Litchfield enquirer., 1845-10-02
THE EDITOR TO THE PUBLIC.


 We shall be but following the beaten track which custom has marked out for us, if, in assum- ing the duties of Editor and Publisher of the En- quirer,' we make few introductory remarks, ex panatory of the views and plans by which we de- signto be guided in our intercourse with our read CTS and the public. We are not ignorant of the fact that the cares and responsibilities which must necessarily devolve upon us in our new enterprise, are arduous and important. The post of conduc tor of public journal is no sinecare, as our own experience, ,and We believe that of editors generally, can fully testify. Yet, relying upon that mutual confidence and good will which is due, one to an- other, as men and citizens, we enter upon our la- bors with not unpleasant anicipatons, earnestly hoping that they may not prove altogether useless in advancing the of good order, political re- form, and public and private morals .......
 There are certain general principles which are recognized and assented to by all men, and which serve to unite all mankind in the bonds of uni versal brotherhood It were pleasant indeed, If so it might be, to pass through the world without en- countering any of the antagonstic elements which are every where at work around ,and even in- COTpWdtSu oul uClb9s bul 'hC Poth oA NN'J ID not always path of flowers. Error, in its thou- sand seductive and intricate forms, is to be met and grappled with. Our Laws must be maintained, our Constitution preserved inviolae, our Liberties guar ded with jealous eye, and the influence of reck- less and ambitious men enumerated. In conduct ing political paper, it must not unfrequently hap pen that the editor feels himself in duty bound to ond f,orlocclv opaipcf nrinCplnc md measures which receive the warmest approval and advocacy of men whom he esteems as friends and honors as fellow. citizens. In such cases, however difficult painful may be the task which devolves upon him, he would be unworthy of the name of faithful sentinel, if for the sake of policy or from a coward-like fear of giving offence, he should fail to sound the alarm, or shrink from declaring the ,chole truth. And confident we are, that no honor able uppone mt would think the less of him for pro- claiming his sentiments openly and boldly. It isa right which every freeman owes to himself, to his country, and to the great cause of human liberty every where, not only to ascertain what are the political sentiments of those who aspire to rule him, or who have been nominated for public sta tons, but to thoroughly the nature and ten- dency of those sentiments, and to examine minute ly the previous public career of those who avow them and placed before the public for their suf frages. It is not the timid and timeserving who deserve or secure the respect of opposition; but rather those who are open, candid and unwaverng. in this adherence to the doctrines which they have espoused. If. therefore, having entered the polt- ical arena, we should deem it necessary at times to contend against {" the powers that be- or those that tcouid be, we wish it to be understood that ours is not personal warfare. We have no secret grefs to mourn over. no private wrongs 10 be avenged, no enemies whom we wish to contend with or vanquish. But while we claim the rgh! of contending earnestly for the truth, or what we conceive to be such we at the same time most cor dally concede to our opponents all that we seek for ourselves. Politically, we " ask no favors," we desire no exclusive privileges. With "a fair field and an open 6ght," ready to stand or fall by the principles we advocate.
 But it is mainly to the Whigs of Litchfeld County that we are to look for patronage and sup port in the undertaking upon which we are now entering. Encouraged and sustained by them, it will be endeavor, far as in us lies. to answer their reasonable expectations. But with such a div ersity of tastes and temperanents exists in every community, it would indeed be miracle should we succeed in giving entire satisfaction to all, even of those who are among our political friends Yet, fellow. .aborers, as we arc, in com mon cause, and bound together, as we should be, by unity of sentiments and feelings, we trust that
 spirit of forbearance and concession will ever har- monize all our differences, and contribute to the permanent success of those principles which, as citizens and patriots. we striving to maintain. Ever keeping in view the great objects for which we are politically associated, let every private and personal consideration be merged in that cause which has for it's aim the promotion of the p,.biic good. Let it be our ambition now and at all times, here and every where, to render the name of WHIG synonomous with that of PATRIOT. While we are firm in maintaining and defending our own rights and tenets. let not far forget what is due to others as to deal in personal invective and abuse. Although some of the editorial fraternity seem to suppose that therein lies the spice and spirit of a political journal. yet they are weapons which Whigs should never make use of. If we cannot secure and retain the ascendcncy by fair and honor able means-by persuasion and argument--by the diffusion of light, intelligence, and truth, among