Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-02-25
'k'O the Patrons Of the
Gazette.


you as the Editor Of the Martins5urg Gazette.
On the 9Th Of March, 1915, now nearly two
yeas ago, took charge of the Editorial de-
partment Of this journal with the firm deter
minaton fearlessly to meet its many and res
ponsible duties, and faithfully to discharge
them to the best Of my judgment and con
science. | was not altogether ignorant Of the
difficulties surrounding my path-or the trials
and vexatons through which /. IL all proba-
bllliy had 10 pass. Butt determined 10 en-.
counter them with firm heart, and if posi-
bic ~ overcome them. Time soon developed
to me that had not mistaken my path, and
that the difficulties which saw were not
the creations Of a suspicious mind, or of an
apprehensiye imagination, but stern and elk
ed facts" The alternatives of surrenderine
myselGn the hands of faction, or boldly pur-
SUING my own course with a settled determi-
nation OF afiordng to the people an lndepen-
dent press, presented themselves 10 my choice.
had no difficulty in forming a decsion-I
should have loathed and hated myself if my
mind could for one moment have contempla
ted the proposition Of surrender ofindepend
ent thoughtand action to the frowns and de
mands Of faction, or sought the retreat of in
glorious ease and repose. No-I determined
"to da1e 10 do right, and trust the rest 10 God :"
and II the freedom ofthe Press here, working
Ia the bounds Of its true and legitimate sphere,
was 10 be struck down it should never be sur
rendered in my hands as long as was able to
strike a blow.
How far | have kept and sustained my de-
examinations, il is for YOU to Judge. That
have committed errors. may doubtless be true
but If so, they have been ''errors ofthe head
and not Of the heart thank God that now
am about to retire and Law down my impor-
tant trust, that can stand approved before the
tribunal OF my own conscience, and fee! my
heart checred and animated by the sweet con
seriousness, which ever follows the honest and
fearless discharge Of duty. CAN the ends
have aimed at, have been My Country's,
Gods and truths" and in pursuit Of these
high and noble ends, have endeavored to
find out the right and pursue it regardless Of
the consequences TO myself | have at all
times freely, fully and frankly expressed my
views to you upon all Of the great National
and State questions that have agiated the
Country. You know my views an2 princi.
pies well-by them am willing TO be judged
they are IN my Judgment the true principles
of rational freedom and popular liberty
There Is nononcommttalism or mystery about
Them. serving like "Mokanna's veil" to cloak
detormity.
For the last thirteen years, have been more
or less actively engaged in the exciting polit-
cal contests that have agtated the country
enlisted early in life under the banners Of the
Wing party, upon the ample folds of which
discovered inscribed in characters ofliving light
the motto of "1he Constitution and The La,cs7
the palladium of our liberties the safe guard
Of our Republican institutions. beheld the
standard in the hands Of him from whom ! had
learned the doctrines Of my political faith, and
10 whose counsel have ever turned "the list
ming ear and from whose lips experience
has taught me fen the teachings of wisdom
and the warnings Of devoted patrotism-I
mean the great and illusuious CLAY.
hat;er myself that have at leas, done
the State some seryice''-humb!e though it
may have been. am not aware that have
ever compromised a single party issue in the
slightest degree, or differed upon any question
with he majority of my own party in the
sphere Of my action. Upon some questions it
has been my misfortune to differ with few Of
my party friends-soME Of whom regretted.
because believed their difference with me
was an honest and an elevated difference but
OTHERS again Were not actualed by such an
opposition. You are aware that, in conse-
quence Of this opposition, it became necessary
for me at the time 10 defend my course. Up
on one occasion, in my Editorial columns,
held this language, in speaking of the glori
Gus party to which belonged, and to the truth
(which every Wing will assent
1t is the great and distinguishing beauty Of
the VINO PARTY, that whilst a certain confor-
nifty in essentials IS required from the very ma
lure OF all political organization, it delights in
the widest admissible range to the exercise Of
the free and independent judgments OF men.
| 1t is no memorable bed Of ProcqStes by which
the conscience OF a politician is to be measured
If too short to stretch it, il too long to lopp
1t of. 1t is no mental despotlsm that deadens
the Senslblties OF the heart, and Supplies the
faculties Of the mind. Its no organized tyr
any that moulds the sentiments and opinions
of the masses INTO a rigid and slayish conlor-
NIFTY 10 the DEGREES OF some secret and invlsi-
bic power of dlctation. 1t mvokes the aid of
influences that are open, manly and elevated
It's appeals are TO the reason, and judgments
and the patriotism Of its votaries. And with
a perfect knowledge, that when the inteects
Of such fail and iallIble beings as we are, are
left 10 its own exercises, dlyersities of opinion
upon many points must necessarily exlst-it
freely toleratcs such divcrsltleS of opinion, for
the sake OF the great object which it secures,
a patriotic and intelligent devotion Of its mem
bers 10 the cardinal interests and essential prin
clples OF the Government Long may this
expanded liberty Of opinion continue to be a
characteristic feature of the Wing partyl For
II ever indeed THAT Party shall repudiats this
principle Of their association--if ever the peri
od shall arrive when this first great birth right