THE FREETHINKER.

Freethought Review, Volume II, Issue 22, 1 July 1885, Page 12

THE FREETHINKER.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ' FREETHOUGHT REVIEW.’ Sir, — Opinions differ, as you say, on the best method of fighting for Freethought, and in a par in your issue of June last you express regret at the course pursued by Mr. Foote in his adoption of pictorial caricature as a means of warfare. I beg respectfully to differ from your view. I think Mr. Foote is on the right warpath, and, provided the caricatures are cleverly executed, there can be no doubt about their effect. The finest writing and the purest logic will fail to touch men of the Father Lambert stamp, but a picture is more than the most outrageous bigot can stand, and the most galling thought to those whose interest it is to propagate superstition is the fact that the said picture may be seen by some young person possibly a pupil attending the school of unreason — and the impression, once made, can never be totally effaced. One glance at a good caricature will, I believe, convey more meaning than volumes of the most philosophic writing. Consider, sir, the power and success of some of those journals which make it their business to caricature the follies (political and social) of mankind. Why should not the superstitions of mankind be treated in the same way ? Consider how many there are who cannot read, but who can understand a picture. Also the large number who have no desire to read, but will look at a picture,—but let the pictures be good, Yours, &c., J. Lambie, Ashburton, Canterbury.