The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Volume VIII | Page 8

that which the world regards as money. The next
reason for the victory is the position assumed by the Democracy in
Congress during the called session. The threats they then made of what
they would do in the event that the executive did not comply with their
demands, showed that the spirit of the party had not been chastened to
any considerable extent by the late war. The people of this country will
not, in my judgment, allow the South to take charge of this country
until they show their ability to protect the rights of citizens in their
respective States.
Question. Then, as you regard the victories, they are largely due to a
firm adherence to principle, and the failure of the Democratic party is
due to their abandonment of principle, and their desire to unite with
anybody and everything, at the sacrifice of principle, to attain success?
Answer. Yes. The Democratic party is a general desire for office
without organization. Most people are Democrats because they hate
something, most people are Republicans because they love something.
Question. Do you think the election has brought about any particular
change in the issues that will be involved in the campaign of 1880?
Answer. I think the only issue is who shall rule the country.
Question. Do you think, then, the question of State Rights, hard or soft
money and other questions that have been prominent in the campaign
are practically settled, and so regarded by the people?
Answer. I think the money question is, absolutely. I think the question
of State Rights is dead, except that it can still be used to defeat the
Democracy. It is what might be called a convenient political corpse.
Question. Now, to leave the political field and go to the religious at one
jump--since your last visit here much has been said and written and
published to the effect that a great change, or a considerable change at

least, had taken place in your religious, or irreligious views. I would
like to know if that is so?
Answer. The only change that has occurred in my religious views is the
result of finding more and more arguments in favor of my position, and,
as a consequence, if there is any difference, I am stronger in my
convictions than ever before.
Question. I would like to know something of the history of your
religious views?
Answer. I may say right here that the Christian idea that any God can
make me his friend by killing mine is about a great mistake as could be
made. They seem to have the idea that just as soon as God kills all the
people that a person loves, he will then begin to love the Lord. What
drew my attention first to these questions was the doctrine of eternal
punishment. This was so abhorrent to my mind that I began to hate the
book in which it was taught. Then, in reading law, going back to find
the origin of laws, I found one had to go but a little way before the
legislator and priest united. This led me to a study of a good many of
the religions of the world. At first I was greatly astonished to find most
of them better than ours. I then studied our own system to the best of
my ability, and found that people were palming off upon children and
upon one another as the inspired word of God a book that upheld
slavery, polygamy and almost every other crime. Whether I am right or
wrong, I became convinced that the Bible is not an inspired book; and
then the only question for me to settle was as to whether I should say
what I believed or not. This really was not the question in my mind,
because, before even thinking of such a question, I expressed my belief,
and I simply claim that right and expect to exercise it as long as I live. I
may be damned for it in the next world, but it is a great source of
pleasure to me in this.
Question. It is reported that you are the son of a Presbyterian minister?
Answer. Yes, I am the son of a New School Presbyterian minister.
Question. About what age were you when you began this investigation

which led to your present convictions?
Answer. I cannot remember when I believed the Bible doctrine of
eternal punishment. I have a dim recollection of hating Jehovah when I
was exceedingly small.
Question. Then your present convictions began to form themselves
while you were listening to the teachings of religion as taught by your
father?
Answer. Yes, they did.
Question. Did you discuss the matter with him?
Answer. I did for many years, and before he died he