The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-31

with more 6,nness than tbs poaislcsaa. whek ~
generalization Of everything that u mean o. CON
tmptibae IN human nature. When we speak of ~
politician, Ne mesa the man wh3 makes pp1Hacs
business, who b constantly "a e look -ou1 FOR -
spoiIe Of ONCE, and who b win9 to sscri0ee prlo,
cipic and every manly consideration to further his
own Relish ends. The edito- who possesses ad
these requirements, and performs al these ohalga-
lions Is certain o. obtaining that success which he
deserve. il Ia true that be viii NOT escape the SLAM
ders Of his enemies, but experience has proved that
such attacks only inct an injury on the sanderer.
Perhaps the best exemplifcation Of this Is to be
found In the virulent abuse that has been poured
forth from time to time upon the proprietor Of the
HERALD, and the deadly hostility which was exhibit.
cd towards him throughout his editorial career by
rival papers or political antagonists. n.
Those who have no practical knowledge of the
duties Of editor, can form but poor conception
Of the amount Of work which he performs daily.
One day he is required to write an article on the
condition Of affairs In Europe, on another he has
to give his attention TO American politics, while he
Is expected TO express his opinion all important
Local matters besides, and to give his views on van
GUS questions that may arise in the financial. com,
mercial and social world. The life Of an editor
would presen. some Of the strangest develo pements
that have ever been made, and give an insight Into
tho SO ret history Of politics and politicians that
would sstonish the community. We could giro
many astounding facts, but one win suffice as
eample A gentleman one day called into our Office
and expressed desire to see Mr.. Bennett on i'm
portant business His request was complied with
and he immediately procee led to explain the pur.
pose Of his visit He said that he had enter prise
on foot from which, If successful, mine Of wealth
might be realized. He proposed to construct rail-
road. with the assistance Of Mr.. Bennett, who should
his influence for consideration of ten thousand
dollars, in inducing men Of capital to subscribe for
stock In reply, he was told If it could DO satsfac
toriIy proved that the construction of the road
would be benefit to the public il would receive his
support independent of every consideration, and
that for such service he would not consent to accept
any reward.
The public win agree with us when we say that
the HERALD has ever pursued most independent
course in regard to governments both State and
national and that when the spirit Of discord threat
ened the dissolution Of the Union it was to be found
on the side Of law and authority.
Tho labors Of the editorial department arc divided
under distinct heads-the foreign and domestic
news, the financial and commercial, the marine or
shipping intelligence, political and miscellaneous,
literature, music and the fue arts. The rooms ap-
proprted to the use Of both editors and reporters
a1e in the second story, and consist Of six apart
ments, which are furnished with library OF refer
ence and provided with every facility required.
The rcportorial department extends over larger
field Of operations than any other on the paper,
with the exception Of the editorial. The police
courts, and tho courts of law, city intelligence,
meetings Of al kinds. religious political literary,
scientific, &C., and tho collection Of local news Of
miscellaneous character, como within the sphere Of
bis duties. All these, however, arc performed by
different persons, who have each their own psrticu
lar kind Of work marked out.
The shorthand writer, however, must not be con-
founded with the reporter Of news, although both
arc not unfrequsntly combined in the one person.
We know Of no profession in fact which Is more d.
versfed, or 90 full Of strange contrasts that Of
reporting. In the pursuit Of his business the report
er is brought into contact with almost every class
in the community. The legislator, the lawyer, the
minister and tho politician arc all, to great. extent
dependent upon him for publicity; be is to be found
in the Senate the church, the courts Of law among
the rich and the poor at the meetings ofthe humble
mechanic and the Congress Of States. BY the magic
Of his wonderful art the orator is given the world
for his audience and not only the principles he pro-
mugstes preserved for future ages, but the Ian
gusge in which they arc clothed is reported with
fidelity and accuracy that Is unsurpassed even By
the art OF daguerreotyping. How many speak
ers are indebted to him for q large share Of
their popularity and distinction? How many
have been surprised to see their unconnected
remarks, fun Of grammatical errors and blum
ders, transformed into excellent speeches. But
for his charity, a. o Judge of this city was
once told by q member Of the profession, many q
speaker would appear in more conspicuous than
dignifed position before the public. No man is
moro thoroughly conversant with the character Of
the politician or can better appreciate the displays
Of patriotism in which he INDUCES. lie meets him
Of the primary meetings, at the polls and in the con-
ventions and has opportunities which few possess
seeing him in his true cslers. What curious devel
opponents could VIC not make had we the time aud
were this the proper place for them.
AS we have said, his business brings him into con-
tact with nearly all classes OF the community. If
the corner stone Of church Is to be laid he must
represent duringthe ceremony, Tor it is only through
him that the members Of the denomination to which
that church belongs can be made acquainted with tho
particulars. some great wrong is attempted to be
perpetrated on the people, and the people assemble
in mass meeting to dcnounce it, the presence Of the
reporter is indispensable. If meeting is 10 be held
for some charitable purpose, the construction Of q
hospital, house OF industry some other bcnevo.
len. institution his services solicited in aid OF
the undertaking. If terrible accident occurs on
railroad by which thirty forty lives are lost the
public depends upon him for reliable information;
and il 1t is certain that the terrible sacrifice has been
caused by neglect or indifference, lie it is who must
fearessy expose it. Inthe Legislatures Of the State
and ration he must have place as well as the high.
ct official there, for without his presence what
would the public know OF the actions OF their repre-
sentaiiycs Let an act be passed in any one Of oug