The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1858-07-20
ADDRESS.
Delivered before the Association Of Editors
and Publishers of the State Of Michigan
held at Ann Arbor M"rch %, 1858, by
j. O. BALCH, ESQ.

Delivered before the Association of Editors
and Publishers of the State Of Michigan
held at Ann ArbOr M"rch 23, 1858, by
J. O. BALCH, Esq.
BRETHREN I'm addressing you on this
occasion, il will not be so much my en-
deavor to present tG you an Grafton deco
grated in tho trophies ana Sgures OF studied
rhetoric. rs TO refer you to some historical
facts and TO relate few personal rominis-
cenccs in relation TO our art, calculated to
interest; | cannot hope TO instruct this en-
lightcned assembly. shall also make q
few suggestions which may not be consid-
cred improbable by thh Association in
promoting its welfare and usefulness. And
in doing this, if my remarks shall appear
to be disconnected and desultory, the great
variety Of subjects which naturally obirude
themselves upon the attention, and which
are intimately connected with oui art, must
plead for such defect. The old Roman,
Cicero, in his day, saw the chain of con-
ncction which binds the arts and sciences
together in intimate dependence, when he
said that "all the useful arts, which en-
belish lifc and contribute to its enjoy.
ments, have certain relation. with one
another" The printing press has always
been the hand maid of science and litera-
ture, which owe to this mighty engine the
aliment 10y which they are sustained and
animated.
B,cthren, we are members Of an honor
able profession, which may claim, without
blush, an equal rank with any other,
in point aud usefulness and respcctabilty.
Ours is the 'aft prcscrvotivc Of all ants"
and well betting is this title, since it has
r-rve~.-~i g. III -: q
Of time ail We know Of ancient khowledge
and wisdom, so invaluable TO the modern
scholar, sta,t sman and philosopher 1t
has done re, it has transmitted to us, in
corrupt Il 1racles of Divine Truth, and
sent them forth TO mankind clothed in ma
ny existing languages, 10 instruct, cnIigh-
ten and prepare The hearts Of man 70 be-
come recipients Of truths, essential to know,
in order TO promote oMthly happiness.
The press in all countries, is the efficient
agent to advance the cause of science and
literature in their soveraldepaiimcuts Of in
vesteation and range Of research. 1t has
only stimulated genius to push its inquire
into the arena Of nature, and to inter
ogate her with all the eagerncss which Its
luminous perceptions are calculated to 10
spire-but the same potent agent has CIV
en- wings to thoughts conceived in the clos
ct. hut rendered worldwide by its dissem-
mating power. 1t has brought mind in
communion with mind, aud bound togeth-
err by ties of brotherhood, the mentally
gifted Of every cline.
Such are some Of the benefits which the
operation of the press has conferred VI on the
world. But it's freedom is essential to ena-
bic it TO accomplish all the good Of which
it is capable. 1t should be matter fer un'
feigned congratulations that, in this happy
country, il is free and unfcttcred to pursue
its labors in cnlightening, humaniziug and
polishing society-in disseminating pure
principles ofmorality and religion, and Ii
sustaining all our institutions, egitimately
cminatiug from our republican form ofgov
eminent.
But free press is sometimes accused o
licentosunoss-of disturbing the order o
civil governments, and of propag tinl
principles dcleterious tothe prem amency o
established rule. In reply to such accnsa
tions-which are often insinceroly made
and always with selfish feelings--it is on
" necessary TO answer: Where is ther
any earthly good without some eoncemi
tant evil, aud why complain that establish
ed order is sometimes disturbed and des
troyed by the result of free discussion
when that order is inherently wrong; pro
ductive of tyrany and oppression and de
struclive to human rights and human hap
piness
Authentic history does not distinctly il
form us in what remote age, or 10y whom
the alphabet was invented. The origin {
this living monument of human production
like that Of the pyramids of Egypt, lie
hid in obscure antiquity, and is lost in tn
lapse of ages. 1t is probable, that, lik
most other discoveries, 1t was gradually dc
veloped, at first imperfectly, and aftel
wards improved, as deficiencies were expC
: .ienced, new ideas conceived, and ne'
, symbols were found necessary TO represer
different sounds: thus proceeding on Oh
I, priucipl 8 Of pbonogsaphy. Noah Webst'
who, you know, was man OF Letters, an
words, too, informs us that "Cadmus
learned prince Of Thebes, introduced ini
|. Greece sixteen letters Of the alphabet
q Now. whether this learned Theban be
myth or not, il is a sensible conclusion thi
somebody commenced this invaluable di
coyery. II il was Cadmus who began th
|. work Of the brain, lie las since been ou
q done by Cherokee Indian, who, fe
+ years ago, invented what the Theban Prin'
did pot--a whole alphabet for his lsnguat
,. and completed il by the force Of his ov