American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-05-31
The Press---Iis COmities.

columns Of the Cincinnati Daily Times,
II expresses our own views so clearly and
is so we'll spoken that we adoptit and
commend it to the perusal Of the readers Of
the Gazette. 1.-The boast the Syracusan
sage to King Hero was prophetic of the
Future--not wholly vain; but the lever of
which the mathematician dreamed, was
not the one that was to move the Globe.
Centuries after, the Archimedean lever
was found in the Press, and with free
and virtuous people as its fulcrum, its
power may shake the World. In fear
less, just and independent Press, an enlight-
ened country must ever own safeguard
and bulwark like Lacedemor's walls
the dauntless bosoms Of her patriotic
sons.
In Republic like ours, so organized, SO
governed, and with such institutions, more
than in any other land, the Press has a
high and sacred mission to perform. Every
journalist, in entering upon his duties, as
sumes weighty responsibility and pre-
cio1s trust, which no consideration should
prompt him to abuse. Few men connect
ed with the American Press, we beliye,
fully realize the immense influence they
exert for good or eyil-the great strength
with which their position invests them to
form and control that Public Opinion
whose decision is the law and the symbol
of the land.
How absolutely necessary it is that the
journalists Of our country should not only
understand, but put in practice, the right
principles of their profession, regardless ol
interest, prejudice or passion, it needs nc
voice of ours to say. Nor have we call
either to point out the defects of American
journalism which possessed of many mer-
its far superior to those, will, in time, nc
doubt, correct themselves, and gradually
disappear, as increased age bringeth us
more varied experience and added wis
dom.
That our Press is sufficiently free in the
general sense, cannot be doubted; but thai
it is dignifed enough, particularly in this
region, may we'll be questioned. Indeed
it is painful and mortifying to observe the
amount Of personal vituperation, gross
scurrility, and even undisguised vulgarity
with which the columns of our co:empo
raries TEEN, only too often, when their po.
sitions are controverted or their weaknesses
exposed. The cause contended for seems
forgotten, the principle neglected, and q
lexicon of billingsgate exhausted which
would almost put to blush the very fish.
women who gave it currency, and made
obscenity trade. Fact, argument and
thought are laid aside that the Editors Of
different newspapers may indulge theiI
fondness for filth and falsehood to its full
est degradation; and in this way theil
readersare compelled to become the sharer;
in violent, personal quarrel, remarkable
only for the bitterness of its conduct and
its freedom from every shade of decency
or manly sentiment.
Assertions are advanced and reiterated
which, if only half true, would richly en-.
title the parties charged to the contempt ol
every honest citizen, and residence in the
Pcnitentiary. Not the slightest scrupleis
observed, and the vulgar war goes on un.
til blackguardism be ut-blackguarded,
and contempt become too heavy to be long
er sustained.
This is dire evil, at which the people
wonder; which self-respect regrets; and
even the guilty ones must sure despise.
Let it be reformed at once, say we-lel
every Editor assume the position of a high.
toned, honorable gentleman on the tripod
as well as in private life; resolved that no
vexation, iuvective or mis-statement shall
induce him to descent to the kennel and
hurl mud with an unworthy foe, who will
thrive on mire when contempt will leave
him powerless and crushed. The chin
ney-sweep fears not SCOT, nor does the
scayenger stand in awe of stain. But the
gentleman Editor of dignifed journal,
should elevate his mind to his position, and
his conduct to his post; and while he should
not hesitate to expose the crime Of the
highest citizen, he should fear to injure the
poorest man alive. He should be an ex-
ample unto others,-possed of heart as
well as mind, honesty in soul as well as
act, ,-conscentiousness as well as cautious
ness and reliance on himself. He should
SO guard his character and make it clear,
that its imputation would be self-return-
ing blow from the hand that meanly struck.
He should have that surest of safety, that
best of protection,-a consciousness of
right and conviction of duty done, which
no slander can impair, and no falsehood
take away. He should be unto all as to
himself, true and gorgeous then ev-
cry change of circumstance or reverse
of fortune would still find him Man.
This condition of affairs is greatly to be
desired, and we hope our Editorial breth-