Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
THE PRESS.

We find in the New Y ork Herald of the Goth
an interesting account of the rise and progress
of the press in this country particularly in
that State-and more particularly in the city
of New York. But great as is the influence OF
the press in this country, powerful as is its
sway over church, State, and the social rela-
tons of the country, the Herald seems to feel
somewhat chagrined that it has not yet ac-
quired that vast and almost illimitable power
which it assigns to that great, wealthy, and
imperial press, the London Times. Whilst the
failure of the American press to reach that
high eminence is no source of regret to us,
we yet give its views on the subject. 1t says
england seems to be the only country in the
world where the press has reached very high
term of development There il may be literally
said to make and enforce the law. Socially po-
liticay, and morally, the London Times and its
contemporaries govern the British people. Queen,
Lords and Commons stand in awe of their cen
sure; the Church trembes at their rebukes; high
est magistrates and judges ieelthat from their de-
cisions there yet lies appeal TO higher court,
that OF public opinion as expressed by the daily
journals; and every individual, in public or pri-
vate station, from the noblest duke TO the poorest
cotter, acknowledges and submits to the despotic
sway OF this modern intellectual tyrant. This is
the highest stage of newspaper progress that has
yet been seen--the attainment of which is conclu-
sve proof Of the existence Of lofty and rpened
civilization. 1t is confined to England. France
might have shared in the blessing, had not series
of incessant revolutions checked her natural adj
vances towards social improvement; her press
gagged, mutilated and shackled is the tool, in
stead of being the counterpoise TO her constituted
authorities
Nor does the United States press stand in pre-
cisely the same position as that of England. The
interval between them is short; but there is an
interval. How long il will continue to exist may
be easily conjectured from our past progress
Twenty years ago, the daily circulation of the
newspapers published in New York fell short Of
20.000 and, as nearly all Were party organs it is
not surprising that their influence was common
surate with their circulation
The press, whether conducted by good men
or bad men, by scholars or ignoramuses, must,
Of necessity, WELD powerful influence, espe-
cially in a popular government; but we should
be sorry to see the day come when the press of
this country, whether controlled by capable
men or incapable men, shall be stronger than
the government, or, in other words, than the
Constitution and the elected rulers of the people,
In England the press may almost be called one
Of the estates Of the realm, and in this country
it is almost one Of the powers Of the govern
ment--but il is selfelected. In many instances,
it is conducted by unscrupulous, unprincipled
and ignorant men, who value themselves above
their country.
The Herald also informs us Of the existence
of plan now under consideration to establish,
on a joint stock basis, three new papers. After
speaking of the superior circulation and excel
lence of its own paper, and the general inefi
cheney Of the balance of the press, it says:
" II was, we presume, this anomaly which first
suggested to certain parties the notion of estab.
llshing simultaneously, joint stock basis, three
| new papers, one at Philadelphia, another at Bos
ton, and third at Baltimore; all three to be under
the control and management of Mr.. James Gordon
Bennett of the Herald, and to be as nearly as pos
| sible counterparts of this journal. The facts we
have stated seem TO indicate that there is wide
field for enterprise of this nature; and we see
no why independent journals, conducted
on the plan of the Herald, and pursuing the course
which has been SO successful here. should moi
meet with like reward in our sister cities. The
facilities for rapid communication which are af
forded by telegraph, would obviate all the obstacles
| which distance would throw in the way Of unity
| OF action. Guided by past experience Mr.. Benne
would be enabled TO avoid the errors which usu
/ ally retard the progress of new papers; and I'M
friends convinced that by displaying the energ,
which built up the Herald, he would again com
mand success. Il is proposed that a capital o
/ 100000 be raised for the scheme, half Of whicl
| would be offered TO Mr.. Bennett. These amp,
4 means would place the earliest and most reliable
news within reach of the papers, and would ena
bic them TO surpass at the very outset, the best o
| the rivals with which they would have TO contend
/ The project is now under Mr.. Bennet's consider
alton, and will be decided in few days"