The Logan Republican

THE RIGHT OF CRITICISM

Widespread regret is being expressed at the recent decree of a New York court under which theaters would be able to exclude critics whose comments were not liked by the managers. This is a principle that will work to public disadvantage in more ways than one.

If a theater puts on a poor play the dramatic writer always used to be protected by the courts in his comment. No libel suit is possible unless malice can be shown, to prove which is rarely attempted. It is recognized that such criticism saves the public from wasting much money on trash. But now it looks as if in New York state at least, a critic could be thrown out of his job by inability to enter the play houses where his work must be done. This might be worse than paying damages in court. Perhaps the politicians will get the habit next, and close their debates in legislatures and city councils to representatives of the press.

Prejudiced opinions kill themselves and do not call for legal interference. The public learns the truth, and it resents unfair attacks. But as civilization advances, people seem to grow more sensitive to criticism. The worst trouble is silence. Newspaper men as a class are too good natured. It is so much easier to smile and say nice things, and frank exposure of faults is often regarded as an evidence of dyspepsia. But it tones up community life in all respects. It is astonishing how public officials, who were deaf to private remonstrance, will sometimes jump to remove defects when a newspaper prods them.

If the New York decision referred to is good law, it is time for a redefinition in statute form of the rights of free discussion. In so far as such freedom of opinion is checked, dullness and dirt will flourish in the dramatic world, and graft and inefficiency in public life.