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Show i THE FREEDOM OF THE : - PRESS ' , All human struggles for free dom have been for mere person- f al rights many of which are ilow i - recognized and guaranteed by ; : the civilized nations; many have j been for a freedom of a deeper ? more spiritual nature. After 1 securing for themselves the lib- ; erty to come and go as they j pleased, people began to desire j the right to think as they choose s and tell their thoughts to others and insist that they were entitl- i ed to such rights. Until the be- f ginning of the 17th century these rights had been more or ; less abridged and those who at- i tempted to speak and write their thoughts freely were subjected i to severe persecution. Then came the champion for the right ; , of free speech and a free press in the person of John Milton, England's great poet and scholar. The laws of his country which prevented him from writing what he choose were intolerable to him and his spirit rose in rebellion, re-bellion, so great, he issued a challenge questioning the rights of his government in limiting the freedom of speech and the press. All England read this challenge and marveled at the boldness of the man in daring to express himself so freely in the matter. The challenge had its effect, for, near the end of the 17th century the principles of free thought and expression secured a firm hold. The idea grew until now practically, complete freedom in such matters prevail. These rights today are permitted everywhere to a greater extent . than was ever dreamed of by Milton. |
