Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-03-25
Independent Newspapers.


1t Is but few years since when it was re-
garded impracticableto support an independ- |
ent newspaper press, especially if it made pre-
tention to al free expression of opinion on polti-
cal subjects. Such papers as were not with
in the pale of any well recognized political
organization, were regarded as mere innova-
tons, and not entitled to the patronage of an
enlightened public. Not many years since,
great majority of those who exercised the
right of suffrage, looked to their party news
paper as their reliable political directory to
guide them in the matter of voting, and to
govern them in political action. So the par
tisan newspapers did all the thinking-mark-
ed out the political pathways, and the elector
had nothing to do but to follow the indca-
tons of the press, and go where it directed.
AT the polls the only inquiry of the voter
was, Which is the ticket nominated by my
party?" That fact ascertaincd, no other in
formation was deemed necessary to the legit-
innate discharge of political duty.
The times of this subserviency to the be-
hests of party and party leaders, have now
measurably passed away, although there still
remains in many sections of the country,
much obsequiency, and tremulous fear of
breaking away from the arbitrary usage of
olden times. As evidential of the progress
of free opinions, it is gratifying to note the
multiplication of independent newspapers in
every part of the country-such papers are
now being mnch sought after and well sus-
tanned. This is sure sign of the increas
ing intelligence of the people, and of an en-
larged freedom of thought. The shackles
and francis that once arbitrarily controlled
the free exercise of political opinion, are be-
ing sundered, and men are learning to think
for themselves, instead Of trusting to politi-
cal leaders and demagogues to think for them.
The public mind is becoming more open to
the reception of truth, and desires to receive
it without the colorings and distortions of
mere partisan journals. One of the most
hopeful indications of the age is the growing
independence of political action. No surer
guarantee to future progress and the ultimate
triumph of right is exhibited, than the ten
dency to individual responsibility and self
judgement, in all matters pertaining to the
political interests of the State and Nation.
That political association and concert of
action are proper, will not be denied; nay,
more, they are essential and indispensable to
the success of any great measure of reform.
The uniting together of men of like political
affinities for the establishment of correct prin-
ciples and the promotion of good government,
ought to be encouraged as a duty devolving
upon every American citizen. But it is that
base subserviency, which recognizes party as
the primary, and principles as the secondary
object to be secured, which we desire to hold
up before the public mind, as unworthy of
those calling themselves freemen. Those
who ardently seek the triumph of party, with
out knowing or caring what great principles
of human right or justice are to be gained,
are but lily fitted to discharge the response
bilities of the elective franchise. We repeat
it then, that the demand for free, outspoken,
Independent presses in all parts of the land,
is one of the cheering signs of the times. 1t
beSpoaks the upheavings of disenthralled
mind-the outbursting of free principles,
long held in restraint by selfish partisan die
tators.