The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-03
Indiscriminate Criticism

Judge Ebert H. Gary, Tn an address prepared for an alumni dinner in Pittsburg a few nights ago, discussed with characteristic boise and energy of expression very timely theme, "Indiscriminate Criticism" This topic was suggested by current events and { recent developments, and as 1t was created in a broad and human spirit, it should have a far-reaching effect for good. !
 Following the period of business de- pression in this country, extending from 1893 to about 1899, an era of prosperity set in which lasted several years; until the autumn of 1907. There had never been such good times such "money making" times-as those which all branches of trade and industry experienced in the last dec ade, down to the Wall street panic.
 The demand for labor was greater than the supply. There was rapid ex- pansion of industrial activity. Wages rose to very high levels. The so-called trusts fattened on the abounding pros perity and some of them, bloated with abnormal profits, were guilty of ques- tionable acts which resulted in the antitrust agitation. Then came the "probes." Government action against the trusts began while the republicans were still in control; and when power was transferred to the democrats the Investigations continued.
 Politicians in Congress were busy in mind in an endeavor to find new interests to investigate and harry. Some of the Investigations under fed eral authority met with public ap- proval. They were reasonable and good resulted.
 But a large part of this inquisi- torial business on the part of the gov ernment has been along demagogic lines. In many cases there has been manifest note of insincerity. When it was thought that the batting of "big business" and the "big rich" was at an end the Investigating politician and so- called reformer found that charity that philanthropic foundations and re- lief organizations an investi- gation. And that was the limit.
 As Judge Gary points out, it is in- discriminate, not reasonable comment. that hurts. This he declares is without question time of indiscriminate crit icism. "Much is justified; probably more is without warrant" Judge Gary says. "In the last decade there has been more abuse, more islander, more personal attack and more dema- gogy, and as consequence more in- jury to the general public, than ever before. The whole country, from an economic and moral point of view, has been greatly injured by agitation, investigation and attack, which were inspired by improper, if not dishonest, Imotives."
 ) Judge Gary, as everybody knows, has always invited reasonable investi- gation of the Steel corporation, over which he presides, and other interests with which he is connected. He has been . pioneer in publicity. And if there is a little feeling in some'of his strictures, no one familiar with his public record will censure him.
 Near the close of his speech Judge Gary said:
 But connected with the subject of
 ertt1cism, there is an agreeable truth which is worthy of particular
 emphasis. There are at present
 many able. honest and fearless edi-
 torial writers who are in the habit of
 discussing the important questions of the day; who have the ability to
 write forcibly and logically, and therefore, convincingly; who are
 conscientious in their treatment of aIl questions strictly on their merit; and who pass judgment with no