The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-12-15
Editorial Convention The Press.

Editorial COnventiOn-1lte frCSS'
In another portion of to-day's paper
will be found the proceedings of the Edlto'
rial Convention recently held at Columbus
and of which the editor of this paper
was a member. The business OF the
Convention was transacted in perfect har-
mony, and with a unanimity that is truly
commendable. When we see editors, en-
tertaining adverse political views, thus as
sembled, and with concerted action adopt
ing measures which must result in substan-
tial benefits not only to themselves, but to
the community at large, it evidences the
pleasing fact-despte the political bicker-
inps-the ordinations and re-crimnations
practiced in their professional capacity
that they still possess the noblcr and bet
ter feelings of our nature.
We have not the honor, at this time, OF
being attached to the corps editorial, but
are simply acting in the capacity of"su0;"
vet we shall make bold to say few words
on the importance and advantage of the
newspaper press-the necessity and duty
of citizens to support their county papers
and the course that we think should be
pursued by editors. Though it is not our
intention to write homily upon the sub
ject, but simply to express some thoughts
as they occur to our mind.
When it is taken into consideration that
the press is the mightiest engine ever
brought into action by the power or through
the agency of man, and must eventually
result in "our glory or our shame,' how
much care and caution should be exercis-
ed to keep it pure and lofty in in its tone
free.and uncon taminated by the vices and
crimes of corrupt influence. Its powef,
to make community virtuous or vicious,
is unsurpassed on earth. The blessed
light of our holy religion has been shed
abroad through heather lands, by its agen-
cy, and dispelled the more than midnight
gloom which enveloped them. The joyful
tidings of worlds redemption and the
proffered salvation to man has come to
the knowledge of many heart which,
save through it, had continued in utter ig-
norance. tits an agency employed by the
Omniscient Himselfto disseminate &make
known His requirements at the hands OF
man. The religious freedom, political
equality and social position we now occu-
py as nation, all owe their origin and
establishment, in greater or less degree,
to the influence exerted by the press
The little twig Of liberty, which was plant
ed in our own happy land in defiance Of
the frowns and threats of tyrants, fostered
and cherished by the kindly attention ofthe
press, has sprung up into stately and ma
iestic tree, whose overshadowing branches
extend from the Atlantic to Pacific, and
protect more than twenty millions of free
men. Kings and tyrants throughout the
world, fear and dread the trowns and dis
appreciation Of the press; and court, and
fain would purchase its favors and its
smiles. Beneath its mighty influence
thrones will yet crumble into dust and Re.
publics arise upon their ruins, as though
brought into existence by the wand of a
magician. "Give me but the liberty of the
press" says Sheridan, "and will give to
the minister venal House of Peers-l
will give him corrupt and servile House
of Commons will give him the full
swing of the patronage Of his Office
will give him the whole host Of ministerial
influence will give him all the power
that place can confer upon him to pur-
chase up submission and over-awe resis-
tance; and yet, armed with the liberty Of
the press, / will go forth to meet him un-
dismayed; | will attack with that mighty
engine, the mighty fabric he has raised;
win shake down from its height corrup-
ten, and bury it beneath the ruin Of the
abuses it was meant to shelter"
Blot the press out Of existence, and
what would be the consequence. Anar-