Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-02-25


Of freemen is denied to the members Of that
party; when Wings are to be recast IN the
alembic Of political alchemy, and converted
into the mere automata OF some dictalor's viii,
Those fitting, following thiugs, that are
Bot shadows ol what their masters say and do,
then, indeed win the glory Of this country
have departed forever, and the nigat Of dis
NAL Despotlsm have oyershadowed this land.
Such are my views now, and charge you
with my humble voice to stand true TO your
independent thoughts and judgments upon all
OF the great and momenious questions now
coming before you for consideration. Your
country is now IN the midst Of most nomen-
tous and fearful crisls-keep your eyes upon
power-remember that it IS your birth-right 10
canvass the actions Of youi rulers-remember
chat the price Of liberty is eternal vigilance"
Canvass these actions with the freedom Of
thought and judgment--do justice to all. 1t
may be that fortune will cast my lot away from
you, and that we shall not stand long together
shoulder TO shoulder in the glorious fight.
But wherever may be, | shall look to the
outspread banner of the Wings as the hope Of
my country. As long as they stand true 10 the
elevated principles which have so far guided
them, shall be with them in mind, heart and
strength. In the faith Of Wing principles |
have lived and in the faith of Wing principles,
by the blessing Of God, mean 10 die.
fear that | have already trespassed too long
upon your patience, but beg thatyou win Dear
with me ior few moments longer. The
momentous questions before your national
Government are entitled to Your most anxious
thoughts and sohctude, bat oh ! do not forget
|ouT own ) ale and her '.vast concerns" Look
at her, behold her, with all Of her immense and
exhauStless resources, sitting as il were, in the
midst of decay and ruin. Young in years vet
hobbling along upon the crutches of decrepi-
tude. States Of but Yesterdays growth are
outslrpping her in the race-the tide is flowing
full beside her, and vet she seems not to have
the energy TO launch her boat upon its bosom.
Her thousands are sleeping in the darkness of
ignorance, and YET those who have the control
Of her destinies, have not the energy 10 look
upon the bright day dawning all around her.
and TO behold the onward march Of States and
Empires TO prosperity and greatness, under
the benign influence Of the general diffusion Of
knowledge. Her spirit of Improvement if not
dead, is so paralized by sectional jealousy, that
her great resources are left undeveoped. Liv-
ing in a Republican land, where the great
leading principle and legitimate source of all
power, is the People, and yet cherishing and
toleratlng a Constitution and State Govern
ment which repudlate the People and doom
large portion of them to be mere "hewers of
wood and drawers of water" to privileged
aristocfacy. | have warred with a large ma
jori'y ofthe people ofboth parties in this Coun-
ty against this Constitution, because believe
ii to be the source of all the ills that aiIlict Vr-
GINA. | think il the people were wise unto
their own great interests, they would never
rest until they saw it fall beneath the axe of
REFORM.
But cannot think Of retiring from my post,
without remembering especially the pleasant
intercourse which have held with my breth-
rem of the Press belonging to both the Wing
and the Democratic parties of the country.
| have had occasion frequently to differ with
them, and to engage in warm debate, yet
never IN a single in tance has the least unpeas
antness arisen to mar our friendship, or to re-
strict in the slightest degree that freedom Of
intercourse which should ever exist between
the members Of an enlightened profession.-
In the success Of the free Press Of this coun-
try, feel a deep nterest-it is the palladium
Of our liberties-the buwark Of tie Nation
May all Of those entrusted with its conduct,
ever bear in mind the high responsibilities com
mited to their charge, Guard with fearless
ness the true freedom of the Press, but frown
upon every attempt to render it the vehicle Of
licentlousness. If this be done it will contin-
ne to be the guardian of llberty-if not, the
most powerful engine Of its destruction.
1t IS source Of qualification 10 me on reti-
ring irommy situation, to know that it is TO be
occupied by sterling Whig-a gentleman of
talents and high character The Gazette
hereafter, will be under the Editorial control
and management of Mai. CHARLES II. LEWIS,
Of Staunton, who will doubtless edit it with
far more ability and effectiveness than | have
been enabled to do. He will at proper time
expose to you his principles, and the plan Of
his operations But allow me TO say one word
in his behalf, and speak to on with the voice
Of experience. Your Editor will doubtless
discharge his duty faithfully and efficiently,
but remember that he cannot do every thing.
Much, very much, indeed, of his success will
depend upon his patrons. 1t is in your
power to cheer and animate his mind and
heart, or to clothe them with gloom and dcs-
pondency. lfyou wish him 10 discharge his
duty with ability and cheerfulness to you, you
must discharge your duty to him, and that is
10 pay him pronPtlyJor has tabor.
His duties are arduous, and his expenses
are heavy. No one, not acquainted with the
necessary expenses ofconducting newspaper
establishment, can form proper idea Of the
burthens imposed upon the propretors ofthem.
| can tell them that they are numerous, and
that nothing but money will meet them. If
the Patrons of newspapers would only take