The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-02-16
WHAT is LIBERTY?


Because there delivered in this city an ad-
dress that clearly and definitely raises the question
of human liberty The Times today prints the address
delivered by Senator James A. Reed, of Missouri.
Many thousands listened to this address it
came through the air. The Times had arranged for
its distribution the radio
This was done because this is the most impor-
tant speech made by public official in many months.
Senator Reed believes that every man is capable
of controlling his own actions.
He summons the shadow of Thomas Jefferson to
warn the United States Of America that men
born equal and are endowed with the inaenable
right to govern themselves.
He is the last defender Of the doctrine that the
individual man is important
He summons these United States from the ban.
quet table at Indianapolis to turn back to the days
of Jefferson and discard all that has been added
through bureaus and encroachment OF Federal power
to the traditions of the fathers.
He declares in simple language that he believes
that Jefferson is the true apostle of Amercanisn.
He insists in this age that every law places lim
tation upon Government and not upon the individual
He declares the true faith to be that doctrine
and principle that Government and not the individual
be limited.
1t is the distinct cleavage between socialism and
democracy and Reed stands, almost alone, the
apostle of Jefferson in its implications and it's app
cations.
He does not believe that law can make man
good nor that law can make man bad.
He believes that every man, born in this world
of trouble and of sin must work out his problem
unhampered by Government and unaided by bureaus
He snarled at the Wright law and the suggestion
that few smell the breaths of other
ondc opd hon 10 ioi1h ooau yoiob
violate a 'sumptuary law.
And at the finish of his speech he made honesty
of the ballot the final test of Americansm.
He brought to this city and to the nation new
question as to just what is liberty
He put character above statute. He summoned
the ghosts of the past to testify in his behalf
His Indianapolis speech is the most important
utterance in recent months.
He has raised the question of liberty. He has
asked men and women of this nation to decide
Can be made free by law or must they
free themselves by character and restraint?
Shall mankind be free through the fear of law
or through the building of character?
Read the speech of Senator Reed It is impor
tant 1t is the voice from the wilderness 1t is the
final summons to action between socialism and
democracy.
What is democracy? +.
reaches to the White House is the most Important
declaration made by significant man in recent
years.
He indicts Coolidge. He indcts the Govern
ment Of the United States. He traces corruption to
its source. "'
His Indictment of Coolidge for his silence and
his approved is the most important utterance made
by sny statesman in recent years.
Corruption of the ballot is live issue in Indiana
Senator Reed traces it to the White House.
Is that charge true? Reed reads the record.
Discount much you wish the personal
Forget the fact that he left audience wet eyed
and sympathetic Forget the fact that he is master
OF emotion He has raised new issue in America
which must be answered.
What is liberty? What is character? What is
Americanism?
Possibly it can be answered with a new law
Or again, must turn back the pages of history
and depend upon faith in human beings and
their ability to govern themselves.
To once embark upon the theory that Gov
eminent is to be curbed in its power to govern and
control the individual that man. be left free to
work out his own destinty in his own way.
Feed raises question.
Shall Government control the individual or shall
the Individual curb the Government? fl
What is human freedom after all?
THE CANN. RTTT