unseen and unknown foe can do us far more hurt than an
open and declared enemy. By our perpetual attacks on institu
tions and individuals, we are driving public foes from the open
plains of publicity into the jungles of secrecy where their evil
doings will only become more serious. We must take another
course if we wish to keep our country true to the principles for
which our fathers fought and died.
Much good has been done by the expression of opinion on pub
lic matters,—in fact, it is the only way to determine what is best.
But there is a limit to everything. Lowell says, " I was in dan
ger of being carried beyond the limits of my own opinions, or at
leak of that temper with which every man should speak his mind."
It is to that temper that many Americans should return.
The press should be the educator of the masses, filling them
with good, pure and lofty ideals,—leading them above what is low
and gross in life. The press should be the reliable chronicler of
the world's doings, bringing Men nearer together, making us
understand each other better, and uniting us in a great brother
hood and fraternity. The press should be a search-light, turned
on public affairs, illuminating the good, but not making a pyrotech
nic display of the evil.
. When the press has come to fulfill these ends, when the people
have attained to that noble, kindly and true expression of opinion,
—then and only then will we be enjoying that complete and un
restricted freedom which our fathers deemed best to give us.
Tau toil of the day is ended, and the earth lies hushed in
silence. All day long up the trail of . the canyon, the, tray-
elers have wended their way; but as the dusk begins to
deepen,- they halt and prepare for the coming night. The horses
are relieved of their packs, and tethered in some grassy spot..
The tents are pitched ; and everything made secure. A fire is
VOICJS AND .UCHOUS
i A ws C ..:$ e
VOICES AND ECHOES.
(A Junior Oration. )