The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-05-14
NEWSPAPERS.


rescntative in their character, rs all such
emanations from the business interets and
political sentiments of its people must Of
course be. Yet they possess productive as
well as rcactivc influence Of immense power.
Great rs already arc the manifestations of
that power, it is as yet but comparatively
recognised in its true nature. 1t has not
yet received the full organization that will
concentrate in it, to the fullest possible ex-
tent, the intellect, knowledge and refine
ment, the substantial governing power, in
short, which is to give direction to opinions
and taste, throughout the Republic. The
power, however, thus indicated and cxcr-
ciscd, should not, correctly speaking, be
called the power of the press-bccauso the
press is the mere instrumcntality by means
of which truths and facts, just references
and elevated sentiments, are brought to
bear on the public mind. The newspaper
press is the efficient instrumentality to ac-
complsh this, since by its persistent publicity
it can cause the most immediate, thorough
and continued diffusion, throughout the
masses of the people, Of those wholesome
influences which are potent and salutary in
their operations upon society. Where the
press, as in this country, is so free as to en-
brace RIGHTEOUSNESS within the bounds of
liberty, it must follow that bad principles,
as well as good, will find diffusion through
out. Any one may start newspaper who
has sufficient means and is disposed to en-
counter the perils of the investment, just as
any one many venture his capital in the dry
good business. Hence there must be many
varieties of capacity, Of fitness, among those
who assume the responsible post Of conduc-
tors Of newspapers-menw who by their own
election undertake to form and express
opinion upon all subjects of public concern,
and who, without possessing the necessary
qualification, become "blind teachers of the
hlnd," exposing their own ignorance whilst
attempted to inform others.
The cgolism of our American journals
as general thing, is perhaps the most seri
Gus drawback upon their usefulness in tht
more elevated sphere Of Influence in keep
ing ill the background the more indlvidu
allied 81" which the editor is in too man,
instances anxious to keep prominently il
i'll the view of his readers. A newspapc
should be an impersonality. The journa
speaks, the editor never. 1t Is bound to th
community by public relations in which al
individual:sm should be LOST. It is unit,
. composed indeed of many parts, an,
necessarily the product Of many minds bu
it is with its aggregate character alone tha
the public has any concern. Tile persona
concerns of its editors, their likes or dislikcs
their enjoyment and grievances, have moth
ing to do with the functions of journalism
To the pulic they are nothing as individu
als-at least nothing more than others 0
equal merit. Their cgotism is as disagree
able, their undue assumption as intolerable
asifjt proceeded from others, with the adde'
provocation that arises-from superior OF
portunity 10 manifest these unpleasant qual
F., tiles. The fact that they have printin,
press at their disposal gives them no priv
lcges Of. obstruction, and no special CLAIM
to sympathy except in the proper discharg
of their trust.
But newspaper, appearing regularly be
l fore the people, and sustaining a characte
}, for promptness in the diffusion Ct news an
: unprejudiced fairness in expressing its views
: makes for itself, and is entitled to hold,
g a separate entity-a distinct existence.
h is living, constantly speaking, and powe
= full influence. I, gives intelligence relatiy
y to business and events, and the public rel
It upon the accuracy and extent of its info
3 nation: 1t expresses opinion op gyaat pull
c lie questions and famiiarizes tho commun
IS ty with the pertinent facts on which its col
e, clusions are based, and enables tlem, tc
= to form judgement. 1t advocates o,
d side or the other in controverted issue
r. policy, and the public look to it for Il
l. honest exercise of its best judgmentsand f
ss the observance Of fair and courteous
s, meanor in discussion. These are the duti
le Of journalism, and it is the qualities exhil
. ted in the discharge of them that gi
character and influence as the result of tn,
ID development. In its representative cbars
IS ter, the newspaper press merely exhib
er 'tEe age and body Of the time" in its ex
in ting form and proportions, without inHue
o. cling it one way or the other. The rep
D. sentative character, however, is onlyst
to foundation upon which it's higher attribp
lie rest, It must be representative, or it c
y have no permanent existence. 1t is no,
to power IN the midst Of society, acting inc
he pendshtly-but It is.a part Of the syst.
nd and ia its general progsess whilst it n,