The Iowa patriot. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1839-1839, 1839-06-27
FOR THE IOWA PATRIOT.
THE SPIRIT AND INDEPEN-
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LESS resources, Its wealth, Its trade and
Commerce, upon our civil and political
institutions, and sources of information,
will be enabled to form some opinion of
the power of the American Press, which
is every day brought to bear upon them
all. And when he reflects, too, that the
people are accustomed to look up to the
Press for intelligence upon all these
important and highly interesting subjects
and how easily they may be misled by
the information thus impaired, if it is false
or deceptive, or how greatly benefited by
a publication Of the truth She will read
lily perceive the weight of responsibility
that rests upon those who are charged
with its conduct He may, with proprie.
fty, ask himself this simple questions
the Press in our country so conducted as
best to answer the great ends designed by,
and expected from it?
An examination into the duties of the
Press-into what actually constitutes its
independents, and ought to characterize
its spirit, is matter of plain common
sense inquiry. The investigation involves
no difficulty no train of sophistry
can easily mislead US in arriving at cor
rect conclusion.
The great objects of society, and of civ
il government, are the protection Of life,
liberty, and property-the promotion Of
the highest degree Of safety, happiness
and prosperity to the whole community,
that are capable of being obtained and to
render their position and enjoyment as
uniform, and permanent as possible. In
the attainment Of all these desirable OBJ
jects, the Press is most powerful auxili-
airy. Nor is it less powerful in their des.
truction, if it is devoted to mischief, and
its energies and influence are directed to
that end. It gives tone to public opin-
| ion, and public morals. It's the lever by
which public policy is elevated or de-
|pressed--virtue encouraged-patriotism
cherished and public confidence strength
ened or destroyed; and when we bring
these maxims home to ourselves, and look
at the present condition of our country,
and the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Press, and
recollect that free Government is literally
and practically government of opinion,
he must be blind indeed, who cannot see
how much our public and domestic peace,
safety, happiness and prosperity depend
upon the fidelity Of the Press.
That the American Press might pos
sess, and freely exercise all this influence
upon public feeling and opinion, its indie
pendence has been wisely guaranteed. I'll
was designed as beacon set up on all our
political high places, to, encourage the
people to a faithful discharge of every
public and private duty as citizens-to|
warn them of their dangers admonish
them OF error, and to aid them to guard
against, and overcome them. It is an inn
pervious shield, ready at all times to be
interposed between power and its depend
ents--to check the Entertainments and
oppression of the one, and the assaults oil
the other. To accomplish these high du-
ties, its independence must be preserved.
and its temper and integrity unquestion-
ed. 1t should lend itself to no interest
but that Of is country-to no principles.
but those which are politically and NOR
ally sound, and salutary in their applica.
ton and results-to no power that is mott
confined by the constitution and the laws
and sanctioned by expediency--to mol
measures, that do not, as far as humanl
wisdom and foresight can determine.
promise general good and permanent BEN
eht-to no man, or party Of men, whose
principles, conduct, or motives, are, EQUIV
oc;l. When the Press ceases to ID this.
it ceases to be independent When ii
fails to discharge these essential duties.
its spirit is debased, and its integrity Isl
gone. y soon becomes the pander of
parties, tshould ever awe and control
the EXETER Of passions, it should hush in.
10 silence, Or frown. into 5insignifcance--
The propagation Of theories and doctrines,