The Providence News

NOT THE WAY TO FREEDOM.

Gatherings at New York that had for their purpose the landing of the terrorists in Russia have been dispersed by the police and several arrests have been made. It is not necessary that one be in sympathy with Russia's autocratic rule to perceive that this action was not only proper but imperative. The most ardent supporters of the subjects of the czar in their efforts to obtain some relief from cruel oppression must realize that assassination as a means to that end is repugnant to every sober-minded man. At the New York meeting, murder as a means of righting public wrongs was openly advocated and it was with cheers the declaration that there were others on the list of the doomed was received.

Such sentiments are obviously obnoxious to the sentiments of all true Americans who, while they extend heartfelt commiseration to the oppressed and suffering Russians, while they are aware that the sufferings the people have undergone have driven them to desperation and while they hope sincerely for the early coming of better times, they cannot and will not approve the bomb as an instrument for the securing of liberty.

However worthy the cause he pretends to serve the assassin is always a creature despicable and cowardly. When he strikes down the representative of authority he strikes authority itself. It is a striking illustration of the cruel and brutal character of those who applaud the assassin's bloody work, that those on this side of the Atlantic who were loudest in their praises of the slayer of Grand Duke Sergius were the ones who greeted with joyous acclaim the miserable wretch who shot down the beloved McKinley at Buffalo.

Advocates of murder as a means of securing better and more liberal government are the enemies of all government and of all law.

What would result should the Russian terrorists succeed in this conspiracy to destroy the sources of authority from the czar down? Would it not be anarchy bloody and terrible more terrible even than the grinding, heart-breaking oppression of autocracy? It is said the Russian people have at last awakened to the magnitude of the sufferings to which they have been subjected for centuries and are determined to compel the granting of at least a measure of liberty.

That is a worthy aspiration, but if they conceive this long prayed for liberty can be secured to them through the dastardly work of assassins they are woefully mistaken. Revolutions are necessary at times, but never yet has one succeeded that tolerated or countenanced assassination.