The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-05-10
THE PERRYSBURG JOURNAL.

OF the Undersigned with the ferrySDurg Jour-
nal. Hereafter the paper will be conducted
by Mr. E. A. Higgins, and published by Hig-
gins & Holt. The change, We are happy to
believe, will be Of advantage to all concern
ed The paper will be issued on an enlarg-
ed sheet, and greater efforts made to extend
its circulation, influence and usefulness. Its
political character will remain unchanged.
During the three years that this journal
has been published, great political changes
have taken place. When it was established,
the old whig party had just been crushed by
the defeat of Gen. Scott for the presidency
Of the causes leading to that disastrous re-
suit it is needless now to speak. The fact
itself was Immediately recognized and acted
upon by this paper. The downfall of the
whig party led naturally to the decay of the
democratic party. New questions arose, and
new combinations ensued. But the demo-
cratic party has absorbed the proslavery
wing of the whig party, and is now the un-
disguised advocate of the advance and per-
manenoe Of negro slavery. This is really
to-day, as it has been for forty years, the ru-
ling predominant sentiment of that party
and of the nation. Strange and paradoxical
it is, but nevertheless true, that the freest
nation in the world should so long be gov
erned by party and sentiment at war
with the natural rights of man. But how
ever strong and united and domineering the
prosavery element may be, its ultimate de-
feat and extinction is as certain as the law
of human progress. There is perceptibe,
hopeful, growing opposition to it that no hui
man power can resist. This opposition is
yet comparatively broken and Inefficient, but
its power will be felt, respected and upheld
by the generations who will follow us.
1t has been the object of the Perrysburg
Journal, in its humble sphere, to do what it
could to make industry respectable and up
hold the rights Of the working man, by oppo
sing the system of slavery. The political
changes that have occurred in both the state
and county Offices, have been very crafty
ing to US. When the Journal was commenced,
all these offices were held by our opponents; !;
now they are nearly all held by our friends
This qualification is our principal reward for
three years of very hard work.
1t is prevailing idea that political pa pers
have considerable influence in efftcting po-
litical results. Under favorable circumstan-
ces this may be true to some extent, but not
we think to the extent generally conceived.
Local papers are principally useful in local
matters; not for irculcating opinions, but
for spreading facts They are convenient
thing is worse than none. 1t will generally
be found that the party without paper in
county is supposed to be at disadvantage,
and will have the popular sympathy. Its
members will work harder and be more self
reliant. A political paper that is very zeal
Gus, will be depended upon to do much of
the work orits party. This is fatal mis-
take.
The republicans of Wood county are to
have two papers, hereafter, while the demo-
Gratis have none. Dissension may follow,
and the party with two papers be beaten.
1t has been our effort to treat all with cour-
tesy and TO avoid every possible cause of Of
fence; but we have sometimes failed, while
we have had frequent occasions Of gratitude
for friendly acts by men Of all parties. In
taking leave, we return our thanks to the cit
izenS for their kindness to our humble and
u