Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1856-01-24

ties of gratitude and friendship with a COM
munity who had sustained me in my youth
full efforts as an editor, and to whom l owed
everything that l was and lastly, one whose
wishes l had no right to disregard was oppos-
ed to leaving friends and relatives to reside
in a place in which she would be almost an
entire stranger. But circumstances having
changed, | was finally induced to abandon to
Others the field / then occupied, and, in con-
nection with Mr.. Spann, to assume the man
agement of the Sentinel. may here say,
too, that the consideration of having the adj
vantage Of the business and financial talent
of this gentleman in the concern, was the
leading inducement for changing my deter
mination and acceding to the wishes Of my
too partial friends. But the brief expert
ence l have had has served to convince me
that my own first impressions were correct.
Whatever qualifications l may possess as an
editor, | am satisfied that this is not the point
at which l can exercise them most success
fully and adv~antageously to the Democratic
party. 1t is expected than an editor at Indi-
annapolis shall be extremely circumspect in
the expression of his opinions as to men and
things. The timid are fearful that he will
become too radical and commit the party to
measures of doubtful propriety or popularity 4;
while the ardent and enthusiastic are impa-
tent if their party organ" as the Sentinel
is styled, is not at least adecade ahead of the
times. Accustomed to write from the i'm
pulse of the moment and to express my own
convictions of right and wrong, without con-
sidering the immediate bearing they may
have on the position of this or that politi-
clan, or how each prominent member of our
party may be affected by the expression 0
my own views, this restraint is to me peculiar
ly annoying. By these remarks no person
al aIlusion is intended. l am not aware that
any serious exceptions have been taken to
the manner Of conducting the paper since it
has been under my charge AS principal edi-
tor. But the tendency is as l have stated.
Under these circumstances, I have deemed
it proper to follow the example which a re-
gard for health has compelled my partner to
set, and retire from the concern. Other as
sociations, too, formed during a period of
nine years, nave proved stronger than the
revival of those of more youthful days. !
leave the paper cheerfully and voluntarily,
and against what | know is the disinterested
advice and candid opinion of many warm
friends. / thank them for their GOO opinion
of my ability TO serve the party, but justice
to myself and the party with which l am
proud to act, seems to me to demand that it
should be transferred to those who can bring
to e more enthusiasm and more energy
In pursuing this course am aware that l sac
rifce the most fattering ~pecuniary prospects,
and also that Uhich men of my age regard
a. little less important, because it appeals to
their vanity and ~ambition-the hope of ac-
curing a widespr cad professional reputation,
and consequent Influence. But the advocacy
of ID mocrsir principles he ever besr to me
a labor Of love, ana now. OF the svc of an
inlportiu. ohtest, Wheu the bi,cS cloud %
Abolitionism and Know Nothing plsotry is
lowering over Us, it would be criminal in any
Democrat to fold his arms and l~istlessly await
till the gathering storm shall burst. My poor
abilities shall be exerted to uphold the glori-
Gus old Democratic banner, which now as
ever, has inscribed upon its ample folds HE
UNION N THE CONSTITUTION. If the field
of operations upon which l may enter be
more circumscribed than that from which /
ing that the wider field will be occupied by
those better qualified to do it Justice, and
whose services might not otherwise be secur-
ed to the party.
To our readers I would say, give to our
successors a cordial and generous support.
They are worthy of it. Prof. Larrabee will
bring to the editorial columns Of the Senti-
mel enthusiasm, learning, talent, and a large
political experience. As a writer he has few
or no superiors in the West. Mr.. Cotton is
also a spicy writer and a young gentleman
of unconquerable energy, of which fact
the readers of the Sentinel have already had
ample proofs
From my late partner, whom / have known
and esteemed for fifteen years, 1 part with
no other feelings than those of kindness.
To my brethren of the press who greeted my
accession to the Sentinel. with so many ex-
pressions of kindness, l wish every success
and prosperity. In indianapolis 1 have FORM
ed many new and valued acquaintance, and
have revived friendships which commenced
more than twenty years ago, in school boy
days. Their familiar faces bring up memories
of events long since passed, but which time
can never efface. The glistening tear starts
to the eyelid rs we call to mind some
choice spirits, endeared by early ~associa-
-tions, who nave passed the dark valley
and shadow of death, and who are now, as
we fondly hope, singing the songs of the
redeemed at Gods right hand. Since I first
came to Indianapolis, in 1884, many great
and wonderful changes ave occurred
III hnCW hui suCl WOuiQ SCdlCcll
recognize her now. Here and there a land
mark of those early days is yet visible, but
most of them have long since passed away.
Bright and gratifying as has been the history
of Indianapolis, the future which awaits her
is still more glorious, if her citizens are but
true to themselves and exhibit that wise lib
erality and public spirit which should char
a~cterize the people of the capital Of a great
and growing State. With the kin6est wishes
to all, I now retire from the place which /
have occupied during so brief a period.
J.. b. NORMAN.
+Since the above valedictory notices we're
put in type wo are gratifed to learn that
Messrs. Larrabee & Cotton nave effected an
arrangement with Major A. f. Morrison, by