We do not suggest for a moment that the mere
holding of these views should be regarded as a crime, nor would we do anything to drive such expressions of opinion underground. They must, however, be most carefully noted. The danger, of course, is in the pledge of obedience to the instructions of the Committee. Should the Committee prove to be engaged in a treason- able or insurrectionary conspiracy and proceed to action, the oath is one to which grave consequences might attach. Meanwhile, the great thing is to know the facts and to deal with them wisely and justly, and not in any spirit either of panic or of unwise sentimentality. Warm hearted- ness, a sense of pity and a true desire to help the helpless are not only things which no man should be ashamed of, but emotions which he should guard and cultivate. They must not, however, be allowed to hurry us into adopting some quack remedy which may be much worse than the disease itself. For true remedies we cannot search too long, too diligently or too earnestly.
Previous page
