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Letter to Editor
January 19, 1838
The Daily Herald
New Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
A satirical letter to the editors proposes establishing the 'Pro-Discussion Society' led by prominent figures to debate absurd topics like whether the moon is a giant cheese, aiming to promote freedom of discussion without inciting mobs. It mocks abolitionist efforts and suggests extending discussions to distant issues like the Russian emperor's policies on women.
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Full Text
Messrs. Editors,-
As a great deal, in these days of the march of mind, is to be done by societies and conventions, I propose to have established a society for promoting freedom of discussion, to be called the pro-discussion Society. I would have at the head of it as many of the great men of our community as can be persuaded to unite in it-such as Presidents of Colleges, doctors of divinity, doctors of law and medicine, professors, &c.
The great object of this association shall be to discuss the question, whether the moon is not a great cheese, bigger than that which parson Leland carried to Mr. Jefferson; and whether this is not the reason that the moon gives such a pale light.
The advantage of such a society will be first to establish the right of discussion, without exciting uproar and mobs, and without rending churches into parties.
In the second place, the discussion of this question will have a wonderful moral effect, and be about as efficacious in emancipating slaves in the south, as the lectures and writings of the abolitionists; and at the same time a harmless method of doing the work.
When the society is well organized, it will be proposed to send out at least fifty agents, to prove the moon to be a great cheese; and to get some hundred thousand boys and girls to petition Congress to pass a resolve that the moon shall hereafter give a brighter light. These petitions are to be forwarded to members of Congress, and help to occupy the vacant hours of Congress; that is, the time when our great national concerns of finance, and commerce and manufactures, can as well be neglected as not.
HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?
P. S. If it should be thought advisable, the society will undertake to discuss the question whether the Emperor of Russia is not a monster of tyranny, for making a levy of girls to be wives of his soldiers.— Russia is a great way off, but perhaps the discussion of the question whether the Emperor has a right to impress girls for wives may have a moral bearing on the conduct of the Autocrat, and put a stop to such outrages. If nothing else will do, the Society must apply to one of the Miss Grimkes to teach Nicholas the rights of women.
As a great deal, in these days of the march of mind, is to be done by societies and conventions, I propose to have established a society for promoting freedom of discussion, to be called the pro-discussion Society. I would have at the head of it as many of the great men of our community as can be persuaded to unite in it-such as Presidents of Colleges, doctors of divinity, doctors of law and medicine, professors, &c.
The great object of this association shall be to discuss the question, whether the moon is not a great cheese, bigger than that which parson Leland carried to Mr. Jefferson; and whether this is not the reason that the moon gives such a pale light.
The advantage of such a society will be first to establish the right of discussion, without exciting uproar and mobs, and without rending churches into parties.
In the second place, the discussion of this question will have a wonderful moral effect, and be about as efficacious in emancipating slaves in the south, as the lectures and writings of the abolitionists; and at the same time a harmless method of doing the work.
When the society is well organized, it will be proposed to send out at least fifty agents, to prove the moon to be a great cheese; and to get some hundred thousand boys and girls to petition Congress to pass a resolve that the moon shall hereafter give a brighter light. These petitions are to be forwarded to members of Congress, and help to occupy the vacant hours of Congress; that is, the time when our great national concerns of finance, and commerce and manufactures, can as well be neglected as not.
HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?
P. S. If it should be thought advisable, the society will undertake to discuss the question whether the Emperor of Russia is not a monster of tyranny, for making a levy of girls to be wives of his soldiers.— Russia is a great way off, but perhaps the discussion of the question whether the Emperor has a right to impress girls for wives may have a moral bearing on the conduct of the Autocrat, and put a stop to such outrages. If nothing else will do, the Society must apply to one of the Miss Grimkes to teach Nicholas the rights of women.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satirical
Comedic
Social Critique
What themes does it cover?
Press Freedom
Slavery Abolition
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Freedom Of Discussion
Pro Discussion Society
Satirical Proposal
Abolition Critique
Moon Cheese
Russian Tyranny
Women Rights
What entities or persons were involved?
Messrs. Editors
Letter to Editor Details
Recipient
Messrs. Editors
Main Argument
proposes a satirical society to promote freedom of discussion through absurd debates, critiquing the ineffectiveness and potential disruption of real reform movements like abolitionism while suggesting harmless alternatives.
Notable Details
Moon As Great Cheese
Parson Leland To Mr. Jefferson
Emancipating Slaves Via Discussion
Petitions To Congress About Moon's Light
Emperor Of Russia Levying Girls As Wives
Miss Grimkes Teaching Rights Of Women