True Democrat. (Paulding, Miss.) 1845-18??, 1845-12-31
To the Patrons of the True Dcm-
Ocrat.


Ocrat.
am sensible of the difficulties attendent up
on the Editorial department of a newspaper.
The weighty responsibilities that attach to the
la0ors of an editor are no less familiar, nor
were they slightly considered before | made
lay mind up to connect myself to so arduous
and responsible a station. There was time
when | could have assumed it with foolish alac
crity-a time when conceived it honor enough
% be an editor, without any other qualification
than PRIDE and without stopping to enquire to
what extent could advance the condition or
enlighten The minds of any Of the human race
But now with no very limited experience, So
riousy doubt my ability to aid in conducting a
public journal, SO as to make it useful, enter
aiming and instructive Albeit have no other
objects in view If interest or ambition con
relied the enterprise could better satisfy my
own mind for engaging in a work repete with
50 much perplexity and toll. But am actu'
ated by neither, therefore, with all my imper-
iections as writer, | place myself at the mer-
ryof generous public to deal with me as to
them shall seem reasonable and just
The liberty OF the press is a subject in which
the people have deep interest It is said to
be the shield Of American freedom, and, APP
prehend, no dcclaralion contains higher de-
gree Of verify. Yet it is demonslrable, no
constitutional right secured to a free people, is
more abused and no abuse more to be depIored
Truly am apprehensve, the time, isnot far
distant when this inestimable right, IN conse-
quence of its corruption aud prostitution to base
and criminal purposes, will be wholly abrogat-
ed or very much abridged.
Whilst it should be the proud privilege Of an
Editor TO attack the reputation fany man either
in high or low places, yet a correct sense Of
duty, to all men at all times, would recommend,
in fact, command a faithful adh ercnce to truth.
However much prejudice orprcdileclion may
drive me from this duty, as far as am capable
Of compromising it. all subjects and all per
sons of which write, whilst continue an cdi.
nodoubl of this-that the characters OF private
men should be free from injury or insult If
guilty of offence they are responsible to the law
and God-the first somewhat uncertain in It's
administration, but God will, on that great day
when all shall be Judged out Of the book of
righteousness sufficiently punish such as forget
to improve the things which were conRded to
their care. In the case of public men, latitude
must be allowed the press, else its liberty would
not promote the political interest Of the people
All legal means should be used to resist and
check private malice and personal ISLANDERS, bit
constant investigation Of the characters and
conduct ofpublie officers should be encouraged
and allowed. II must be conceded, whatever
may be said Of the liceniiousness Of the press,
that newspapers act as a restraint upon the con-
duct Of bad men It's difficult to deiermilN
which acts with the most weight upon The con
duct OF men either in regald to private or pub
lie transactions, duty or reputation. One thing
is easily setiled-whenevsr eouuPi officer Is
brought TO the dilemma Of choosing one or the
other, nine times out often be selects the frs
because he is sore Of ihe later By such an elec-
ton. 1.-THE freedom Of the press secutes 70 so
eiciy this saluisry ed, even with al is faults
iishould be literally susiainod-i0r whoa that
j. gone TIC people have bui liule leh Of liberty.
II is far better that a few innocent persons should
suffer, be totally ruiaed, than corruption should
ssalk abroad, unwhiPped ani ultimately saP The
very ciiadels Of liberty. Keeping in viewihess
thinrs. 4 shall ever be my Object % ferrai out
and exnoss the delinquinsies and coHupi con
duel 81 public characiors and 20 anprobaic, and
even praise shouH feel INCLINED, ihe eorrert
Department Of good men oither IN pgb.le q pri-
vs's ysiios. JEFF ~ t7RAYBIBB