The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-02-20
THE UNION AND JOURNAL.
FOR 1857.
&C svoLUMExIH %

line uIbt uumUof VI shS Sh'ooS oe' W
which originated the Union & Journal ss
now published, was issued January 81, ls4s.
Il was established on the basis of afording
70 the community in which II was Published,
o medium through which correct informa.
ton Of the business, social, and political
wants Of the people might be disseminated.
It had its origin in no Aesting desire to aid
in mend,ps the fortunes Of a defeated and
PROSTATE party, or to subserve the interests,
or to secure the political advancement Q.
any clique Of men. Its present conductor
has been connected with it from Its COM
meuccment, and whatever success 1t has
achieved, and whatever hold it may have
upon the sympathics Of the community is
owing, in some degree, to his ezertions and
the kindness Of friends. Bound to no par.
ty IN its inception, and proposing only to
support principles believed to be correct, the
paper has been conducted with the view to
promote the greatest good Of all, and to I'D
vance those great moral and social ideas up
on which the prosperity Of community
rest. 1t has never followed the fortunes Of
party, longer than the party to which 1t
rendered j tsaid, followed principle.
Its conductor has studiously aimed to live
up faithfully to the following exposition OF
the manner in which the paper would DO
conducted, and the principles it would en-
force, set forth in Introductory article, in
serted in the lirst number:
"In regard to the management OF the
Union, believing as its conductors do, that
the greatest object to be sought for isa
hcalthful tone of moral sentiment in the com.
munity, and one which rises superior to oil
other considerations and demands tho atten-
ton of an honest press, it will be u leading
object with thsm to make the Union ever
subseryient to the cause of virtue and sound
morality. 1t will study to inculcate those
precepts of virtue and honesty which arc
universally admitted to be essential to the
security OF free institutions and the happi-
ness of society. 1t will repress vice, and adj
yocate, not with bigoted and fanatical zeal,
hui in spirit of charity and temperance, oil
the great measures Of moral and intellectual
improvement, which have for their object
the wcll-being of society and its advance
ment in moral progress.
In politics, the Union, relying upon the
wisdom Of the fathers of the republic, WISH.
ington jefferson, Adams and Madison, will
advocate the doctrines they taught, and be
faithful to the Constitution Ii will not
make, as is now too frequently the case, De-
mocracy mere PROCLAMATION Of substance
not the cant term by which partizan objects
are to be attained and the spells of Office &C.
cured, but living principle, --active,-en-
during and always productive of good TO the
republic. Among our principles are, in the
vigorous language Of another, "Protcction to
the laborer and the producer; to the mer-
chant and manufacturer integrity and
economy in the discharge Of official trusts !;
he vigilant defenccs as against the world OF
national dignity and honor the observance
of honor and good faith in all our dealings
with, and treatment Of other nations: the
maintenance Of sound currency; an ex-
tension of the resources Of the country, by
the construction of harbors, roads and canals
as the wants of the people demand them; u
vigorous administration OF tho laws; the
separation of the seats of justice by all pos.
lille barriers from party influences; the gen.
eral promotion OF knowlcdgeand the enlarge
ment of the means of education - and to this
we add, an unfinchiug opposition to any
enlargement of territory involving q viola
ton of constitutional obligation or the ex-
tension and perpetuation Of institutions OF a
sectional character, and at variance with
human rights.
In the defence and advocacy OF those views
il shall be our study to avoid all irritating
lansuage-all cant terms and Opprobious
epithets-to treat those who may differ from
US in spirit of forbearancc and kindness.
and generally to preserve towards our oppo.
ncnts "a conciliating disposition. Much OF
the rancor and vindictiyeness Of party aris-
es from the embittered spirit in which the
political press has been conducted, There
Is need OF reform in this particular, and we
know of no better way to aid that reform
than by abstaining from all abuse and re
elimination ourselves, and REFRESHING all de-
sire to speak or deal harshly with our oppo-
nents. But while we announce this as the
principle upon which the Union will be
conducted, we shall not refrain from speak
ing independently, and when OCCASION calls
for it, perhaps severely, OF unpripcipled and
selfish politicians, when we are satisfied the
good Of society require it. But in no sense
will the Union be mere partizan press
Ii will claim and exercise the light to com.
ment upon the actions OF all parties. and
political men without regard &c party, keep
ing always in view. and being governed by
the principles of honesty and fairness.
How far its conductor has succeeded in
managing the paper in accordance with
these views, Others must judge. In the
progress of time divisions Of opinion ON
measures of an. economical character which
at one time were believed to DO connected
with the prosperity of the country, have
passed away. The elasticity of our people
has overcome systems Ofpublic policy which
were injurious in their inception to the
public veal, and with the removal OF the
causes of these divisions, tho differences
have ceased and new questions have arisen
or old ones OF abiding interest have forced
themselves more prominently into notice and
caused new and other arrangements, OF par
| ties.
Of this latter class, prominently before the
people, are those living questions which di.
vidcd the people in tho recent Presidential
struggle. True to the principles asserted in
the introductory from which has been quoted,
! thp M, ncr ba ,lnna what vns within its now
or 10 prevent the spread of slavery. and to
prevent false ideas in regard to the princi-
| Piles oil our government obtaining any lodge
ment in the hearts Of the people. The Re-
publican party has been beaten, but in the
hour Of defeat 1t is strong and gloric us,
strong, because 1t reposes ON the rock upon
which arc anchored free institutions and
vigorous, because the mon who support II
will not DO discouraged by any reverses nor
be deferred from taking active measures to
secure for it the public confidence and regard.
The paper has gwen willing assent to the
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