THE TYRANNY OF PUBLIC SENTIMENT.
It is alleged by certain educated and far-traveled foreigners that after all there is not so much in our boast of independence. They say there is really less of intellectual independence with us than in the other civilized countries of the world. While we are not limited, repressed and oppressed by legal enactments, yet we are under the more potent tyranny of public sentiment. While we are not aided by the opinions of foreign countries, we are in subjection to our own majorities. Is there not a good-sized grain of truth in this charge? Is there not among public men a very noticeable timidity in expressing themselves on the unpopular side of things? Is there not even in religious and denominational affairs a growing intolerance of minorities? Isn't it true that the spirit of the majorities is growing less magnanimous and more domineering? Government by majorities is a fine thing within limitations, but human nature being what it is, majorities are liable to become unreasonable, imperious, and tyrannical. Majorities become dangerous when they ignore, despise, or intimidate minorities. They are dangerous when their attitude toward minorities is such as to make the latter timid and uncomfortable, or sullen and desperate. Often the truth and the right are with the minority.—Exchange.