The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-09-13
which L. the Organ OF the Administration y
"A National Printing Once

A National Printing Once.
A writer in 'he Charleston Is. CO. Mercury
informs the readers OF that paper that the New
YORK HERALD is more the organ of the admins
tration-if there be confidential organ-thau
either the Union or the Richmond Enquirer" In
one sense we have no doubt that the Mercuru l.
correct We believe we are the organ OF the ad.
mpistaton as far as expressing sound constita-
tional opinions, which meet the views OF toe
President and are in keeping wish his policy.
To this extent we have no objection to being
considered 'he organ, not only Of The administra
ton, but of the great majority OF the people OF
the United States, who, feeling no interest in the
selfish spolls policy of scheming political
demagogues, cordially endorse any President
whom they believe has the good of the
country at heart But to be the organ of either
the present administration or any other, in the
ordinary acceptation of the phrase, is position
we certainly do not occupy, and we would have
a contempt for ourselves if we did We support
the administration of Mr.. Buchanan because we
believe it to be honest; and the moment We cease
to have this opinion we will oppose it as strongly
as we did that of poor Pierce. Selfish consitera-
tions can have no weight with us-tor it is out of
the power Of any administration to serve us We
depend for support upon the people of the coun-
try, not upon politicians; and the public will
sustain us just 30 long as we faithfully perform
our duty as Journalist Administrations come
and Pass away-they are mere incidents
in rhe progress of events; whilst our growth ia
cfA ravJ al in
the growth and prosperity of the country ITSELF
We support Mr. Buchanan's views That support
will cease whenever we consider he no longer de-
serves but in the meantime we DO not Intend to
anticipate his decadence. Ii he should prove
himself unfaithful to his trust-aud there is no
evidence Of it yet-we will as fearlessly oppose
him as we now willingly advocate bis claims TO
the confidence of his fellow citizens This is
briefly our platform; and it is clear enough not
to be liable to misconstruction.
Whilst on the subject of organs, we observe
that the Philadelphia Press announces that Seoa-
tor Bayard, of Delaware, purposes, at an early
day next session, pressing the question Of TIE
establishment of a National Printing Ofi,e,"
and the consequent abolition of the present
corrupt system of electing public printers by
each house of Congress We cordially approve
this purpose, and we hope it will not be allowed
to die out, as it usually has just as the election
of printer comes on. There is no reason why
the government should not do its own printing
as it builds its own ships, has its own fouudries
and makes its own muskets. The principle is
precisely the same, and the amount of money ex.
pended lie certainly not less in the case of print
ing than in either of the other instances The
printing would be well executed and the country
would save the enormous profits which now 90
to gil the pockets Of needy Spectators and sus-
tain those sickly abortions in Washington popu-
larry known as "organs." Almost every
city has an ordinance against the nui.
sance of organ grinding, and the sooner
q similar law is enacted and put in force in
Washington. the better it will be for the morals
of the politicians who congregate there. Let the
government if necessary, issue an official
gazette containing official news; and this could
be ex ended during the sessions of Congress to
the publication of the debates which are nov
officially reported This is all any administra
tion requires. A political organ which has to be
supported by governmental pap is an absurdity,
for if the people will not support It, it can render
but little aid In any quarter. Il
We have reason to believe the Presi-
dent will cordially assist any movement
having for its object a change 10 the pre-
sent system of public printing and adj
ministration organs. He has wholesome
dread Of the faint of corruption which more than
clngs to the skirts Of his predecessor. poor
Pierce. Upon this subject of Washington organs
and Mr.. Buchanan's opinion of them both Col
Forney and Mr.. Beverly Tucker could give
some interesting information we're they called on
the stand. They certainly would testify that II
the President has any taste for music be does not
desire to indulge II by the continuance of such
useless instruments a. have of late years encum-
bered every administration. No administration
can be successful which depends upon the paid
flattery of few camp followers Tor support instead
Of looking to the great voice OF the public, az
expressed in the columns OF the independent
press The latter has no selfish ends to subserve:
whilst the former, commenced in corruption. car
ried on in deception, must end, as il ever has
done, in bankruptcy Of character, not ouly to
itself bat oil connected with 1t.
A national printing Office is step 10 the right
direction. We will watch Mr.. Bsyard's progress
with good deal Of interest, and mark it's oppo-
nents.