Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1839-05-06
Four Years Ago.

Four Wears Ago.
On the 9th of May, 1885, the first number of the
Herald was pubshed-this day, therefore, completes
four years exactly since its commencement On
looking back from our present position through the
vista of these years, there is much to rejoice at
much to laugh at-much to be pleased with-much
10 forget-much to care little for-and not great
deal to repent or regret.
No person, in this any other civilized country,
perhaps ever succeeded in creating a newspaper es-
Enlistment of its present magnitude ont Of almost
nothing, and against the viruent, vindcve opposi-
ton of rivals, have done. With $500 we
started, on the 9th of May, lS35-and fer 100000
we would not part with establishment now. In
the Of that period, have the greatest
depressons and the highest periods of speculation in
all kinds of business. No period in the history Of
commerce or business has exhibited so many and so
startling uc tuations. Yet from rigid adhe renee to
the cash principle-short accounts frequent inves
tigations-and always keeping eye to income and
expenditure, we have not only weathered all these
changes, but contrived to create decent indepen-
dence and little reputation for honesty and in
dustry. While almost every journal in this city,
cept two or three, are either covered with debt
supported by eleemosynary contributions, our sys-
tem Of business and management has enabled us to
tual labor besides making visit to Europe of nearly
six menths duration, without putting il in the
power Of any make an arrest for debt in TO-
reign land, and then raise hue and cry against
Prince John Van Buren, therefor.
The success-the marked and unexampled success
which has attended this paper since its establish
ment, proves the success Of its principles Of its
system--of its management Our circulation at this
time is greater than at any former petroleum adj
vertising more proftable-and the prospect Of still
more rapid increase was never better. Without be-
longing to any party in politics-any sect in reli
gion-any cofeyfe in finance-or any clique in liera-
ture or art we were found the fearless advocate
OF all sound principles and elevated purity in all
parties sects, coteres or chques-in politics Chris
tianity, trade, art, literature The great princi
pie Of civilization is the principle Of the American
movement IN government, religion, trade and soci-
ETY.. Whatever advances civilization in any form
or shape, that has absorbed our especial care. To
elevate the presto enlighten the mind-to purify
the heart, and 10 create high moral sentiment that
above the hypocrtical fastidiousness Of emas
cuatcd pretenders, have been the great object Of
our labors both night and day. In carrying forward
these purposes, we have met occasionally with rude
vindictive, hypocritcal opposition-nay, even per-
secution Our morals have been assailed by worth
less wretches who never knew what throb Of
raj sentiment was--our talents have been deridcd
by those whose hearts not larger thun the head
of pin-our character has been traduced by fellows
who never knew what chsrac Ter was-nor ever tast.
ed the pleasure Of the moral sublime in conduct or
1emsanor. But over all these combinations we have
triumphed One after the other have been tranpled
in the dirt We now have the field clear-and the
prospect Of long life Of public utility and private
content, which cannot fail follow the labors Of all
those whose intentions pure-and who have the
appreciation Of community as intelligent, generous,
and independent that Of New York.
For their past and Oft repeated favors we most
sincerely thank eur friends and patrons The future
take care OF itself