Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1856-12-02

prophetic the prediction The real
power Of the Press consists in its beng
faithful representative Of the people
When it ceases to represent the people
its power, its influence and its very ex-
istence are almost At Al end.
Contrast England and France. The
Press Of England represents the people,
and Kipcs.and Lords tremble before
lis ceusures. 1t is an Estate Of the
Realm-the bulwsrk OF National llber-
ties -the guardian ofihe peoples right.
The Press of France is the mouth
piece Of the tyrant Napoleon; fails to
represent the people, and IS without
yigor, withou, influence, and all object
OF popular contempt. The people are
not influenced by it, Tor IL docs not
faithfully represent them, and ea"no'
aid them in defending their political or
social rights. Bat while tha, naughty
tvrant mcrcilessly throttles the Press
o, France with his mailed hand, he
,rembles with fear al the iulmlnat'ohs
of the Ihunderer-the London Times.
Its power he confesses, and its lnilu-
ence penetra,cs into France despite the
vigilance OF hireling police. With
perlec, freedom OF the Press, France
would escape Revolution, for then the
people would have representative
through which they could speak to
rulers, without resor,ing TO bayonets
and barbados.
AT this nomen, Louis Napoleon has
greater dread Of the power OF the
Press, than OF all the standing armies
OF Europe. Armies OF men he could
brayely encounter; but the quiet and
potent attacks OF the press, blanches
ms checks and fills his coward heart
with fear. 1t is because, like his PIN
loned press, lie Is not the representa-
tive OF he people. When he becomes
sucil he need no longer tremble; I'M
ri he does, let HIM dread the convul-
sious that are preparing forces for his
: utter overthrow With Lore. Brouyh'
am We shall say OF the Press, that "its
lust influence Will continue, but con
fined within safe and proper bounds
1t will continue, long may II continue
TO watch the conduct oi pubic men-
10 watch the proceedings oil a reformed
Legislature watch the people them
scly,s-a safe, all innoAlous, u u,eiu
! instrument, 10 enhghten and improve
mankind"
la the United States, journal are a
common and as indispensable As tn
G schoo!-house, or church. From 'h
! great metropolitan JournaI Is, down I
II the village paintings, they form ali III
5 poltan, and necessary element VI Oh
+ democratic system Few men aic )
Is Door AS 10 be without one aud I'll
T" great tnajorit. Of the people a'erag
is MANY as half IA dozen. lms turii
ssifsaStdinb.y system ~ edacotio'
: which is the life Hood Of the hepdbl
- Nearly every naive horI American "A
y read and all who can, tail not in avai
lng themse Of general information
which newspapers afford. Journa
arc pioneers to that higher educatlo
obtained in academies, colleges an
- well selected Iibraries-the -6rst Si.l
pmq stones 10 h, tenlt. Of h"oute!g,
They scatter the rays OF ncwl, disco
cred truths over the country, with II
speed OF the Iron Horse. They iai
pour iuto the huinblest cottage into
NATION OF every recent event thpt hi
= transpired upon the globe, and pa, evel
" man in possession OF late important o
Il eurrences in business, society, and go
. ernmen, aud are, in fact, necessal
:" element Of strength to every Cover
It nent founded upon the principles
IL Liberty. The RIGHTEOUSNESS Of Il
!" press is checked by public opinion, al
II the laws OF libel. The power OF Il
VI press, when aimed n, wrong and o
preston, is greater than armed hos
OF fleets and navies. No tyranny or vi
nc can Withstand its terrible assault
Long may it continue to act as the Sc
10 tinel of Liberty, Virtue and Religio
jill