| Show from h itai april 2 A RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE two or three hasty friends 0 have censured this paper for its comment on the resolutions in regard to the division of the blocks the narrowing of the streets and the ing of the sidewalks of this city this seems to us unreasonable although we expressed approval of the general benns of the resolutions the main point upon which we asked favorable action was that relating to the ascertainment of the public feeling by an open vote we should have felt the same had ve opposed all the later objects of the resolution the question is not one of favoring or opposing either of the ahrea matters involved but is one of relating directly to the proposition 0 the right of a community to speak its mind on matters which so closely concern it it may be readily surmised that hostility to alio election clause has its rise in opposition to the other clauses we maintain that this should not be it the public do not want the blocks divided or the streets narrowed the public can say so and alie more emphatically they do say BO the more certain they may be that their wishes will be respected that will bo a discussion of the case on its merits and it will be timely enough when the election part eliell have been agreed to but to oppose a free expression of opinion for fear it may proe contrary to our view is to stifle for selfish ends au un right which all our fellow citizens enjoy in common with oar belt es we give space this morning to a thoughtful paper from judge williams on tho leading issues before the public it will be noticed that lie refers to contingencies where the consent of the people is necessary that is exactly the point we are contending for and when it shall be decided eliat the consent of the people is to be asked our columns will be open to any correspondent who has any views to present bo ilia position what it may on the questions at issue then will be the time to educate the people as to the best interests of their city for every man who is asked to express ins cainion at the polls ought in alie first place to have an opinion and in alie second to have good reasons for it |
