The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1854-09-16
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roads, steamboats, and newspapers are the tri
of American civilization. They arc, in fact
its most significant IDEAS. its completes en-
bodimcnt. What tEc two former are to ply
steal service, the latter is to mental. Whil
they have made the antipodcs next doc
neighbors, it has disseminated the news of thu
world, given utterancc to the strong man
thoughts, and scattered universal krowlcds'
to the ends of the earth.
One not acquainted with the subject woult
be astonished at the number of newspaper:
printed and read in the United States. They
are already the foremost power in our c0un
try, and are every day increasing in influence
both in respect to degree and quality. From
the single idea of a Gazcttc-a mere collcc
ton of items, they have advanced until no: a
movement is any where made, either in trade
politics, science, literature or religion, that is
not chronced and commented upon by the
newspaper.
This power is invading every other depart
mcnt of literature, al,stracting many of then
most valuable elements, and appropriatine
them to its own use, which it does with sur
pri>ing readiness and efficiency. Not only
is the newspaper arpropriating to itself the
departments of mind, but it is constantly
pushing forward to occupy new positions, to
the discovery Ct whirh it has furnished the
most powerful motives
Mind no longer moves in the old ruts of
thought, but, with an expansive power, is
awaking to the responsibilities Of active lie
1t is cndcav"c:ng to execute the practical
service of the day. 1t seeks to work out the
urgent problems that are continually arising
in every department of thought. The news
paper is acknowledged to be the only agency
which can do much toward the realization
of such cndcavors. For no other principle
reaches down so far into the inner life of this
century, responds to its impulses with so ready
sympathy, furnishes so sure means where
by humanity is to be elevated, or renders 50
APPLY into household words the wisdom of
tic old-timc thinkers. The modest examples
of American craftsmanship have passed off
the stage forever: the influence of the lar is
confined within fixed limits in one direction.
that of the pulpit in another: oni. the news
paper is free and expansive, ready to explore.
to speculate to point out, to reason, to instruct.
to amuSc. to strengthen, to elevate. to bless
as the shifting wants Of society demand. For
these various purposes educated men are ma
king use Of it to an extent never before so
much as dreamed Of. They are pouring the
treasures of human knowledge through this
channel. In fact, newspapers are the great
arteries of society, conveying to its rcmotc>t
streams of living thought. Intel
ligencc, fresh and suggestive, fills full their
ample columns. Discussions, mastery and
searching, wake up drowsy natures every
where. Appeals, inspiring, lofty sentiment,
pathetic, tluthtul-rebukcs, stern, command
ing, arc the elements of the DEMONSTRATING
current.
The above remarks apply not so peril
ncntly to newspapers as they now are, as to
what they are sure to become. 1t is true.
however to great extent. The talent en-
gagged upon the newspaper press in the single
city of New-York is, perhaps, more varied,
energetic and comprehensive, and VIC might
add without exaggcration, more profound and
better disciplined, than is collected in both
houses Of Congress. There are no Plead
Heads among them. They do not occupy
their places on account Of any "availibility,"
but because they can tran. late into the cncr-
getic iliom of the day the thoughts and
aspirations of the mc,-becauSc they can
give those thoughts the most direct and usa-
ble shape for instant and deep impression.
There are doubtless many defects in the
newspaper literature of the present day.
While We accord it a general character for
honesty, VIC are aware that it is often, and
very excusably, superficial that 1t falls into
error in pronouncing judgment upon events
NOT completely developed. But we are per-
suaded that the increasing culture of the
country, and its wonderful intellectual growth
will soon, if they have not already, stamp the
newspaper as the strongest, the best educated,
and the most efficient instrument that the in
| telcct has ever used.
TIE STATE FAR.
The annual Fair of the exhibitors of cattle,
horses, and all sorts of Vermont productions,
was held atBrattlcboro, Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday. The weather was favorable,
the place inviting, and a large number Of peo-
pie were attracted to the place. On the first
day $4,000 were received as entrance fees to
the ground. The enclosure embraced forty
acres, located upon an elevated plot, onc-lalf
mile south Of the village.
The exhibition of cattle, horses, sheep and
swine was quite extensive; and from the ap-
pcarance Of the animals no one would have
dreamed that the land had been parchcd the
last Summer. The show in this respect was
fine. The Morrill, Horse, of Danvillc, seemed
to lead off among the Morgans, but the Eloc1
ia~t breed was largely represented. Add
son County horse breeders adhere to this
breed with great pertinacity.
There was considerable trading in horses
at the Fair. Timothy VIM, of DERBY. sold