Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-02-07
Editorial Convention.
From the Richmond Compiler.


Thomas Richie, ESQ.,, was called
10 the Chair, WIN. NJ. BLACKBOARD,
ESQ.,, appointed Secretary.
On calling the names of the Editors
Of the State, the following gentlemen
vere found to be in attendance.
Thomas Richie, Richmond Enqui.
rer.
Alex'r. Moseley, Richmond Wing.
James A. Cowardin, } Richmond
VIM. II Davis, Compiler.
z. Mead, s. Churchman.
VIM. A Smith, Conference Jour.
VIM. Sands, Religious Herald.
Thomas w. White, S. l.. Mess.
John S. Gallahcr, Charlestown Free
Press.
Edmund Ruffin, Petersburg Farm.
srs' Register.
Edgar Snowden, Alexandria Gaz-
cite.
Richard II. Toler, Lynchburg vir.
glnian.
Alexander J. Marshall, Warrenton
Times.
Robert Ricketts,, Warrenton Jeffer.
Sonian.
Edmund P. Hunter, Martinsburg Ga.
zette.
VIM. NJ. Blackford, fredericksburg
Political Arena.
Mr.. HILL, Editor ofthe Wilmington
IN. CO. Advertiser, being present, was
invited to take seat in the Conyen.
yention.
Mr.. Richie, on taking the Chair,
addressed the meeting as follows:
GENTLEMEN-I thank you for the
honor you have done me; though l
am not van enough to ascribe this
distinction to any thing else than my
years. have long passed for the
veleran," and by courtesy, for the
venerable" Editor ofthe Enquirer
and although the epithet might have
been gwen to me long before | deser.
we'd it, yet am sensible that years
are giving mo some title to il, and
that every day is only calculated to
confirm it. am sure, that none Of
you, gentlemen, will envy me either
the advantage of my years, or the pre-
tensions they may give ME to the hon.
or Of this Chair.
But with all my experience, have
acquired but little knowledge of Parli.
amenlary law. Fortunately | shall
have but little occasion for il. Our
Convention is too small, to encourage
the vehemence of Debate. No long
violent discussions are likely to dis
iuTb the order If our proceedings
and may safely trust to that spiri,
OIL harmony, for which, you know our
caste has been so long and so justly Gel.
eora'ed, for our protection against dis.
order.
We have assembled here, gentle.
men, under the hope Of improving the
character and condition of the impor.
liant profession of which we are men,
oers. The Press is indeed the "Great
Magician" Of the age. Wherever it
established, 1t is diffusing light all
round 1t. 1t is promoting the progress
OIL every art. 1t is extending the
sphere Of every science. In our own
Country, it is necessary agent and
if properly conducted, il would be an
nestimable instrument. How can a
free Government be wisely administer.
ed without it !? How can a free PEG.
pie acquire the knowledge of facts and
\ OF characters, which is so necessary to
the proper selection of their agents -
Republican Government pre- sup.
poses indeed that the People can gov.
ern themselves-and how can PEG.
pie continue free, unless they are en-
Ii hghtened q? The Press is the great in.
s'rument of information. 1t is indeed
an essential part Of the composition of
Tree society, which is scattered over
50 extensive territory as that Of the
United States. The fact verifies the
theory. Scarcely do we settle viii
age IN the far west" scarcely have
We erected an inn, blacksmith shop,
store, before our inquisitive country.
men begin to think of Press. 1t has
oeen pronounced "The art preserva.
#ove OF all arts" So familiar are we
with It's Value, that we almost wonder
now the anclents could have got along
Nwilhout It.
But sirs, the Press is generally of
more benefit to others, than i. is TO its
own conductors. No Profession is
more irksome or laborous. None i'm.
poses such serious sacrifices, as this
a Goes upon the conscientious Editor
his labors are "still beginning. never
ending" He is constantly rolling the
slone OF Sisyphus up the mountain !;
end 1t is forever rolling back upon him.
ne is toilng day and night. He is
,,erally prisoner in his own castle.
exercise and fresh air are too frequent.