The Empire County argus., 1854-07-22
THE PEklESS.

One Of the boasts Of our country is the freedom
of the Press, and the independent manner in which
its conductors discuss the topics Of the day, whether
they be political of any other class Freedom
Of opinion and of the expression of that opinion
the pride of the American people; and so scrupu
lous are they in guarding this right that no in
tringement would be tolerated in the fundamental
law Of the land Of all subjects on which the Amer
ican people feel sensitive, none is more ezcitable
than the attempt to muzGe the Press or abridgo
the freedom Of speech as these two modes Of COM
,nunicating intelligence to the people are the most
reliable and safe.
To the freedom OF the Press probably more than
any other agency do the American people owe
their greatness and prosperity. 1t is in fact the
grand motive power which developes the energies
Of the nation and gives the incentive to action
Other nations older in the worlds history than our
own, with advantages scarcely inferior dwinde, as
they shut out Intelligence from the people or close
up the avenues through which it can be obtained
To make a people great, enlightened and good to
have them act undoratandingly and be capable to
discharge the duties Of frecmen with knowledge
Of those duties there is no one ever more efficient
The press of the Atlantic States is Justly the
boast and pride of The world flr the fearless lnde-
pendence which it exhibits on all subjects Of public
veal or w0, on matters pertaining to the morals
Of the community Indeed to such an extent do
they exert their influence that it is felt in every av-
enuc and department of life moulding and forming
public opinion and directing it in channels Of use
fulness. :
In Europe whore the press ID moro tramn,eled--
where tyranny usurps the place Of knowledge, and
power is maintained at the point of the bayonet,
the liberty Of the Press is curted and its free SEN
tim ents crushed beneath the iron heel of oppression
or at the point of the bayonet driven from therea
Of the masses. The bGghting effect of this policy
is felt in every department Of life from the highest
10 the lowest grade of social relationship and upon
every avenue of public policy.
California, too boasts of her free press and the
enlightened masses of her citizens With proud
satisfaction can we point to cities-the wonder
Of the commercial world, and justly claim that no
other portion of the Globe can present a parallel
Our mountains, too, are swarmng with a hardy
race possessing intelligence and indomable energy,
whose untiring and faithful adherence to tho prin-
cples OF their youth should render them the envy
aud model Of the civilized world This, in great
degree is owing 10 tho freedom Of the press, and
the unbending integrity ofts conductors. tits true
that in California, as we'll as in other portions of
the civilized world attempts have been made to sub
sldise and intimi late the press and bring 1t under
the control ofmen not fitted to direct public opinion
for the purpose Of making it subseryent to uniusti
fable ends or TO eets Of doubtful propriety When-
ever such an attempt is made, it is generally done
by men of weak INTELLECTUAL powers, and narrow
views. who believe themselves to be especially de.
signed by Providence to give tone and direction to
the political financial and social relations Of the
community in which they happen to be located.
IN a few instances, doubtless, they have partially
saeeeedcd in others they have riilcd, utterly cnd