The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-01-05
press, nor did we hold out threat to any pa
per, to induce it to publish our Prospectus.
It will be seen that the excitement of the
Messenger is entirely uncaIled for.
WASHINGTON, d. C.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1854.
sALUTAT0RY TO THE READERS OF THE DAILY
NATIONAL ERA.

SALUTAT0RY TO THE READERS OF THE DAILY
NATIONAL ERA.
Seven years ago, we commenced the Nation
al Era in this city, without word of greeting
or introduction from single press here. This
silence did not surprise us for our principles
and policy were not known. The highly re-
spectacle Journalists here did not know but we
might prove to be a fanatic or incendiary, and
of course maintained proper reserve
Meantime, the world has been moving and
so has the Ere. 1t is now pretty widely known,
as one of the institutions Of the District, and
the people have ceased to regard it with dis
trust Nobody dreams Of mobbing or indicting
| it, except a pious English gentleman, stifiiy
conservative, who writes occasional leaders for
little print in Georgetown, speaking the
truth, as he says always in love-" During
the seven years of its existence, there have been
no terrible commissions in the District. The
worst events that have happened have been the
suppression Of the slave pens" the increase
of population, and the rapid rise in the price of
real estate. Lots which seven years ago were
| sold for SIX and ten cents foot, now command
| fifty cents The agitation of projects for the
removal of the Seat of Government has died
| away; capitalists consider investments here as
safe and advantageous as in the most flourish
ing cities; and Washington has been steadily
growing in favor with the People of the Union.
And yet, all this time, the National Era, dis
cussng with the utmost freedom, Slavery and
all other Questions, has been in active opera
dc oF
winged messengers. The People therefore very
clearly understand that it is neither an unsafe
nor hurtful newspaper.
The truth is, one of the essential, most po
tent causes of the prosperity and popularity of
Washington, is the fact now everywhere
known, that here, all sections of the Republic
meet on common ground, all opinions and in
terests may be fully and freely urged, citizens
from the North, South, East and West, may
utter their peculiar sentiments, boldly and
without molestation.
In issuing the first number of the Daily Era,
we need hardly say that we shall advocate the
same principles, and pursue the same line of
policy, which we have done in the Weekly.
We hold all subjects open to discussion, from
the being of God, 1--WE speak reverently,) down
to the lowest relations of Man. No Code Of
Laws no Compromise, no Constitution, no In
stitution, however deeply imbedded in the
foundations of society, no usage however
ancient no maxim with whatsoever weight of
authority or universal assent it may challenge
submission, can claim exemption from the most
searching investigation. In its broadcast sense,
we recognise and endeavor to practice the right
of private Judgment. Man, the Individual, we
regard as severe gn in virtue of his conscience
and free will, owing paramount allegiance only
to the All-wise Creator, but invested with the
inalenable right to resist all Tyranny, whether
attempted by Monarchy or Democracy, by
Church Or State, by Party or a Class.
The Daily Era has not been herslded by the
Press -or the Distrios. We sent its Prospectus
70 all the daily papers, requesting its insertion
as an advertisement The Sentinel has not
Published i, fearing. we suppose, that it might
affect the prospects Of Mr. Biokinson For the
Presidency. The Union has not published il,
apprehending, we presume imminent danger
to the Confederation of these States which its
editor not long since was calculating the value
of in Nashville Conventions. The Star, a lively, |
independent concern, whose editor-a disciple |
Of the Calhoun schools not afflicted with |
tender nerves, gave it an Insertion And, as
might have been expected, the National Intelli- |
gsncer, paper well assured Of its position, also
considered the publication of the Prospectus a
fair business transaction. True, no one of our
neighborS has given us a friendly greeting, but |
considering their circumstances we do not |
complain of this. We can afford to wait for |
the usual courtesies of the profession, and, if |
they never come, to do without them
Meantime, the Press in other places has more |
than made amends for these little inattentions, |
and to the Tribune and Evening Post of the
commercial and political press, we are under
special obligations. The Tribune says
"The National Era is one of the most inter-
esting and able papers in the country, and
yields q temperate and benefcent influence in
behalf Of Democratic ideas and the great cause
OF Freedom. On all moral questions, we are
sure to find the Era on the side of virtue and
of human rights; and the independent thinker
who may differ from it on any subject, can be
sure that he viii presently find himself fight
battle. besides, there is reason to welcome the
establishment of daily paper at Washington,
which public patronage is not likely to corrupt,
or any party to buy up. Success to the under
taking"
The New York EUening Post, supporter of
the Administration Of Gen. Pierce, remarks
eve have more than once expressed the |
opinion that Washington is the proper place
for the publication of journal, the principal |
object Of which is to discuss the Slavery ques- |
ton. The remedy should be applied where the |
evil is found, aud at Washington the evil may |
be said to exist in its greatest intensity. A |
warfare carried on By troops posted at safe |
distance from the enemy, is warfare in which |
we cannot much admire tho courage of the |
combatants and from which we cannot expect |
great results. The decisive battle must be |
fought hand to hand The National Era has |
waged the fight not only with perfect intre- |
pidity, but with extraordinary skill, and has |
successfully maintained ground which, at the
time of establishing that paper, it required
great holiness to occupy. IL may now be re-
garded entrenched in its position, quite as
firmly as any paper published at Washington
We hope the daily paper which is now found
ed will be as fortunately conducted"
Commencing this enterprise amidst the heavi-
est pressure of the business of our weekly, with