The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-01-17
WHOLE NUMBER 434.
OUR STATE-ITS PRESS.

We have the most unbonnded confidence
in the reinrmatory power Of the Press. We
believe il TO be The great i6erument, which,
wisely and shilfulIy employed, can and will
move the world onward in glorious career
Of progress and Improvement towards per-
fection. Such is is 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 existing
here which appeal powerfully to its inter-
position; evils, which. interviewer in the
very texture Of our political system, will re-
qnire the most earnest, perscyering, pow
erlul and courageous efforts to eradicate.
1t is matter Of the first importance, to in
struct, enlighten and concentrate public
opinion, upon reformatory measures in our
system Of State policy. i is time, too, for
US to commence this work in earnest. The
world is in motion around US. Onward is
the watchword and ralIying cry. With
restless, sleepiess activity, man is pushing
his discoveries and improvements into the
regions OF science and the nrts; aud ever
grasping at something new and better in
political and social economy.
In this noble, glorious race after excel
lence which is going on around US, can the
people Of Iowa long content themselves to
remain in the rear? Willthey discard and
forever prohibit everything that the en-.
ligh,ened experience Of mankind, has DEEM
ed necessary to the most perfect state, and
the enjoyment Of the highest degree Of hap
piness and prosperity? We can hardly
believe that the intelligent and patriotic
people Of our noble State, ifa IN opportunity
is afforded to them TO express m opinion,
will think SO. It is the duty OF the Press Of
the State, at least that portion Of it who are
willing to trust the people; who do not en4
terrain tho self-conceiied notion that the
present generation are wiser than those
who will succeed them; and that il 10 the
sacred duty Of the law maker Of the day, TO
.legislate for all futurity, to bring its ener4
gies to bear upon these questions connect
ed with our public policy, and cease not ex-
ertion and effort, until success is won and
victory secure.
We have recently observed in some Of
our p,pers, il we mistake not, disposition
to engage in this work. We have read
with great pleasure some articles, based
upon sound practical sense, exhibiting q
correct view Of some Of the evils under
which we are suffering, and suggesting the
appropriate remedy.
Let this be continued let correct princi-
pies be boldly, fully and perseveringiy adj
vocated; let earnest. plain and repeated ap-
peals be made to the interest, common
sense and patriotism Of the people, and we
may look for the dawn Of better day in
our young State--a State for which nature
has done everything-Legislation worse
thnn nolhng--a State which groans under
its varied productions, unfods its mineral
treasures, and boasts Of its commercial and
M nufacturing advantages in vain, while
political qlncks. tinkers and spectators,
by unwise, liberal and unjust legislation
cramp the energies Of the people; shut US
out from the markets Of the world; banish
capitaI, skill and business experience from
our towns and commercial marts; and force
upon US the melancholy spectacle Of prices
deprecated; resources undeveloped; and,
10 the great race of the times, oar car Of
prosperity chained, while our neighboring
States nre moving forward with railroad
velocity.-Des Moines Courier.