The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-05-08
ON SECOND THOUGHT
BY JAY e. HOUSE
CFrom Philadelphia Public Ledger.l

'Of late writes an indignant
reader, Il class you as an absurd back
number in reactionaryism. Wen,
what of it? Nothing can be done
about it. And, assuming that we are
reactionary-and we are frank to
say we accept the designation with
not little pride-what is the objec-
ton?
"Reactionary," formerly a word. of
no particular significance in our NOM
enclature, has come to be diverted al
most wholly to the use of an epithet.
1t is, perhaps, most frequently en-
ployed by searchers for fictitious
treasure to describe the man who
doesn't believe there's a lot of gold
buried at the end of the rainbow. 1t
man who doesn't believe every new
idea, plan, scheme or project in gov
eminent necessarily is a step forward.
What it really means is that the man
to whom it is applied does not accept
the views and is not in agreement
with the man who applies it.
Possibly you are curious to know
why the indignant reader quoted
above classifies US as reactionary.
1t is because the agendun to secure
the release of four Philadelphia men.
now in Fort Leavenworth prison has
not moved US and because we prefer
to leave the matter to the department
of justice in Washington.
Meanwhile, we counsel those who
seek to rebuke us that the word RE
dictionary is the most futile and pif-
fling of phraseologica1 weapons. We
purr like a contented cat every time
it is applied to us.
We suspect that we are a hard
hearted wretch. The propaganda for
the release of those who, falla ciously.
are designated as political prisoners"
does not move us. But we do derive
considerable satisfaction from the fact
that the gentlemen in question still
are in prison.
The column shares its prediction
for the unimportant with a zest LOT
the unusual. Tank Beverly, who is
against prohibition, doesn't pretend he
wants beer and light wines.
How would you like to make an in
vestment," writes the Higgins Mexia
Oil Company, that might grow from
one to fifty in six months? How
would you like to have enough to send
your children to college? Do you
course you do
What we should like to know is
where these oil companies get. the no.
ton that we would like to make a for
tune. The calm assumption of the
Higgins Me1ia Company that we wish
to do so seems an impertinence to us.
We have given to the Higgins Mexia
people not the slightest encourage
ment to believe any such thing. Quite
on the other hand, we repeatedly have
stated that we do not care to make a
fortune-that a fortune would bore US
stiff.
The assumption that we do not have
an income large enough to pay living
expenses we construe as a reflection,
to own a home fills us with glee. 1t
of home? We own motorcar, and
we are within easy reach of more than
one hundred motion-picture theaters.
What could d man so situated do with
a home? OF what use would it be to
him? AS to sending the children to
college, we have no such intention.
All we ask of the little devils is that
they get thru the grades as quickly as
possible and go to work in order that
their old father may have the comfort
of a little leisure before he passes on.
If we had a boy who wanted to go to
college we'd shoot him. But, fortu-
nately, none of them does and we shall
be spared the humiliation of wasting
ammunition.
Mr.. Higgins advises US that we will
not again hear from him until he re-
turns from BARRIERS Hill. Let it be
hoped that the journey to BARRIERS
Hill and return is a short one and the
means of transportation speedy. We
shall miss his letters; we hope we
shall not long be deprived of them.