Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-10-19
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

With the remark that there has been some
recklessness the part of both critics and criti-
cized,' William Jennings Bryan discusses, in the
current issue of the Commoner, the criticisms
directed against the utterances of certain senators
and members of congress on subjects connected
with the war; and makes the declarations that
"only by properly discussing measures can they
live up to the requirements Of the office which
they hold and to say that senator or repre-
sentative in congress must of necessity agree with
the recommendations made by the president is
equivalent to advocating the substitution of
despotism for republic
Then he proceeds to point out distinction
between member of congress and the ordinary
citizen, which sometimes forget eff federal
legislator acts corruptly, he should be expelled,
but SO long as he acts honestly and from
of duty to his constituents, he is within his rights,
and it is not likely that any legislative body
would entertain thought of expelling him for
the full exercise of his rights" But, as Mr..
Bryan points out with the citizen the question
of duty is sometimes more important than the
question of rights. The vital question is not what
he can do but what he ought to do. The legislator
must discuss questions before congress-this is
necessary to intelligent action by congress, but
this necessity does not confront the citizen in
private life. There is no reason why any one
should discuss that which has been done-when
final action is taken acquiescence on the part of
the citizen becomes q duty.''
These are the words, compose the advice, of
one who has most xealously guarded the rights
Of the people, fundamental democratic ideals, in
al the years Of his public life and has often been
accused Of being too radical in the popular favor
That at least has been one Of the chiefest criti-
cisEns against him. So when he speaks as he does
there, what he says becomes doubly effective and
when he concludes his article with the assertion
tat II one i really anxious to serve his coun-
~, II the case Of proposed legislation, .he will
choose the method Of expression that promises
the maximum Of good At the minimum Of risk Of
doing his country HARM he speaks message
that each one Of ~ should take to heart in these
tinaes
The 'chip-on-the- shoulder attitude Of petty
defiance the blatant assertion Of rights the blam-
ing Of 81 inequalities all corruption all troubles,
on some mysterious swollen money power, the
spreading Of dogma or doctrine or theory Of any
kind that will tend to undermine hamper, bring
into dnrepute Or even pettiiy harass this country
df ours in the greatest crisis in its history-such
deeds q these, 90 small, SO insignificant, in the
face Of the world . great tragedy, not grace
fully or well from any one who processes to be an
American or calls this land his home. For, as
Mr.. Bryan further says, Patriotism requires
some to give their lives; it requires others to give
their money; it may require some to hold their
peace rather than risk creating dissension or dis
cord BY public expression Of opinion when such
expression il unnecessary