The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-01-31

The NEWSPAPER PREss-A New ELEMENT OF
GovERNMENr.-It used to be considered in former
times that there three distinct powers in every
State, which were known as "Les Tiers Etats !"
these were, the supreme power, the power of the
mobiles, and lastly that OF the mass, or people, who
to distinguish them from favored few, were called
the commons, or the common people.
But times are altered now, and we are altered
with them. Another power has arisen, and that is
the press. Of the general properties and powers OF
this new "estate," it is intention to say any
thing in long detail at present. There Is, however,
one aspect under which it deserves to be contem-
plated, and which forms new and novel feature in
its history. We mean its connection with govern
ments diplomatic Instruments a sort of link
between the masses and the minds which guide
and direct the powers and energies of the masses.
Not only is it a connecting link between the people
and the agents of the people, but still there is
other great function it performs il acts as medium
of communication between different governments,
and by means OF it, two distant and foreign nations
are brought into diplomatic contact, and made to
understand and appreciate each other.
Such is, in Europe at least, the great and impor-
tant part performed by the press in the great drama
of human contention and national controversy. In
England the London Times transmits to all other
nations the diplomatic and political views and feel
ings of the English nation. In Germany the Augs-
burg Gazette acts in the same capacity. In France
the Journal des Debats is the political pulse on
which the dplomahst must place his finger, IN order
to know the shape and feeling Of the great body
polite In this country there is no such press to
the extent of those which we have mentioned as
look with confidence as faithful indicator of the In
tentions OF the government and views of the people
The great cause which operates to deteriorate the
press SO much in our country its abect and serve
devotion and conservation to party. Placed in such
a position of servtude, they become inevitably
morally debased, and incapable of truth as their
columns are inadmissible for it. This journal is,
perhaps, the only one in this country which serves
the people, without being sold to any clique or party
We say, perhaps, the only one, but without doubt
the only one of any name and circulation. The pub
lie, both here and in Europe, have appreciated our
position, despite the efforts of the basest kind made
by the basest men, and from the basest motives to
diminish our influence. ALI these efforts have been
in van and the New York Herald, Qike the SO call
ed rebels of l776, who the more they were trodden
down rose up the stronger, till they have now be-
come thu, great nation,) has gone on increasing in
strength interest and public favor till has thrown
all its competitions and opponents completely into the
back ground. The vacuum existing in this coun-
try, which we have of late years begun to supply,
we now propose still more efectually, by various
we have made, to supply henceforth
to the world. Our known ependence which attrst
brought down upon the hatred Of all parties, has
at length eventuated in securing for the patron
age of people who are above all parties. While
we thus afford an index of the nations mind which
foreign powers may rely upon tor its fidelity, we
have means OF information, agencies correspondent
ces, and other appliances to boot, which annex
power and means to our fidelity.
BY all this combined, the Herald may henceforth
be safely relied upon as the Times, Debats or Ga
sette, Of the New World.
OCEAN STEAM NAvlGArIoN.-We seem suddenly
to have walked up to the importance of increasing
our steam marine. In day or two, the Postmas-
ter General will conclude one or more contracts,
for carrying the mails to Europe in steam vessels;
and on the 9th inst bill for the incorporation of
company, to be called the Ocean Steam Navigation
Company, was introduced into the House of As
semby Of this State. 1t stated that as soon as
the company could procure act of incorporation,
they would proceed Immediately to build four
steamers Of the largest class capable of making the
passage between New York and Havre, in nine or
ten days.
It thus appears evident that we are likely soon to
have two or three lines of ocean steamers for the
merchant marine, exclusive of those that Congress
may have built 1t is right and proper that all this
should be done.
Theatrisals.