L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Assn. · Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1904

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

The fallacy of the idea that publicity is a remedy for corruption in society and in government, of which so much is seen at the present time, is the theme of a recent editorial in the Philadelphia Public Ledger. Not only is publicity in itself not a remedy, says the Ledger, but often it promotes the power of the corrupt political boss, the charlatan, and the swindler. The Ledger points to Croker and Quay as examples of men who have held unrighteous power for a generation in spite of the fullest publicity concerning their doings. The Ledger closes with this truthful and forcible statement:—

Publicity is unavoidable and necessary; but it is a mistake to suppose that the exposure of abuses is tantamount to eradication. The force of evil success will, if unchecked, gather irresistible headway, because there are always hordes standing ready and eager to seize upon any opportunity, while the reformers and the righteous are too prone to think, or to act as if they thought, that with exposure their work was done. Publicity is merely the means of bringing home to the conscience of the community the facts as a basis for intelligent effort; but if the effort is then lacking, the publicity will work no cure, and may aggravate the evils exposed. The American people have seen enough of the workings of free government under a perfect glare of publicity to know that neither publicity nor any other mere piece of “machinery” is a reliance for the supporters of good government. Personal effort, unceasing strife against evil, the constant attempt to lift the individual, and to create in him a hatred of corruption, are as necessary as ever in the world, or perhaps more necessary. There is no automatic means by which the multitude will make a good government; no method except by making the individuals in the multitude good, and this can not be done by publicity.

Moral reform by publicity, and moral reform by legislation, are two great fallacies to which reformers of this day are prone to cling. There can be no effective, no true moral reform except through the divine uplifting power of the grace of God which regenerates the heart. This must be the foundation of all that is to be accomplished by publicity.