Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-04-21

VIRGINIA NEwsrAPEEs.-Wc very cor
daily reciprocato the good wishes of our
friend OF the Richmond Times, and are
happy to learn that bis excellent journal
is extending its circulation. as it well de-
serves to do. III truth VIC see no reason
why the Virginian newspapers generally
should not be well sustained; for, taken as
a whole, they are, we venture to assert, as
ably conducted as the papers Of any State
IN the Union; and the reading population,
we are sure. is sufficient to support them
all, handsomely. Though, indeed, there
are doubtless instances, as there will be
in every kind Of enterprise, in which meri-
torious papers have gone down for the
want ofsupport; yet our own experience.
we acknowledge with gratitude, is at vari-
ance with the inference Of the Times that,
the people are slow to give encouragement
10 newspapers. We have never cncoun-
tered the ''insmmountablc difficulty" of
which we often hear, of getting them to
take the papers" nor to pay for them, eli
Their. But it is our decided opinion that
the newspaper readers in Virginia have
increased at least so per cent within the
last ten years, and we should not be sur
prised if they have doubled. This is
most suspicious indication of public i'm
provement, for the press is undoubtedly
indispensable, both for the preservation Of
of our Liberties and the promotion Of virtue.
We take occasion to introduce, in this
connexion, the parting counsel Of the venc-
rable editor of the Washington Union to
his brethren Of the Press, in which there is
much of wisdom and of truth, and whose
advice, it is to be hoped, viii not fail to ex-
ert an influence on the future conduct of
those to whom it is addressed
Ono word more TO my brethren ofthe press, nnd
have done. They have called me the veteran Of
the press--"F athcr Ritchie"-and all those amin
epithets which seem to give me some right to speak
to them in that character You have profession,
gentlemen, of the highest importance TO our conn
tfN In TACT, do not see how great republic
be supported without IN Intermediate organ, which
shall make known the acts Of their agents TO the
people, or the opinions 1.-The people their gents
But in thousand ways the press is of inestimable
Importance to the people. 1t should Of course, be
profession Of high honor to those who olIicate at
us fountain. II would certainly be one Of the most
dignifsd pursuits in society il ii were conducted in
the spirit which becomes its importance-with tai
ent, independence, . gentlemanly libarality, and
with decency and courtesy which due from
one editor to another. l hare often asked the ques
ton: How can editors expect the respect Of the
world if they do not show come respect for each
other7 No man knows better than the retiring ed-
tor of the Union tho difficulties the sacrifices. the
drudgery which attend the profession; and yet it be-
comes You to overcome them all when your duty re-
qures it, You must therefore, carry into your task
an ndomitable spirit which quoils under no diff
Guilty. You should fear nothing but the neglect Of
your dulles and the reproof of your conscences
Gu should think for yourselves listening, the
same time, % every who viii tell you the truth
and when you have made up your own opinions.
carry them out in the firm spirit Of free press. In
our profession. gentlemen, there is a necessity for
great energy Of oharactcr-for much endurance as
well as much exertion. | 90 further. Energy is
not sufficiently strong word. The true secret Of
success in every business is e7bhustasn1. would
especially frankly recommend to you careful at
tenon to your finances, but in this respect let my
course by warning, and not an example 10 ypu.-
In making these suEgestons give you the result
OF long experience, dearly enough bought.