Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-12-31
ANNUAL. ADDRESS
DELIVER ED BEFORE sHE SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS
~ AssocrATioNi on TUESDAY EVENING,
- nEcEMEER 9TH. 1856 =
BY%W. BJ JOHNSTON.
Published by .tsastest ?of the Association

x, : ist'i'o'
DECEMBER 9Th, 1856.
Il: BY&W. B;aDOHN STON. 4
Z published 1y js .sssasste ef the Association II
dare not hoEs my worthy co.laborers
and friends, thatSh; the brief address my
limited time has Permitted me TO prepare,
can do Justice tossge Association, or to the
subject most appfSpriate, to the occasion
Until recently ,notded that, in consequence
jof an appontmsif made: two years since
our worthy Presiasnts seXpec ted nm address
at this time, Waslnder the impression our
organization hadHeen abandoned. The du.
ties and. responsibilities Of an Independent
press, its use andSA SAbuse, comprehended so
many suggestive pbints for deep and mature
Ethought, and require such high literary quail.
j;ifications to Discus them properly, that
approach the anbSect with difidence, and
feel thatI car: :bAimpe discharge the
duty, assigned me-
Alree and dS@eA Regulated press is the
chief ground. .wolEand support Of political
liberty. We hasG reason to be grateful,
that nowhere hfhE earth are. its blessings
more fullyrcalizgs than in the United States
I There is not as6aAtation in the land where
i its teachings sm1sSSnot be enjoyed. The
stroke Of the piogeer's axe scarcely ceases
to be heard. bis ssbin reared in the wilder.
ness, or the virgiissoil received the first seeds
from his hand, ersthe printer, with his types,
begins to. Sow ltelligeuce; around him.
From the AtlanticEEfo the Pacific, all over
this wide spread domain of liberty, there is
not spot that}is1snot gladdened with the
genial infuencegsOf an unleltered press.
Every where, iinIhes sbdsy'mart or in the re-
tirement of the sceuntry, will we discover
the evidences offssslg high estimation which
the American peaple place on this mighty
instrument of civilization and enlightenment.
But while webaEe.eood cause to exult in
and appreciate aast importansee.sahd
manifold beasGts:of asfree. press, it becomes
those of .us.%6o sfs Observation-Disclosures
agementt 10 study carefully, honestly and
faithfully its: d1tiess privileges and response.
Ebilities-to seekgy5out and become familiar
with the details necessary to the ful6lment
of its true. .mission,sthat we may-guide and
control it for tie best interests of our coun.
try and society;ftliat we. may WELD its,
mighty Influenza I'm behalf. :ofSyirtue and
,trnl6.. and in ssssEinofSf f of the Constitution
and .be,rf., ic Se,s
lbe defence of our rights against all en-
croachments from designing or ambitious
politicians and the fanatical assaults of mis-
euided or knavish philanthropy.
Gentlemen, we are called to high and
responsible station when we undertake TO
conduct the free press OF free people. While
the only restrictions ON this mighty engine
are those designed to prevent its licentious:
ness, vet it behooves us to guard well its pu-
ritv and lidelty-to keep it strictly within
its legitimate sphere. We conceive the first
duty of press, under n government like
ours, tobe the inculcatiou of reverence
for the Constitution and a strict obedience
to the laws of the country. So long rs the
provisions Of the compact which associates
the States in political union are iealously
observed, so long, and so long only, will our
rinhts or liberties be safe. That mastery
produrtiou of pure patriots has wihstood
many shock; and although it may have
been deviated from in some instances, yet
thanks to the indomtable patriotism Of the
American people, 1t stll survives--the pea
con light to The people Of every nation, kin
dred and tongue who ask for liberty Trough.
out the political history of the United States,
am gralifed to say, the reader will discov.
Or that the ueople of the South have been