The Feliciana Democrat., 1855-11-17
LIcENrIousNEss OF THE PRESS.

In the journals Of the day, the liberty of
the press is a constant theme, while its lcen-
tiousness is seldom, and but rarely nbticed.--
1t is worthy of remark, how much of the
latter is tolerated; how little it is regarded,
and with what unconcern it is suffered to pass
when good character is enabled quietly to en-
counter it. If this were not the case the peace
of society would be constantly disturbed by
the violence, audacity, arrogance, and too Of
ten the bullying Of the press. For the press
has its bullyism as well as the prize ring, and
though it may effect different quality, it is
literally Of the same class. Truth, decency,
and responsibility are never sustained or vindi-
Gated by virulence or violence Of any sort, ei-
ther in thought, word or deed. On the other
hand, they both have nothing to apprehend
from violence or vindictiveness, for they can
always rely upon the sound common sense and
the inherent love Of order, consistency and pro-
priety on tie part Of the people.
But how little Of satisfaction, and how great
the self.abasement which must annoy the man
devoted to the habitual and systematic abuse
and misrepresentation Of his fellow citizens,
whether through the medium Of a reckless and
licentious press or any other instrumcntalty
ne may be able to command. He must realize
his own insignifcancc, and the utter contempt
of the public, in his inability to affect the rep
utation he would assail While the promiscu-
Gus employment Of the most offensive epithets,
the artful Misrepresentation Of fact the exag-
geration Of human Alternatives, the Jealous
distortions of fair and honorable deeds impair
whatever deficiency Of his pen, or his tongue,
when chance exposes to view some political or
social evil, which fairly challenges reproof.-
Besides this, amongst the few who are susceN-
tible of such influences, and for the moment
and under the strong passions which move the
active partizan, the worst and most hideous
feelings are provoked into the widest demon
strations. The game Of politics is thus played
as a desperate venture for success, and no con
sequences are considered in the processes deem
ed necessary to the achievement.
In the midst Of all this fury and strife, NJ
man, however pure and inofensve may be til,
nature of his activity in the contest, can escap
without the unstinted abuse of interested, sris
picious and violent partisans 1t is very tru
that the man of good and substantial characte
may boldly defy all the assaults thar may b
directed against him in the execution of his du
ties of citizenship. But on the other hand
there are few such men willing to encouute
the abuse of partizans and the press, by an lac
tive and earnest participation in the details o
q political canvass.
How much this is in conflict with the genia
spirit of American citizenship is apparent t.
all, deplored by many, but counteracted b
few except in passive duty A fair argumen
is desirable and acceptable to every true man
direct statement of fact pertaining to the is
sue should be Objectionable to none. With thes
and a free ballot box, the principles Of the re
public and the measures of political parties ar
i safely conlided to the hands of the people. Blu
beyond these, with vicious press, recklcsncs
Of assertion, unstintcd abuse, exasperatin
epithets, threats, heated blood, contest to
u the exercise of the rights Of citizenship, and
: prevailing Indifference to consequences, all
chaos, anarchy, chance, and no man can che
ish the assurance Of peace, good order, and ci,
: il discipline upon any recurrence Of politica
!. agitation in the country #Haa7 laaaa# r..
i HoN. GEORGE M. DALLAs.-The friends {
. Hon. George NJ. Dallas held meeting in Phi
/ delphia on the I'd inst, preliminary to tn
If nomination Of a candidate for the presidenc,
:, Resolutions were adopted extolling the caree
e OF Mr.. Dallas from his enlistment as a yolu,
y teer in the war of4sl2 down to his filling I'll
h Office of Vice President, when the prosperit
n Of his country was poised Upon his single vot
m fbnt, t,,,H