The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—InterviewsIngersoll, Robert Green
Religion
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—Interviews
Ingersoll, Robert Green
Free thought
_Answer_. I hear that the Republicans are attacking Hoadly, saying
that he is an Infidel. I know nothing about Mr. Hoadly's theological
sentiments, but he certainly has the right to have and express his
own views. If the Republicans of Ohio have made up their minds to
disfranchise the Liberals, the sooner they are beaten the better.
Why should the Republican party be so particular about religious
belief? Was Lincoln an orthodox Christian? Were the founders of
the party--the men who gave it heart and brain--conspicuous for
piety? Were the abolitionists all believers in the inspiration of
the Bible? Is Judge Hoadly to be attacked because he exercises
the liberty that he gives to others? Has not the Republican party
trouble enough with the spirituous to let the spiritual alone? If
the religious issue is made, I hope that the party making it will
be defeated. I know nothing about the effect of the recent decision
of the Supreme Court of Ohio. It is a very curious decision and
seems to avoid the Constitution with neatness and despatch. The
decision seems to rest on the difference between the words tax and
license--_I. e._, between allowing a man to sell whiskey for a tax
of one hundred dollars or giving him a license to sell whiskey and
charging him one hundred dollars. In this, the difference is in
the law instead of the money. So far all the prohibitory legislation
on the liquor question has been a failure. Beer is victorious,
and Gambrinus now has Olympus all to himself. On his side is the
"bail"--
_Question_. But who will win?
_Answer_. The present indications are favorable to Judge Hoadly.
It is an off year. The Ohio leaders on one side are not in perfect
harmony. The Germans are afraid, and they generally vote the
Democratic ticket when in doubt. The effort to enforce the Sunday
law, to close the gardens, to make one day in the week desolate
and doleful, will give the Republicans a great deal of hard work.
_Question_. How about Illinois?
_Answer_. Republican always. The Supreme Court of Illinois has
just made a good decision. That Court decided that a contract made
on Sunday can be enforced. In other words, that Sunday is not holy
enough to sanctify fraud. You can rely on a State with a Court
like that. There is very little rivalry in Illinois. I think that
General Oglesby will be the next Governor. He is one of the best
men in that State or any other.
_Question_. What about Indiana?
_Answer_. In that State I think General Gresham is the coming man.
He was a brave soldier, an able, honest judge, and he will fill
with honor any position he may be placed in. He is an excellent
lawyer, and has as much will as was ever put in one man. McDonald
is the most available man for the Democrats. He is safe and in
every respect reliable. He is without doubt the most popular man
in his party.
_Question_. Well, Colonel, what are you up to?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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