The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-02-13

DISCUSS ION.-NO. II

The facilities ana opportunities ior dlsclISSi"H, III
our country, are numerous, and, if properly used,
cannot fail to have favorable effect on its insiitu-
tons and the character of its inhabitants. We are
reading and inqniring people; the sources of
knowledge arc within reach of ALL and all are in
vitcd TO come and partako Of the rcpas, at all OK
pcnse triHing, to prevent few from enjoying
its Injuries. shall not in this place notice all the
means of instruction which citizens favored
with, it may be sufficient for my present purpose to
examine the character and influence of the press
and some of those public oral discussions which
may be heard in every town. village and neghbor-
hood. The number of periodicals in the United
States, is greater, in proportion 10 the number OF its
inhabitants, than can be found in any other country
Tie price of these messengers of Knowledge and
amusement, is so cheap as TO place them within the
reach of almost every family, an advantage that has
good influence the manners md morals of So
cicty, and throws around various institutions
powerful shield of protection, in times Of peace and
strong buiwark, in seasons Of war and high poIit-
ical excitement Were the character OF these
papers viruous their number is great, how dic-
icul would it be for Disconnected and worthless
politicians, to practice their schemes of iniquily, to
the injury of the nation and at the expense of some
Of the dearest interests of society. A newspaper
should expose the errors of every system that op-
crates unfavorably on society, or weakcns the foun-
daons of national Government. 1t should be
pledged to party any father than it adheres to
truth and discountenances inquity. 1t should ear
ly inform its readers Of every departure from truth
and JUSTICE in legislators and public authorities,
uninfucnced ny the love of praise money, and
the fear of censurc. Every improvement and dis
covery in SCIENCE politics and religion should be
early communicated, that the public may share the
benefit. In short 1t should be the object Of the
ductor OF "A public journal, not much to
~ instruct to inform the mind and correct the judg
ment, rather than please the fancy and pamper
dcprnvcd appetite. But how often does The family
periodical. Instead of impartng useful knowledge,
poison the very fountains of virtue and open upon
the whole circle the fierce streams of pollution and
Indebtedness. One paper denies the existence of
Supreme Being, rdcu!es the Bible fiction,
tramples upon the marriage ceremony as a custom
of n superstous and barbarous age, denies any dis
tinction between vice and virtue and gives the pref
eroncc to the forms of human drpravty rath.
cr than to the benign influence and practices Of
Christianity Another is governed altogether by
the Of its readers, changing its features suit
the varying aspect Ct the times, without regard to
truth, courtesy docency. Ifbasphemy
obsccnity and persecution would increase its popu-
ary, there is no want Of blngsgate to grace its
columns, and the bantling is sent out into society
to disturb its arrangements and consume its vitals. |
Another urges the inllriatcd and drunken popu-
lace to scenes of riot and murder, merely because
citizen dare lift his voice against the prevailing
inquitics Of the times,
The number Of such papers in the country is far
moro numerous than could be expected; and every
christian and patriot should look upon them with
regret and Adherence Our law give great latitude
to speech and the press, interfering only when mi
vate character is DETAINED, outrage upon com
mon decoucy is committed These presses can be |
reformed only by public opinion and the influence
of religions sentiments. Let every lover OF his
country enter his protest against them, in language
strong and convincing, and publicly portray the cf
iects which they will ultimately have rcli- |
g'on, social relations, and national prosperi-
ty. Physical force and SANDER not tho IF.
feclual weapons to WELD in this warfare; facts and
avigorous moral influence powerful and will o.
vercome the enemy and Danish him from the coun
try.
Lyceums arc very useful associations Every
village and mel ghborhood should form one, and com
oIno their talents and energies to mako it interest
ing and profitable. How much more profitable |
would II be for young people to attend such meet
nS than to meet together Cor foolish plays and idle
and childish conversation. Let every party Of youth
discuss some subject for their entertainments worthy
the pursuit of intellectual and moral beings, and
they will become wiser, moro moral and better fit
led for the Of practical life. multitude of
subjects will readily suggest themselves to the
minds of the party, upon the merits of which a va
rIety of opinions will exist, giving opportunity
Tor remarks by persons Of different tastes and ncli
nations. knowledge is elected, talents improved
fears are overcome, and spirit OF inquiry created
favorable TO industry, wealth and religion. The
rove OF forbidden pleasures is weakened, and the
'h'nd is directed to higher and more refined objects