Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1856-05-10

igms Ldto, ~ ~, m iai Herald
ne newspiprf ws.. wherever unlelivffd,
lhe mighissi le,,f ~ which public opinion
may he moved. H. n free government, where
'ne laws and policy Of the country nre sup
posed TO be the reAery Of the people, such e'
yer Is invaluable. The influence Of the press
may be no less IN despolc government; In
thr lotmef the duties OF an editor are those OF
sentinel placed upon the watchiowcr, 10
give warning OF approaching danger TO the
man body oil the army in the latter those OF
tue lie guard placed around the commanding
oiileeT TO protect him from the army itself
In our country the duties of an editor are OF
high aud responsible character, For the sue.
cesslul discharge OF those duties combination
oI ia!enla and qualities is required which would
M hlm Tor the most important offices OF gov.
eminent. lie should be able firm, indepen'
dent and bold. Ability, and that ola high OF.
der 10 determine the policy which should gov
ern the affairs OF the nation; iirmness TO resist
the influence which always will be eyerted TO
change that policy independent that he may
be the eNponant OF his own views and opln'
ioas, without becoming the mere echo OF
clique or faction and finally boldness that he
may speak at all times, Of public men as they
merit.
Testing the editors OF Texas by this high
standard, fear we shall find the most, wolully
deficient. According 10 the POPULATION there are
mo'e newspapers ~ TeNiS, than IN any State
IN tue Union and slll the influence Of it.e
press is scarcely ielt in public uht;rs, This
can only arise from toI" want Of some of
the qualities "....cu should ever characterize
in frn, A,I un
examine the newspapers OF the day we cannot
fail TO perceive in most Of them want Of
iirmness, independence and boldness. One
would suppose the mission OF an editor, had
wholly been mistaken in Texas, and that in
stead o! attempting TO enlghten and lead the
public mind upon grave measures Of State pol
icy, his only duty is TO follow datter aud please
his patrons. Many Of them will not even
publish an article treating of the most import
ant subject OF State policy, for fear of losing
subscriber or a n advertisement. If the appre-
hension be well founded that the people will
withdraw their patronage from any paper be-
cause OF its boldness in speaking of measures
of pubic policy, it argues badly for their in.
telligence and future,a advancement. Aa gem
eral thing the parlizen editors of Texas are not
wanting in loldness to speak OF those politically
is 100 frequently evidenced by the gross abu Sc
Of personal character, and is often the result
nj abject dependence aud the want of ability.
Few editors ever become personally abusive
themselves, or permit such articles in their
columns, who are not bound to the car of a
de>potic party or clique none who have the
ability to advance argument and reason to
support their cause. There Is 10 more truth.
full MAXIM than that which declares tina, abuse
only begins when reason and argument have
been exhausted
IN no State Of the U.ion is an able, bold
aud independent, press so much required as in
Texas, at TIE present time. With advantages
OF soil and climate Of a superior character /;
and natural resources which, if properly de-
veioped would swell her na,iona wealth be-
yond all cacuaion-her march to prosperity is
Slow and hojbliae. The cause of ills is the
want OF the concentration of public opinion up.
on any great measure OF public policy, which
may develop tho.e natural recources and ad-
vance her prosperity; our defective system of
iurisprudencc established By practical egisla-
ton and the great want Of certainty and Sec,l-
ritv in the land iiiles Of the country, being