Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-01-26
washington Letter-Xvr,ter..

few days ago, member in the lower house of
Congress took occasion to administer philippe to
that class of writer's who Familiarity known in the
| newspaper world as Washington correspondents
The rebuke was Short sharp and bitter and far more
sweeping than facts warrant and probably the spea.
ker really intended With the unthinking physicians
and quacks, lawyers and pettoggers, clergymen and
hypocrits are often COMPOUNDED and it may be that
inc creeping, crawling caves dropping mendacous
practices Of few letter writers in the federal CITY,
who are in the employ of the distant press, and
who strive to produce the impression upon strangers
that they live and thrive upon - the drppings of
uncean legislation, have brought body of talented
| and honorable men into undeserved dsrepute. We
are acquainted with number Of gentlemen who are
residing temporarily in Washington as the correspon-
dents of the distant partisan well as neutral press
and take great pleasure in thus publicly bearing
testimony to their abilities WRITER'S their fidelity
as correspondents, and their honorable standing in
our social circles We have never heard of their be-
ing even suspected of implication in any scheme or
combination TO influence legislation by availing them
selves of the privileges granted by the courtesy of
Congress- or by abusing the trust reposed in them by
their employers. On the contrary, they have so con-
Quoted themselves to not only respect for
themselves Individually, but respect for the papers
which they represent.
Apart from that class of letter writers who abuse
the confidence of their employers for their selfish
purposes, there is still another class number of
whom work more mischief if they are not more cor
ers of news, whose employment depends upon the
uncertain tenure of the character of the intelligence
which they transmit by mail or telegraph. They are
expected TO furnish something exclusively y new,
fresh, plquant Or startling every day. and it does
not come within the range of possibility that the daily
sayings and dongs at the national capital can be oil
the character bargained for, Or if occurring should
) be exclusive property, the Especial " correspon
dent Is compelled TO depend for his daily crop Of
, news the fertile soil of prolific imag ination.-
Without stirring from his room, seemingly possess
, he gIldes into every public and private mansion in
Washington. No place is too high or too low t
withstand his mag ica influence He penetrates the
White House when the cabinet is in session visits
y the various executive departments with homeikt
ease and familiarity; critically examines the mos
important State papers; and manages TO have a peer
at every letter which is sent or received by ntrigu
ing politicians. TO his accomplishments as a enron
icer of passing evnts he adds those OF prophet
From startling occurrences to startling predictions
the transition is both easy and natural He is quite
certain that the cabinet cannot hold together long
- er than month-that radical change in our for
eign policy will shortly take pace--that such mar
is about to receive high position in public affairs
or such bill is to pass or to be defeated The ra
pdity with which these predictions sent forth
does not allow the reader time sufficient ascertain
whether they have been fulfilled or not; or if the
discrepancy should be remembered and detected, tht
hOnors prophecy triumphantly sustained by fur
Their and fresher exhibition of its gifts
We not surprised that certain Journals fine
u room in their columns for the trash which we have
desg grated. Our only wonder is that they should
pay for foreign manufactures what they have frequent
g Iy shown could be equally as we'll made at home
e without any additional cost to their respective esab
Iishments