The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-04-30
THE PRESS AND ITS ABUSE.

to all who think otherwise who may wish 10 lolloW ms
example.
THE PRESS AND IT'S ABUSE.
The freedom of the press indsputably the right Of
free people, and is the panopy of the government of
free and enlightened nation.
In this country it is the channel through which flow all
the currents Of popular opinion affecting popular rights
1t is sentinel duty everywhere and at all times 1t
wields influence opinions and results from its
lmtabe field of debate its command Of information and
its wide dissemination that is vast and powerful beyond
computation This great element In poy has no pas
sve existence 1t is necessarily active and is always at
work with mind upon mind for good evil and upon
scale that counts millions of neecs Whilst it is looked
upon as palladium it is prolific Of mischief to vast ex-
tent if vicious minds WELD its influence 1t flexible
and direct in its effects upon popular excitement under
adro nsidous direction that the virtue of the press
is constantly invoked to avert its evils
Its freedom which constitutes the material of its blessing
often betrays it into RIGHTEOUSNESS and sometimes
makes it vena This has to be and counteraced by
the larger and better influence of that portion that is faith
full to its high mission
This great lever which is constantly acting upon the pub
lie mind has irresponsible sovereignty has to meet
accountability and the reaction from the arbiament of
public opinion which is ever watchul and jealous Of its
rights and happiness
practical experience Of the press which is
with the existence of government teaches that
when political excitement is active and inamed, then
is it hayward and intoerant is prone to de-
every adverse opinion arraign every motive
pervert all testimony and prosecute for opinions sake 1t
has rrocrusean standard by which il all things
No elevation, however high mind, however great
perenc however long patriotism however established
and virtue however stern shield adversary from
denunciation II victory desperation demand the
saught Its proclvy sink the attributes of the Judge
in the feelings of the vndctive prosecutor and WILL if
cessary, stoop TO hold the Of the executioner.
This abuse and scourgc Of the press aba,s with age
and experience 1t is at this time welding baleful in
Auence upon the public veal Matters Of the highest
ona import pending before the country abou which
the greatest and best Of the land differ in opinion
and doubtless differ from the pures motives and sat
isfactory convictions. How is this conflict Of opinion
treated by portion Of the press Not matter about
which dversities Of sentiment may and necessarily
exist from the very and organization of mind
well from external circumstances a common and
equal right that all their opinions as to the best
mode Of calming preudccs and adjusting difficulties in
which all have deep and abiding interest not with that
tolerant spirit that dgnihes controversy and reason
with It's highest attributes and safes; results No ex
ercsng dogmatsm and tyranny Of opinion that brook
opposition and absolute II each pen was inall
BILE and the press holding the gh, Of dication Every
adverse sentiment treated hercsy and every motive
corrupt The brotherhood of country and the objects
Of destiny rcpudatcd and spirit Of enmty
to be cherished If it we're a matter of duty to
hate and persecute all opposing opinions thus repudang
the vital principle Of free press
Through this heated and active state Of the press the
President Of the United States pass and IL is to be
lamented that is with but little OF the rbearance and
courtesy that due to his station and the respect Tint
due TO his opinions his acts, and his motives Those con-
sideraons which should govern the Of every we'll
regulated mind and every proper Observance Of honor
whenever the opinions and acts Of the Chief Magistrate
The country become subject Of public discussion are not
,ny wholly disregardcd by portion Of the press but
hey to sharpen the appetite for dscouresy and
,buse He is treated grea, public offender whenever
in conflict with the opinions and behcst of these
,ubc There nothing in the privileges OF the
,ress-,hcre obligations of duty to warrant such
,ourse.
The place tina, the President holds at the call of his
country the responsibilities he thereby assumes
nn,e him be heard with respect his opinions to be
reed with fairness and his motives to be placed to the
credit Of integrity honor and duty.
The highest and most sacred obligations that infu-
snce human sctcn the President feel and respect
Every great and noble incentive that can operate upon
mind and heart of man guide and stimulate the Pres
dent The praise Of those who exalted him the fear
IF his conntrys frown and the ambition Of good name
be spread upon the page Of history by the side OF the
lustrous who have preceded him in his ah seat oil
honor he lost sight Of their sslu,ary
be disregarded by the President This strong and
less influence evokes all the of his mind seek the
right and il is the best guarantee for his fidelity
Surely then this should shield him from the assaults OF
vndicvc and icentous press and should TO him
the field Of controversy the benefit Of that larger re-
'pcnsbiy and stronger incentive that his position gives
him all who meet him with antagonist views
The dignity Of the press should respond to the dignity Of
1is station for the honor Of both and whenever held to