Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-01-08

dare not hope, my worthy co-laborers and
friends, that, in the brief address my limit
ed time has permitted me to prepare, can
do Justice to the Association, or to the sub
ject most appropriate to the present occasion.
Until recently notified that, in consequence
of an appointment made two years since, our
worthy President expected an address at this
time, was under the impression our organ
ization had been abandoned. The duties and
responsibilities of an independent press, its
use and abuse, comprehend so many sugges-
tive points for deep and mature thought, and
require such high literary qualifications to
discuss them properly, that l approach the
subject with dif6dence, and feel that l can
but very imperfectly discharge the duty as
signed me.
A free and well-regulated press is the
chief-ground- and support of political
liberty We have reason to be grateful,
that nowhere upon earth are its blessings
more fully realized than in the United States.
There is not habitation in the land where
its teachings may not be enjoyed. The
stroke of the pioneers axe scarcely ceases
to be heard, his cabin reared in the wilder
ness, or the virgin soil received the first
seeds from his hand, ere the printer, with
his types, begins to SOW intelligence around
him. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, all
over this widespread domain of liberty,
there is not spot that is not gladdened with
the genial influences of an unfettered press.
Everywhere, in the busy mart or in the re-
tirement of the country, will we discover the
evidences of the high estimation which the
American people place on this mighty in
strument of civilization and enlightenment.
But while we have good cause to exult in
and appreciate the vast Importance and man
manifold benefits of free press, it becomes
those of US who are connected with its man
agement to study carefully, honestly and
faithfully its duties, priviledges and respon-
sibilities- seek out and become familiar
with the details necessary to the ful6lment
of its true mission, that We may guide and
control it for the best interests of our coun-
try and society; that We may WELD its
mighty influence in behalf of virtue and
truth; and in support of the Constitution
and the public good and WELD it, too, in
the defence of our rights against all en-.
croaehments from desi gning or ambitious
politicians, and the fanatical assaults of mis-
guided or knarish philanthropy.
Gentlemen, we are called to high and
and responsible station when we undertake
to conduct the free press of a free people
While the only restrictions on this mighty
engine, are those designed to prevent its IL
centiousness, yet it behooves us to guard
we'll its purity and 6deIty-to keep it strict
ly within its Legitimate sphere. We con-
ceive the first duty of press, under gov
ernment like ours, to be the inculcation of
a reverence for the constitution and strict
obedience to the laws of the country. So
long as the provisions of the compact which
associates the States in political union are
jealousy observed, SO long, and SO long on
ly, will our rights and liberties be safe
That mastery production of pure patriots
has withstood many shock; and although
it may have been deviated from in some in
stances, yet, thanks, to the indomitable pat
riotism of the American people, it still sur
vives-the beacon light to the people of ev-
cry nation, kindred and tongue who seek for
liberty. Throughout the political history of
the United States, am gratifed to say, the
reader will discover that the people of the
South have been ever found among its warm
est supporters and most vigilant conserva-
tors. South Carolina, among the faithful,
will be found e-emiuently devoted to the
preservation of the Constitution. Her pub
lie men have been distinguished for their
strict adherence to, aud ardent defence of
that magma charter of our rights and liber-
ties. The name of Calhoun is identified with
it, and the whole labor of his brilliant ca
reer-the highest aspiration of his mighty
intellect-was to preserve it in its original
strength, beauty and vitality. Clinging to
it with devotion which stamped his public
career with the living impress Of genuine
patriotism, he stood forth among his COM
peers the champion of the Republic, and
struggled for its perpetuation in the only