The Power of Public Opinion

What do we mean when we speak of "public opinion?" Consulting the dictionary one finds that an opinion is: "A conclusion or judgment held with confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge. -- Favorable judgment or estimation. -- An opinion is a general conclusion held as probable, though without full certainty. -- A conviction is a fixed opinion sustained by such evidences as removes all doubt from the believer's mind." From the foregoing it is plain that the word "conviction" is...