The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-18


this would reverse the natural order of things and make
the people amenable TO their servants.
The conduct OF political opponents in relation TO the
with Mexico, is in character and keeping with that
of the federalists in the of 1872 when grave
tor declared that was unworthy OF moral and religious
people to rejoice in victories i' you call this back
20 ~ : ~ FIAT JUSTITIA.
From the Pennsylvania.
The Opinions Of mn Englishman In 1882
In the great speech Of the distinguished English orator,
Thomas Erskine, while defending John Siockdae, who
was charged with having published a libel" upon the
British House of Commons, we find the following able
and inspiring sentiment upon the freedom OF the press
They are srsingy applicable to the case Of Mr. Richie
PEELED for an offence precisely similar to that charged
upon Mr. Stockdale, without having had the opportunity
to defend himself that was SO freely granted by the
British legislature in the alluded to. Every assault
upon the freedom OF the press has enlisted the symp
hes, and aroused the Indignation of the great minds in
Europeeven in those countries where it is more or less
regulated by law, or kngy caprice Itcannoi be. then,
that the conduct of the American Senate will escape the
condemnation which it deserves Everything depends IN
this country npon the ees freedom of the press AS at
present conducted, the American newspaper will com
pare with the most distinguished English periodicals OF
this character Like them it sometimes INDUCES too I'M
restrained license, but the youngest man in our midst
can bear testimony to the amazing improvement which
has taken place its columns within ten years It's M
fuence is wide and ovepowering protects educaes'
and regulates communities 1t watches, with the con-
stancy OF mistaken courage the dolngs OF our pubic
men, and appauds condemns them with equal frank
told by Mr.. Calhoun, few days ago. in the Senate, that
public men are not so Independent the shifting and
crouching sycophans Of the mlnstry-he dependents OF
manufacturers and landholders-n Great Brtain-a most
dangerous and allaciols opinion With due Difference
TO Mr. Calhoun, the American statesman is sngparly IN
dependent He is the true representative OF that great
spirit yped in unawed and unpurchasable press, and
is generally controlled by considerations save those OF
country. The truth is, public men are made more
Independent when backed by an Independent press just
those exposed and condemned who fly in the face
of public opinion, outrage the constitution or laws
Lei not the press be shackled Let us bear
even with what is apt to be called its Righteousness
rather than attempt check its freedom thought
II cannot then fail to yndcae itself against all complaints
"GvE ME But THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS" SAID burke
minister vena House of Peers | will give him cor
rup and servle House of Commons; will give him the
full swing of the patronage of office; will give HIM the
whole host OF ministerial influences will give HIM all
the power that place confer upon HIM to purchase up
submission and overawe resstance-and yet armed with
the liberty of the press will go forth to meet him I'M
dsmayed-I will attack the mighty fabric he has reared
with that mghter engine will shake down from ITS
height corruption, and bury it beneath the ruins of the
| abuses it was meant to shelter
The same distinguished statesman pointed on one oc
OCCASION to the reporters gallery, in the House OF Com
mons, and called il the 'Jorh esate of the realm, like
" to become powerful than the other three together
When he did this says the Baltimore American lead
ing federal paper she spoke with the assurance Of
man who understood things in their principles. The
French revolution of 1890 the triumph OF the fourth
estate. The decree which banished Charles the Tenth
from France issued from the office OF the National
But VIII no longer Keep the reader from the appO
site and powerful argument OF Mr.. Erskne:
'Genlemen TO this would answer (stl protesting as
do against the application Of any Of the inuendoes
that II you frmyperspaded of the sngeness and pur
" of the authors Intentions you not bound to subject
him inamy, because, in the jealous career OF Just and
animated composition he happens TO be uipped with his
Of long work. II this duty binding on your
consciences the liberty of press would be empty
sound and could venture to write on any subject
however pure his purpose without an attorney at one ell
bow and a counsel ut the other.
From minds subdued by the errors OF PUNISH
men there could issue works OF genius expand the
empire of human reason, any mastery composition on
great commonwealth Of mankind have founded their
adjustments much less any of those useful applca-
tme constitution, by the exertion OF patrotc
citizens has been brought back to Its standard
Under such terors all the great light OF science and
muncae their free thoughts to another with lash
held over their heads.
t the of everything that is great and useful
both in the animate and inaninate world, be wild and
Irregular and must be contented take them with the
alloys which belong to them or live without them Genus
breaks from the letters of crtcism but its wanderngs are
sanctioned by majesty and wisdom when it advances in
its path Subject it to the critic, and can tame into
dunes Mighty rivers break down their banks in the win
ter sweeping away death the ocks which are attened
on tho so that they fertze in The few may
be saved by embankments from drowning, but the flock
must perish Tor hunger. Tempests occasionally shake our
dwellings and dispate commerce but they scourge
before them the lazy elements which, without hen would
I'm like manner liberty herself the and best gift Of
God 10 his creatures be taken she is You may
pare her down bashh regularity and shape her INTO
perfect model OF severe scruPuous law but she wl De
liberty longer and you must be content to die under the
lash Of this nexorable JUSTICE which you have exchanged
for the banner OF freedom"
WHAT SHOULD BE DoNE.--Now that the Senate, in imi,
tang the strong governments of Europe has established
rigid censorship of the press, beg leave humbly to
suggest that that grave body should enllghten those
whose business is to prepare articles Tor the newspa
pers exactly how to write the various grave subjects
Of which they are compelled to take cognzance. Il
would save many an editor and reporter the shame and