People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1895 — THE REFORM PRESS. [ARTICLE]

THE REFORM PRESS.

HEROIC WORK AND UNSELFISH PATRIOTISM. The Strong Right Arm of the Labor Movement and lt« Watchful Guardian Sweeping theDecka Clear for Action Next Year. Few people realize the importance of the press in the great struggle now ; going on for Human Rights. Perhaps still fewer have any conception of the great sacrifices and heroic struggles which the men and women who are publishing Reform papers are making. It can be said that they have to contend with the “world, the flesh and the devil.” The world looks upon them as fanatics, heretics and conspirators against the public peace and welfare. Verily, at times the flesh tires of manna and “yearns after the flesh pots of Egypt,” even though those flesh pots meand bondage. The devil of incarnate greed and plethoric spleen hounds them on every hand. In most cases without any possibility of a chance at the public printing, boycotted by the “business men” of the.r ‘">wns, harassed'by environments that would drive the iron into the soul of an A "hilles, supported by a constituency whose very poverty is the primary cause of their revolt against existing conditions, they have maintained a fight that entitles them to credit for a high degree of patriotism and self-sacrificing devotion. The Reform press is the strong right arm of the movement for a better civilization. It is in closer “touch” with the people than the politicians. It is the people, because the people make it—mould its opinions. It is the medium of communication between the people of different sections. It is the forum through which a consensus of opinion and concert of action is attained. As it is of the people it is the people. The people rely upon it not only for information, but for a sentinel on the watch tower to give the alarm of approaching danger. If a traitor is in the camp the Reform press is expected to expose him. If a movement is being made to side-track the party or to betray it into the hands of the enemy the Reform press is expected to lift up its voice in protest. And well has it done its duty. All hail to the noble band of men and women who stand as a stone wall between liberty and monarchy, between the people and their despoilers. The people owe it to their liberty, owe it to themselves, owe it to their families, owe it to humanity to hold up the hands and liberally support the brave band who are sacrificing their time and talent on the altar of Human Rights.