The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1857-12-31
h. !, the Foundation Of the Democrats


lie q, the Foundation Of the Democratic
faith.
In locking back over my brief editorial
career, 4 an ibls 70 odiscoyer Very'mpny err
rors and impsrfections, and all That can
boast Of for myself is, that my intent and
purpose has been to promote the happiness
and well being of the patrons Of the Pcs-
rAeE SENTINEL, and the best good Of the
Democratic party.
The life of a country editor is very far
from being one of ease or pleasure. On
the contrary he is environed by perplexihes
Of which his friends and patrons are entire
Iy ignorant. His duties are almost innu-
merOble, and they vary from the most me-
rial service Of the youngest apprentice to
the selection OF matter and the preparation
Of editorial articles. II he has charge OF
what is generally denominated the "organ"
of his party his duties ere still more labo-
rious. No publisher, who really desires the
triumph of his political principles, will
shrink from the performance of any labor
however severe, which is calculated to'p7O-
mote the doctrines OF his choice. In doing
SO he cannot fail to arouse against himself
the most bitter hostility, not only from his
political foes, but oftentimes from those
who ought to be his warmest euPporters.-
A truly independent man cannot live long
in the world without enemies. If he does
right, regardless of consequences, he is sure
to run against the prejudices or Interests Of
some of his fellow citizens. In doing SO,
he ncurs their hatred.
There dre men in almost every commtni'
ty who because they happen to oe subscribers
for newspaper, fancy themselves the own
ers not only of the paper, bat Of the editor
himself. This is a mistake. 1t is unques'
tionably the duty of all publishers TO listen
to, and be thankful for, the earnest counsel
of their friends, and ii is pleasure so to do;
but it is equally their duty to act with per-
feet independence upon all questions, and to
Eubmit to dictation-ne The editor
must think and act for himself, else he is
unworthy of his position. He earns his
bread honestly and is entitled to il. Hi;
own self-respect is OF more value than the
good will Of chose despicab!e pretender'
who, with professions Of attachment to hi'
and his party's interests, would transform
him into a mere time serving tool.
But while there are difficulties to be en-
countered, there are many pleasures an
benefits to be enjoyed. have experience
them in on unusual degree. The ardaou
duties of my calling have been rendere
light and pleasant by the kind wishes an
freely given encouragement of the patron
and friends Of the SENTINEL. Fer the cordit
support und friendship have received sine
coming TO Ravenna, am under obligation
, which I can never repay. J came anon
= you stranger, without experience, withor
: any knowledge of the local politics, an
with but limited pecuniary means. Th
friendly welcome extended to me by tn
: Democracy of old Portage will be long re
membered. The weekly intercourse of a
editor with his readers creates communit
of thought and interest, and to separate no.
seems like the separation of old and Ion
tried friends. Wherever am and whateve
my calling, the associations connected wit
,, the editorship of the SENTINEL will be anon
the most interesting and lasting of my life
Reader, may the sunshine of prosperit
,, and the choicest blessings of Heaven b
ever yours.
ALPHONSO HART.