Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-10-28
CLASS DISCUSSION.

II America fails in her experiment in democracy,
1t will be through internal With her vast
wealth, her virile people, and her isolated location,
external force prevail against her. The
dangers to which she must look from within
Observers have noted rising tide of defiance of
law, among people. The tendency has grown for
the individual to decide which of our laws he will
obey. One regards it not so bad to catch fish or
shoot game out Of season, another thinks violation
Of the liquor laws to be of no serious consequences
So, from the socalled lesser violations, advance
toward the greater menaces of lawlessness
Theories are built up of personal rights" ana
national rights" which above the law and in
the protection of which defiance OF the law is justi
fled. Especially when groups OF men and women
can make common against the breach of al
legged national rights" and the moral
support which comes from mutual encouragement,
do they defy the law. Disseminating the law as
bad they ignore it or openly evade violate it.
Americans must take a stand squarely on the
cornerstone of law observance We can tolerate
no individual decisions as to which laws shall be
enforced and which ignored. If a law is bad repeal
it, The enforcement of bad law will hasten its
repeal To agitate for amendment is proper, but the
law must be respected while it stands on our statute
books
Defiance of law by isolated and unorganized in
dividuals, constitutes our lesser menace. We can
run down and punish the individual offender and
can build public sentiment against the continued
breach of the law. 1t is in organized defiance of
law, especially where the organization justifes its
disobedience with high-spun moral theories that
our great danger lies Such groups are seized with
some sort of exalted spirit of the crusader which
leads him to feel that prosecution is persecution
In saying this we are not unmndful of the fact
that much Of the progress which has been made by
humanity has been based upon the defiance of the
existing order by men of great vision and courage
great moral principle, such freedom of reg-
ious worship, has sometimes justified a blank de-
fiance. Oppression by rulers often made it neces-
sary to defy their fiat in the peoples behalf.
Let it not be forgotten, however, that these great
examples OF heroic defiance in governments of
monarchial character, where the people had no
control Revolution was the only remedy for OPP
preston, unless the ruler, in a fright at the temper
of his people, made concessions in order to quiet
them. But revolution in America, is wholly unjusti-
fable Right. not fright should control public pol
ICY All that is needed is to the people to a
and it Immediately comes to pass by evolutionary
and legal methods revolution would be a revolu-
ton against the majority Of the people for the
jorty rule If it will No revolution can justify |
itself except revolution by majority and for q |
majority of the people. No majority will support |
a revolution against itself. In republic the basic
right of revolution in redress of grievances is waived
cial advantages, sometimes combine to defy the law
or toevade it, Sometimes, perhaps often, they
bring to bear undue and improper influences to
make the law to suit them. The remedy is not |
force or revolution. An alert and discerning public !
opinion quickly defeats such Vaccinations. /
Glasses OF citizens, desiring to retain advantages
already gained or to gain advantages some
times resort to force to accomplish their ends. II |
done within the law and in a way not harmful to
the general public this force be justified But
when it jeopardizes the rights of all the people, It Is
wholly unjustified and is reprehensible, however
worthy the end sought may be.
All this is said apropos to the impending rail-
road strike We unable to pass on the merits
of the controversy, The law should find a way to
arrive at a just solution. But neither party can be
allowed to inconvenience starve freeze the pub
lie. When that happens class has taken the gov
eminent in its own hands and suspended it's func-
tions, which are to protect the peoples rights. 1t
is defiance of law and is virtually revolutionary
strong of the government must mete out JUS
tice.
II America fails in her destiny 1t will be because
Of internal class discussions. The masses of the
people must be firm against a force which would
nullfy their government, always remaining alert to
see that justice is done between conflicting classes
Whatever repressive the government
may take against the strike, whether it hits the
the public. The rights of both are inferior to the
rights Of the people Afterward we can see VIVA.
course Justice dictates in settling the dispute
LIFE SAVING IN RUSSIA.