Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-04-24
PR1SOual.


matter Of utter impossbility for the con-
ductor Of public journal, who has opin-
ions OF his own. and dares to express them
on all subjects affecting the interests OF So
ciety and government, without regard %
the fear, favor or affection OF any man or
set Of men, to fail in creating dissatistac-
ton. Whenever an editor exhibits posi-,
tirc qualities-wheneye he chalks out
course for himself; asserts his positions
and defends those positions by arguments
and facts YOU may set it down as an
invariable principle CT human action, that
he will displease some, and raise up to
himself enemies. Our own experience
furnishes illustration of the assertion. We
are not blinded to the fact that in this COM
munity there are men who would rejoice
at our down fail, and exult with savage
delight, at any indication OF public dis
pleasure with our course and all simply
because we have seen proper TO use our
pen in the work of unmaskiag the Maine
Law, ana tearing from its shoulders the
attractive garb Of morality and denounc-
ing il asa species OF lanaticism destructive,
in the principle it establishes, of Southern
interests. This course has been dictated
by, and pursued in accordance with, our
estimate OF our legitimate duties. We have
\ al CIT Iof n
10 shrink from them. In reviewing our
course, we have not one word to retract,
OF one sentiment TO regret: notwi:hstand-
ing t,co individuals, within few days
past, have seen proper, because OF the SELL
timents we have expressed, to Withdraw
:heir names from our support. 1t is graft
fyins for us to be able to say. that they
are the only persons who have thus sig
pifed their dissent frem our eourse.--
We know there are others, who differ
with us on the subject Ct Temperance
law and as to the means to be employed
Tor the abatement of the evil OF intemper-
ance; but their sense Of justice, whist our
views have been antagohistic TO theirs, has
commended the Independence we have
exercised in facing them fairly, openly
aud honestly. The only gentleman who
has arraigned our views in discussion, has
had the magnanimity and eandor TO attrib-
ute our articles to the result Of honest con
yietion, and consequently abated none o.
his zeal for the welfare of the paper. lie
has ascIibed to us the same privilege he
claims himselt---of forming and expressing
our opinions GA subjects of public utility
and as we have opened our columns 10 ar
qunent ON both sides-he has awarded to
Us liberali,y OF sentiment aud action
throughout, the discussion, the kindest and
most intimate relations, existed between rs:
because the dispute was OF the most eour-
teous and friendly nature, and now. not
vithstanding we are entire antipodes OF
this subject, we bei;eye him to be as warm
personal friend, and supporter OF the
Vindicafor as we have on our list. when
men must differ on any impersan' question,
it is pleasure to have as opponents per-
sons of liberal and catholic sentimen. s.Wap
do not argue the absence of all meat,
where conflicting opinions exist. We do
not complain Of the gentlemen who have
discontinued their papers--that they had
right to debut we desire to say that
the act has neither injured the influence
Of this journal or shaken the convictions OF
IFS conductors. Whenever public senti-
ment is not prepared to support a free
spoken and untrammclled press, we desire
to withdraw from our avocation; because,
before we would change our sentiments to
sui, the varying whlms and tickle tastes OF
a diversified population, we would will
ingly draw black mark over the last
name on our list book, and pitch our print
ing apparatus into the street That man
who does not spit upon aud ,ontemn the
bid of patronage for his opinions, is un-
worthy to WELD pen for the public in
spection. That man who would suffer his
mouth to be gagged, for the piliful sum Of
few dollars, and permit his conscientious
convictions to be slihed by the fear Of a
loss OF few subscribers, is untitled for the
position of an editor. An honest, viriuous
aud liberal public sentiment does not for
bid the free and unbiased discussion Of
any snblect affecting the public weIiare.---
1t courts it, and we very much mistake if
The popuIar mind, instead of condemning,
does not commend us for attacking sub
lect, which is al least, OF doubtful accept
ance and expedicncy.
The Yindieator notwithstanding too
,ames have been stricken from It's list be-
cause Of its straightforward aud untqair-i
ocal course, is now in II. more prosperous
con :tios slsauit has ever been before
Nine months ago, we took charge Of the
paper, with about seven hundred bona t'de
subscribers. We now have over efcren
hundred and tue cry is tstill they rome,
Our issue increases weekly, and that foo,
..,,haut any hid or solicitation from ,Is.--5