The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-04-19
Liberal Viewpoint
by DIR. HARRY ELMER BARNES

II HIS is the anniversary of Patriots Day. The
Sons and Daughters of the American Revo-
luton are concentrating it by urging laws de-
signed to imprison those who would today ex-
press the most characteristic sentiments of our
patriot fathers. They would impose heavy
penalties upon any one, even of Mayhower
stock, who advocates revolution Let us see what
the fathers thought upon this subject.
In the first place, we have the Declaration of
Independence, which contains a classic express
sion of revolutionary doctrine. This contends
that it is both the right and the duty of people
to overthrow an oppressive government and ito
provide new guards for their future security -
Jefferson the author of this document, repeat
edly expressed himself as in favor of revolu-
tons:
Il hold that little rebellion now and then is
a good thing, and as necessary in the political
world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful
rebellions indeed generally establish the en-
croachmentS on the rights of the people which
have produced them.
THE spirit of resistance to government is so
valuable Oil certain occasions, that wish it to
be always kept alive. 1t will often be exercised
when wrong but better so than not to be exer-
cised at all. 1 like a little rebellion now and
then. 1t is like storm in the atmosphere.
"COD forbid, We should ever be 20 years with
~ out such rebellion. The people can not
be all, and always, informed. The part which is
wrong will be disconnected in proportion to the
Importance of the facts they misconceive If
they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it
is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the pub
lie liberty.
what country can preserve its liberties if its
rulers are not warned from time to time that
the people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let
them take arms. The tree of liberty must be
refreshed from time to time with the blood of
tyrantS. 1t is its natural manure
1t may be alleged that Jefferson like Samuel
Adams, was an extreme radical among the
patriot fathers. Then let us look at the two
most conservative leaders of that age John
Adams and Alexander Hamilton Adams held
that to have put over a successful revolution was
the best test of the ability of people to carry
on Self-government:
1T is an observation of one of the profound
est inquirerS into human affairs, that a reyolu-
ton OF government successfully conducted and
completed is the strongest proof that can be
given by people of their virtue and good sense.
Hamilton expressed himself in similar terms
Most of the gag laws now being imposed would
severely penalize any advocacy of illegal action.
But this did not worry Hamilton. He once de-
family stated:
You, sir, triumph in the supposed illegality
Oh this body; but granting your supposition were
true, it would be matter of no real Importance.
When the first principles of civil society are vio-
Doodle ~
vaded. the common forms of law are not to be
regarded"
N one of the most eloquent passages in the
entire history of American political writings
Hamilton declared that the fundamental rights
OF mankind transcend all law:
The sacred rights of mankind are not to be
rummaged Tor among old parchments or musty
records They are written, as with a sunbeam.
in the whole volume of human nature. by the
hand OF the Divinity ITSELF and can never be
erased or obscured by mortal power"
The Great Emancipator was in entire accord
with the fathers on this point In one of his
more famous speeches he asserted that:
ANY people anywhere being inclined and
having the power have the right to rise up and
shake of the existing government. and form a
new one that suits them better. This is a most
valuable, most sacred right-a right which we
hope and believe is to nberate the world"
No better answer to our present red batting
patrioteers could be imagined than the following
words of Samuel Adams:
If the liberties Of America are ever COM
pletely ruined Of which in my opinion there is
now the utmost danger, it will in all probability
be the consequence of mistaken notion of pru-
Of the most destructive tendency for the sake of
present ease
When designs are formed to rae the very
foundation Of a free government those few who
are to erect their grandeur and fortunes upon
the general ruin, viii employ every art to sooth
the devoted people into state of Incidence in
attention and security, which is forever the fore
runner of slavery"