.. T
tier and he will find he has os
stepped the limits of his anthol
IL he attmepts to use the at.or'
generals office in the way tnat
has proposed. The president Is
- the government; criticism OF
not a criticism of the governme