Boycotting by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1886

"Boycotting."

By Editor

WE are glad to see that a few journals dare to speak in plain terms against this terrible evil that is threatening our country. It is a foreign product that ought never to be allowed to take root in the United States. The Golden Gate says:—

"In England boycotting is to become a penal offense, and so it should be in every country where attempt is made to practice it. It is the meanest kind of tyranny; and if allowed to go unchecked will find its way into politics, when its devilish spirit will bring a terror to the country, beside which despotism would be a blessing."

As a matter of fact, boycotting is the worst kind of despotism. It is more to be dreaded than any absolute monarchy, because it may have a hundred heads. And because it is so despicable in its nature, we hope that no one who calls himself a Christian will be deceived or badgered into giving it the slightest sympathy or encouragement. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Boycotting, socialism, and nihilism are all branches of a single stock, and that is, supreme selfishness and contempt for law.