Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-14
Our State--Its Press.

dence in the reformatory power OF the
press. We believe it TO be the great in
strument, which, wisely and ski!l(ully
employed, can and will move the world
onward in glorious career of progress
and improvement toacards perfection.
Such is its mission, and higher and
nobler one we cannot conceive.
There is no spot under the sun where
the all controlling influence of the press,
is now more urgently demanded, than in
our State of Iowa. There are evils ex-
isting here which appeal powerfully to
its interposition; evils, which, interwo-
ven in the very texture of our political
system, win require the most earnest,
persc sering, powerful and courageous eff
forts to eladecatc them. 1t is matter
of the first importance, TO instruct, en-
tighten and concentrate public opinion,
upon reformatory measures in our sys-
TEN of state policy. |. is time, too, for
us to commence this work in earnest.
The world is in motion around US. On
ward is the watchword and rallying cry.
With restless, sleepless activity, man is
pushing his discoveries and improve
ments into the regions of science and tie
arts; aud ever grasping at something new
and better in political and social econ
omy. ~ ....
In this roble, glorious race after ex-
cellence which is going on around us,
can the People Of Iowa long content
themselves to remain in the rear! Will
they discard and forever prohibit every
thing that the enlightened experience of
mankind, has deemed necessary TO the
most perfect state, and the enjoyment OF
the highest degree Of happiness and
prosperity! We can hardly believe,
that the intelligent and patriotic people of
our noble State, if an opportunity is af-
forded to them to express an opinion,
will think so. It's the duty of the press
of the State, at least that portion of it
who are willing 10 trust the people; who
do not entertain the self-conce tied notion
that the present generation are wiser
than those who will succeed them; and
that it is the sacred duty of the law ma
ker of to day, TO legislate for all futurity,
to bring its energies to bear upon these
questions connected with our public pol
icy, and cease not exertion and effort,
until success is won, and victory secure.
We have recently observed in some of
our papers, if we mistake not, DISPOSE
ton to engage in this work. We have
read with great pleasure some articles,
based upon sound practical sense, exhib-
iting a correct view of some of the evils
under which we are suffering, and sug-
costing the appropriate remedy.
Let this be continued; let correct prin-
ciples be boldly, fully and perseveringly
advocated; let earnest, plain and repeated
appeals be made to the interest, com
mon sense and patriotism of the people,
and we may look for the dawn of bet
ter day in our young State-a State for
which nature has done everything-leg-
islation, worse than nothing State
which groans under its varied produc-
tons, unfolds its mineral treasures, and
boasts Of its commercial and manulactu-
ring advantages in vain, while political
quacks, tinkers and Spectators, by UNI
wise, illiberal aud unjust legislation,
cramp the enegies of the people; shut us
out from the markets of the world; ban
ish capital, skill and business experience
from our towns, cities and commercial
marls; and force upon us the melanchol-
Iy spectacle Of prices deprecated; resour-
ces undeveloped; and, in the great race
Of the times, our car of prosperity chain
ed, while our neighbouring States are
moving forward with railroad velocity.
New HoTEL-NEw Goods By ref
erence to another column it will be seen
that our friend Thomas PING, Esq, of
Ashland, has opened new Hotel for the
accommodation of travellers. We can
vouch that all who stop with him will
fare well. We hope the Proprietor OF
the ashland House" may attain as
great notoriety in his capacity of "mine
host as the Sage of Ashland, KY, has
for craftsmanship.
He has just received lot of New
Goods, which he wishes the public to
cal. and examine-and get bargains.
SEVERE INJuRY.-We neglected to n o.
tice incur last issue, a very serious in
Jury sustained week before last by one
of our mechanics, Mr.. Thomas CARING