New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-06-23
The PRESS AND Politics.


Although the influence OF the Press is univ rsaly ed
mitted there are comparatively few who are at the
pains to anslyze it, with view to gain precise idea
of its character 1t consists partly, perhaps princi
paly in the prompt publicity it gives to all transac
tons which affect the welfare of the community; and
considered in this light, the Press exerts. a great
influence, independently Of the intellectual ability or
intellectual ine cheney of those who conduct it. Like
the posi-ofice, which is also an important agent in
oifusiBg information the Press may render valuable
service TO the public without implying the possession
of much knowledge or ceverness the part OF those
intrusied with its manag ement. The merely mechani-
cal process Of printing and circulating public docu-
ments repors judicial decisions and opinions speeches
at public meetings. and the occasional letters of promi
nent topics of public interest would give infu-
TO the daily Press, even If Its editorial columns
should never contain discussions OF important sub
i.cts. III the press therefore, sometimes shows con-
sciousness Of its importance, it does not therefore
necessarily anogate 10 itelf any mental superiority
over the mass of its readers.
But the public demands of the Press something more
than simply TO record the of the day and publish
important documents 1t expects independence ana
frosbness of thought and the intelligent discussion OF
all topics of public interest. And as in free country
every citizen has political duties TO PERFORM and feels
an interest in The administration of the Government
is obvious that political subjects must form the staple
of editorial discussions 1t question OF some utter
est in what spirit and with what motives these ought
TO be conducted
Within the lest twenty years the management OF the
Pres in this country has undergone great and salu-
tary charge II has more Independence more ability
and far wider range of Information. This improve
menl results in great measure from the fact that the
press Las learned depend its subscribers for
support ard less on political leaders and their part
Suns. great many newspapers were formerly estaD-
lished Lot much business enterprises whose OBJ
iect il wos 20 furnish information to the pubic, Tor
which the public expected 10 paw as to carry out
The patty views of political leaders Such leaders and
thoe of their followers who wanted office, would con-
tribute money TO set up aparty newspaper III ther
own locality, and in consideration OF this assistance,
II raper expected to be passive instrument IN
the hands of its "clay creators, TO advocate their
views and DO their bidding. The chief qualifications
for the editor of journal established 10 tbs man.
Ier were Lot information, judgment and hrmness-
power TO form and bodness to express independent
OF nions every subject within the legitimate range
OF editorial discussion but pliabllty, servty and
certain kind of tact which would enable him to turn
every circumstance to account which could be made to
contribute TO party Happily, in our prosper
Gus commercial times the better portion of the Press
has ougrown the degrading necessity Of depending on
political leaders, the holders or expec.ants OF ONCE
As consI icuous examples of the freedom from party
tlraldom which is beginning to characterize the point
zeal .press Of this country we will mention HE ~
Y TRIBUNE and The 4rentng P0S, one the abiest
Wig and the other the abest Democratic paper in
the country Thee prosperous an2infuentlal journ-
ais exercise the utmost freedom in, criticzing the
men and the measures of their respective parties.
and however often their readers, may think them
mistaken they can never doubt their entire SINGER
ity and INDEPENDENCE The success of these papers
is gratifying proos that the public know how to
arpreciaie in,eece al ability aid the fearless express
sion of ounion and that they prefer hese manly qa-
tes 10 that tame and slaysh subseTvlency to party
which was few years ago considered the hst duty Oh
political newspaper we nave DainsS hs .n o'e,
wi,bout by an, means Intending TO imply that taey
have monopay of the virtues We commend. The
general tone Of tie Press rs 6ecoang every year more
iusependent and several of our ebest lodrnas give
evidence III at they cansider' Z their duty TO control
politicians for the advantage OF the people instead %
influencing the people for the advanage OF poncans-
lie men who seek 10 live by Office though far teo
numerous. form but small part of the community
The interest vi ich these men feel in the Government
and that felt by the great Orty OF the people, are Of
very different character. Tie vision OF the once
seeker is bounded by the next Presidential Elecnon
while The people look to the perm anent good OF tn'
country All the people demand is wise and homes
administration OF the Government and II IS Tor then
irteres, to view public Affairs in the simple h9nt
truth without distortion and without eXagSerauon
Pu the office seekers who feel that their political sal
walton Is staf ed on the result of the election, al
ways i'm 70 Inn resz the public with false and exag
g,roted esiimote of the importance OF he issues whci
tie elect on involves. Knowing that their owi
interests ere In peril unless Their party succeed
tiey ny TO persuade the people that the interest
of Il e country are Identified with Their own. Nov
tie political press stands between the great mass
tie people and the small but busy minority who ar
politicians by trade, and II IS an instrument OF gool
Of evil, according ii sympaihizes with one or ih
other II it lends itself to promote the interests o
Office seekers and consents TO depend on their favo
for popularity they will exact of il blind fidelity
parry, even to the surrender of its own judgment an
conscience But when il advocates the interests of In
people; it will look only to the requirements Of tn
public good and will aim to communicate just vsw
of public affairs rather than TO advance party schemes
Tie most Influential portion of the American Pressfe
lying the good sense of the public, Is becoming
more and more Independent of party dctation, an
the day is probably not far distant when the mere OF
eans OF party win be az impotent influence q the
T generally are feeble in intellect.