The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-01-07
To the Public.

The friends and patrons Of the PoRrAsE
ERHTHEE will have seen by the valedictory |
Of Mr. Hart, published in last weeks paper,
that We have purchased his entire interest
IN the Establishment, and that hsnceforth
its proprstorship and editorial management
win be committed to our charge.
In assuming trust so responsible as that
Of conducting public journal, it is fairly
preTmable that those to whom we look for
support, will expect an avowal Of the course
We intend to pursue and the principles BY
which we shall be governed. To crafty
this reasonable expection we have not the
slightest objection; but in doing so, how.
ever, we do not deem it expedient or proper
to make a heightened or labored statement
OF the course we shall pursue in regard to
oil questions Of State or National bearing,
which have agitated, or are now occupying
the public mind-nor shall we be lavish in
promises, remembering how often they are
kept only 10 the ear but broken to the hope.
Hoping to be found, on all occasions. advo-
eating the cause Of TRUTH and JUSTICE, the
inherent rights of man, good morals and
general education, we trust an enlightened
ard discerning public may appreciate our
efforts, and that the same liberal encourage.
ment which has hitherto been extended to
eur late partner and ourself, may be contin.
ued towards us.
The course Of the paper, in its essential
parts, will remain unchanged; and although
we have had some experience in conducting
political paper, yet we are not insensible
to the fact that in community Of people,
Whose pursuits and interests are so various
and diversified, and whers there is such a
eontrariety of character and sentiment, the
difficulty Of catering SO as fully to suit the
wishes and purposes Of all, is so apparent
that entire success is hardly to be expected.
All we can promise is, to make the best use
Of all the energies and abilities we possess,
and Of all the resources we can command;
If We err, il will bs in judgment, not by de-
sign.
We intend to spare no pains in making
the PORTAGE SENTINEL, as a channel of
early intelligence and as desirable family
journal, equal, if not superior, to any country
paper in Ohio-in short, just such paper
~ every farmer and mechanic, every busi-
ness man and politician ought to take. The
general reader we will endeavor to serve by
q piquabt photographic condensation Of all
the intelligence stirring at home or abroad,
that 10 calculated to instruct or Omuse, and
BY tasty and judicious selection Of choice
tales, chastc and comic poetry, wit without
vulgarity, and humor without offence. The
politician we shall strive to crafty by q
sound, radical and consistent advocacy of
Democratic "men and easures"-support-
ing cordially the course pursued by the Ma
tional Administration at Washington, and
the usUges and policy Of the Democratic
party OF this State. We shall zealously
support all the nominations of the party,
regularly and fairly de-discardng every
thing Of a factious or disorganizing charac-
ter-looking upon oil selfish cliques as con-
spiracies against the peace and welfare of
the Democratic family, and regarding every
Democrat as entitled to our political fellow.
chip, whether he happens to coincide with
10 precisely in oil the minor points Of faith
or not. We have no desire, haG we the
right, to arrogate to ourself the attribute Of
exclusive perfe ection in political wisdom or
orthodoxy; and If any Of our political breth.
rem are not as steadfast in the faith, or upon
any Of the great and leading questions OF
the present day, as we think the times and
spirit OF the age demand, we shall strive, BY
sound argument and concilliatory expostu-
lation, to convince them of their errors,
rather than irritate them by arrogant denun-
citation or intolerunt prescription. Nor can
we, for the purpose Of advancing the person.
al interests and political promotion Of any
particular men Of the party, however worthy
or deserving, be induced to engage in
crusade against other Democrats equally
worthy and meritorious. So long os we
can WELD pen and retain cur senses, we
will never consent to be chained to the car
Of any man or any self Reconstructed junto of
men; we will cheerfuIly worship at the
shrine Of PRINCIPLE, but never will we con-
sent to sacrifice the oblations due there, upon
the altar Of mere personal ambition or az.
grandizement. We shall 60 first for our
principles, then for the men who will best
maintain them, and upon whom the Democ.
racy can aHite with the surest prospects of
success.
JAS. w. soMERvILLE,