The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-01-11

=
for mortals to do.
The day for doubling the truth and ex-
istence OF scientific facts has draan TO
c'ose; there are certain stubborn things
"h'ch we arc compelled to believe, despite
our own preconceived opinions, and when
we contemplate the extent and power of
mind over matter and Of intelligence over
lgno1nce, we do not wonder at the enthi-
aiasm OF the ancient philosopher Archimedes
when no exclaimed. "giv: me afulcrum and
will move the world" OF course, " it'll all
The wisdom Of the great philosopher, this
remark was II mere "metaphysi specula-
ton,' and a literal impossibility, but, rs a
ngurative expression, it serves to Illustrate
how far the human conception may be car
lied.
The press is the mighty lever which moves
the Intellectual world; every revolution in
modern times has been effected in some way
or other by its controlling influence; its
power has been felt for or against the enter
prise, whether in social or political reform
In our zeal we do not claim infallibility for
the press, for whilst it has done incalculable
good, wc believe it has also done immense
harm.
when the Freedom of the press is abused
ana perverted, and it is made an instrument
Tor vile and selfish purposes it ar once be-
comes curse, and loses its claims to re-
sspect and protection. When made the We
hicle of harm it becomes a scourre upon
humanity, and one of such fearful marni-
tudo, that 1t should be in every case summa-
rily arrested.
The good which the press has done for
the world Is so great that we lose sight of
The evil in beholdiug the magnitude of its
excellence.
We may safely assume that the press of
ourcountry has done more than any other
direct means to develop its resources, to reg
uiate and render effective our laws, to infuse
We ana vigorous action into the whole body
polite, to aid and complete useful and W, r
thy enterptises--in short, what has the press
not done! Turn where we may it stands rs
beacon light amidst the angry waves of
political strife and social reform. In it we
oehoid sure defence against error and vice
ana We look with confidence to the press to
ana In every work which has in view the
common good of our country. The people
have learned now 10 look to the nrcss on
every occasion when IN opinion is ncces-
sary In regard to all questions of public in
terest. f'''t0 III
:, Inc press Is expected to take the lead on
All occasions, and that press which does not
lead, but is lead, fultls no part ofits destiny.
Tor the press to be useful and effective must
De free. We g lory in the proud satisfaction
!hat tie press of our country is free, but let
us freedom not be abused. The freedom
we claim tor the press is that it shall speak
ios i'seit on all occasions, and not be control
ue9 and restricted by party limitations, and
suoVerted to party purposes alone, but n
bold and fearless advocacy of what il r;gbt
without respect to the opinions oftt ose who
would destroy its free agency.
III we deprive the press ofits volition. 1--WE
mean, OF course, the conductors of the press)
we will most assuredly DESTROY its power.
and II narrowed down to certain limitations
and stringent regulations it would become
very soon nero machine, ACCOMPLISHING
little or no good for society in general.
In" press must be free / the Discharge
OF It's legitimate functions. There is, to
some extent, qualified sense in which the
'lreeaow OF the press must be regarded 1t
ought not to be too free; there Is reason in
ali things, and when the press, IN its con.
scious Independence and freedom, oyerstens
The bounds of reason and Justice then il
should be regulated
1here are laws for tho proper regulation
OF society in all its parts, to punish offend.
.ers against its peace, as we'll as to protect
ITS law abiding and useful citizens: he who
ads and gives his countenance and support
10 that which tends to corrupt and vitiate
.ne Puoilc morals, should be restrained, and
II need be, punished. We mean, by the free
Soni oi tne press, proper regulated free
ting public opinion is ever ready to sustain,
10 discharge its duty properly the press
must De the exponent of correct public SEN
bment 80 far as it is possible, and the SUD.
porter OF VIII tever is right, for its influence
VIII always be felt and acknowledged when
the public good is its aim.
!he tone and character of a people NAV
be judged Of correctly by the press Which
they sustain; it it be the representative of
truth and virtue, the people will! be found,
truthful and virtuous. If it be the opposite
u these' tnen we may reasonably expect tho
opposite effect
There is an irresistible influence which he
longs to the press; and as little as we NAV
reaiiy think about it, the press exercises, by
iar, greater influence over US in tho infor-
maton OF our views and expression of our
opinions, than We are apt to think or even
willing to admit
Ihe habitual reader of a newspaper is
very apt to think Of and view matters in the
same light as the editor does whose paper
he reads; for there is an unseen agency con-
stantiy at work upon the mind which cannot
DO detected Mt once, and which time alone
can deveioPe; still it is there, steadily enjoy
eo, pursuing Its Underwriting course and the
.s VI WIS power altnoGBh scarcely per-
eeptible to ones own mind may be very OBJ.
vious to Others.
Onr feelings may not be suddenly aroused
and exercised by reading; the effect is not
nkeiy 10 come upon us u torreut, bearing
before 1t our reason and our passons-sucR
feeling as is often inspired when the ORA
tor speaks in thunder tones OF power and
eloquence; but the still, small voice of the
press is heard when the accents of the spea-
ker have ceased, and the vibrations of the
orators voice upon the delighted ear are
heard far away ia tho dim and almost for.
gotten distance.
The press is felt when passion subsidies
ana reason assumes her wonted sway. The
voice OF the press is heard where the orator
Is not seen
IL speaks to the cloistered monk, exiled
to himself, and buried amid the mystic lore
of aces mast