Moreover, they say
there is no way of preventing the minority from speaking save that of
force, which is unworthy of a majority, and the negation of what we are
fighting for in this war. But I say, following the great leader-writers,
that in a time of national danger nobody ought to say anything except
what is in accord with the opinions of the majority; for only in this
way can we present a front which will seem to be united to our common
enemies. I say, and since I am the majority I must be in the right, that
no one who disagrees with me must say anything if we are to save the
cause of freedom and humanity. I deprecate violence, but I am thoroughly
determined to stand no nonsense, and shall not hesitate to suppress
by every means in the power of the majority--including, if need be,
Prussian measures--any whisper from those misguided and unpatriotic
persons whose so-called principles induce them to assert their right to
have opinions of their own. This has ever been a free country, and they
shall not imperil its freedom by their volubility and self-conceit."
Here Mr. Lavender paused for breath, and in the darkness a faint
noise, as of a mouse scrattling at a wainscot, attracted his attention.
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