Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-11-13
This dav. twenty wears AGO the writer


This day. twenty years ago. the writer
hereof, then just on the verge of manhood, in
connection with another. somewhat his junior,
entered the ranks of the corps editorial
Warm ardent, flushed with the buoyant hopes
of enthusiastically attached to the princi-
Piles of the Wing party, which was then as
Stunning position in the affections Of the
people never before attained by a party ar
rayed against the democracy-and proud of
the leadership of CLAY, and WEBSTER, and the
other intellectual giants Of the Cay, who gave
character and strength to the cause, we felt
that we had consecrated ourself not to the
service OF party, nor men, but of our cOun-
try. Regarding the press as the conservator
OF justice, of morals, Of law and ORDER we
appreciated the responsibility of the position,
and determined at the outset. that in our
hands the press should never be used for I'M
worthy purposes but should remain unshack-
led, free and Independent. By so doing, we
knew we might be less efficient as partisan,
in the estimation of those who subscribe to
the monstrous sentiment that "all is fair in
politics. but we felt that what we lost in
their esteem would be more than made up in
what we would gain in the opinion Of the
more just and enlightened, and in our own
self-respect. In following up this rule, we
have frequently been brought into collision
with men of our own party. Notable in
stances Of this are to be found in our cordial
endorsement of the repeal of the Missouri
Restriction, and support of the right of Kan
sas to admission into the Union under the
LecCmpton Constitution. 1t was unpleasant
to disagree with old friends and colaborers,
but, in the pursuit of right, we could not hest
tate as to our course. Nor shall we hesitate
In future. We shall maintain our fixed pur.
pose to conduct free press; or abandon the
profession when we can do SO no longer with
honor and profit.
In the twenty years which have passed
since we assembled the tripod, what changes
have taken place! Nearly all of those whom
we found at the head of the press in Alabama
at the time have "shuffled off this mortal
coil" Some few of them remain, having
slipped the harness. and retired to the enjoy
ment of their well-won honors in private life.
Conspicuous amongst these is the founder and
for many long years the editor of the Hunts
vile Democrat. PHILIP WOoDsON. One of the
best and most useful Of men! When he struck
his flag before the sure approaches of unre-
lenting Old Age, his party lost an able and
sagaciOus leader,w cOunsels were seldom,
if ever, followed without advantage A dis |
cple of the elder Richie, of the Enquirer, he |
owe fbv of io
great master. May the evening of his life be |
serene and beautiful, as the close of bright, |
quiet autumnal day! The glorious Wing |
party to which we offered up the firstlings of |
our mental flock. together with the two
mighty leaders who embodied its principles,
its chivalry, and its glory. has passed away;
and to-day the parties of 1888 and 1858 form
n most striking contrast. How are those Of
to-day dwarfed by it. How love of principle,
country sectional amity,- conspicuous
twenty years ago, are subordinated now to
discOrd, confusion, jealousy and sectional
haste There's lesson in the picture for all
who will contemplate it seriously. We turn
from it with loathing for the housing politi-
clans who have precipitated the country into
the present condition of things
Our country's progress! How rapid it has
been, in these twenty years. in all that con-
stitutes true greatness, despite social and po-
litical evils! Her boundaries too, have been
thus extending the area of freedom,
and adding more domain to the rich heritage
Of pOsterity. In learning, the arts and sci
ences, in commerce and agriculture, how re-
stless has been the flowing tide! Advance
ment and improvement have characterized
everything except that which needs most
both advancement and Improvement, the
politics which sway the minds of the people.
Let us hope that in this respect the next
.wenty-years may be in advance of the past
Our early co-labOrer in Alabama, has been
at his post, and to-day, with US,
Enters upon his twenty-frst editorial year.
aimed a leading position amongst the ablest
md most honored editors of his State. The
beautiful embryo city, his adopted home, has
many worthy sons. but none more ready than
lie to advocate what he conceives TO be the
ause of justice aud truth. May he long con-
niue to flourish.
Will the readers of the PATRIOT pardon
his exhibition of egotism. Ones twenty-first
firth day don't come often, and We will not
Don repeat the offense. We hope for many
ears to come to labor for their enjoyment,
nd the advancement OF correct principles,
nd we are sure they will let us off this
ime.
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