Article May 5, 1928 Issue

Living under Law

WILLIAM P. MC KENZIE

One of the curious misconceptions affecting the actions of the sons of men is the belief that liberty and disregard of law may mean the same thing. In the world of sport, in connection with a certain game, there had entered in not a few abuses destroying the comfort of fair play which had previously prevailed. So a group of those who were responsible drew up rules which they believed would bring out justice and that fine decency in sport which enables the spectators to enjoy the game, not viewing it as a battle but, as it should be, a manifestation of human life and activity in a contest ruled by fair play. After the rules were published, a group of those who did not understand the ideals of sport, getting together, said, "Here are the rules; how can we figure on being able to break them?"

It should be observed in passing that the Golden Rule, which reaches to the very highest of human affairs, can be made understandable to children in the realm of their play. When they are rightly guided, they discern the fineness of consideration, fairness, truthfulness, and honor. Many of those who have learned good behavior in their games, in later life quite naturally support fair dealing. They manifest honorable conduct, a clear sense of justice, and that most admirable quality of understanding shown in fair play throughout life.

How is it that so many confound liberty with license? They wish to do unto others the very things which they would most fiercely contest if done to them, and have the belief that they can get through life making others suffer, while they themselves escape the consequences.

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