Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-09

pr0yrd that the President ana the Subordinate
officers of the government are engaged IN tras-
ticking with the press. for the press. and about
the press. what are we to conclude! Is all this
nothing: Is 1t usual? Has it ever before been
witnessed in this country? Has 1t ever before
been thought of, spoken vt. dreamed Of! we
see, too, occasionally, government presses sprung
ing up like mushrooms in different parts OF the
country, but generally within reach OF the teei-
ers of some public, office. fiom which they re-
ceive their nourishment. that precious treasury
pap''-so much more healthy, constant, and Ger
tain. than the unstable patronage OF the puoiic'
:. often gained without merit and lost without
reproach." We. malignant heretcs as we are
cannot bat ascribc all this TO that - improve
ment'' system once spoken OF, and so much ad-
mred, by the late Secretary OF State, who, un-
fortunately, does not seem at present to be IN a
situation where he can enjoy, or even hope to
enjoy. the benefits of the sys;em-uniess. 10.
deed, like some others, ..he hopes against hope"
In viewing the subject on which we offer these
strong proof Of the correctness of our opuion,
the fact, that in the recent division that has til
ken place in the party, the s. by authority press
es," generally. with but one or two honorable ex-
cept,ons, take the government side, and - lick
the ;. Official bodv guard" 1t was made ground
of serious complaint against Mr. CLAY, that he
removed the public printing from three or four
PAL ers that were most violent IN their abuse OF
the Government-the newspapers were filed
with the groans Of the ''pure patriots who
thought 50 much Of the "poor people," and the
halls of Congress rang with the changes OF 81 cor
ruplng the press" prescribing the press, .
and - buy wing the press - Now, however, when
scarcely an Independent editor is left in the ''by
authority" corps-when the press must have
JACKSON written on its collar, before it can lie at
the treasury door, where are the complaints o!
the s. dear friends" Of US the ''poor peoples"
Stand forth ye sterling PATRIOTS who cried aloud
and spared not! Stand forth! We generous and
noble-hearted Representatives and Editors who
wept bitter tears over our fate, and hurled your
| indignant anathemas at our oppressors! Once
more raise your voices in behalf of our suferings
aud speak in defence of our liberties. What!
are We all dumb: Does no one advance when
that which was squirting at favoritism. has as
.sumed the horrid glare Of corruption and bribe-
nv? Will We not raise an arm, when Freedom
is to be coven down before your faces? Is there
no one TO sound the trumpet, and rally. as of old,
the forces to the onset? Not one! Alas!
- Ichabcd" must be written on all their fore
heads The glory is departed"
| There is much in what we have said to excite
reflection. The subject is one of deep and vital
importance. We have not room to pursue it
farther to-day. An Independent Press should
be the pride, as it will be the safety, of the coun
try-A corrupt Press must be the disgrace and
ruin of the country. The people are to decide,
| from the facts which are daily presenting them
selves, which is most likely to be established
amongst them.