Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-10
THE GAZETTE.
THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 10, 1853.
INpIUENcE OF THE PRESS.

We had occasion, in recent article 70
speak of the decline Of oratory IN our coun-
try. both at the bar and in our legislative as
semblies. In recurring to this subject, we
nav now remark that, while this gift is less
cultivated and, indeed, less valued than for
merly, the art of writing is becoming more
and more power in the State. The infu-
ence of the press, both in this country and in
England, is prodigious. 1t is, in fact, the
governing power. So we'll is this understood
10 the latter country, that we arc told by
writer in the Scottish American, that "a post
of influence in connection with the press IS
more valued by men of sense than seat IN
the House of Commons. The editor of the
Times holds up bis hand, as he we'll may,
and tells Lord Derby that he considers his
position prouder one than that of any par
fy leader, be he commoner or nobleman.-
As writer for the same paper, Mr.. Lowe
10 much more highly thought of than rs
speaker in the House of Commons, and
member of tho government" "The men
of the pen are rising above the men of the
tongue"
A very significant acknowledgment Of the
influence which the press exerts upon pubic
opinion, and the wholesome censorship it ex-
ercises over men in authority is found in the
reception which Mr.. Russell, the Times cor.
respondent, met with on bis arrival in India
He was received by the big wigs, says the
Calcutta correspondent of the Madras Exam
liner, with great distinction. land Lord Can
ming fastened to invite him to dinner and
show him every politeness in bis power. He
has been fawned upon and caresssd by the
higher grades of civilians, and an immense
parsde of candor has been shown on all
sides; aud, what is still more odd, he has been
allowed access to documents which have been
kept religiously hidden from all other eyes
Every facility was given him to reach ALA
habad in safety and comfort and it was
really delightful to see the terror he inspires
wherever he goes. If he does not get talk
ed over by the civil clique, and does his
duty honestly and we'll, he may yet do an
immense deal of good for India, and all of
u.s."
The care that is bestowed, and the thought
and ability employed in the production of a
daily newspaper of the better class, arescarce-
~ appreciable by the reader. Things that
are rare and only procurable with difficulty
arc priced accordingly; but a newspaper, like
air and sunshine, comes 30 regularly and at
DO little cost, that we overlook or cease to re-
feet upon the various power and activity
that are required to sustain its diurnal exist
ence. Yet what variety Of information, what
amount of argument upon contested points
Of politics, of science, art, and literature do
Its columns contain! Mems opinions are
moulded, and their action guided by the
press, and this almost uuconsciously to
themselves. A book may be read, and its
contents forgotten; but the press is like con-
tinual fall of water upon the rock. At first
it may have no perceptible effect; but it comes
at last to stamp its impress even upon the
hardest and most persisting surface. 10 fact,
the newspapers do great deal Of the best
thinking for the community. They lead,
they guide opinion. No doubt, upon certain
topics, and at certain times, they speak the
preconceived sentiments of their readers;
but. for the most part, they are the original
springs of public opinion and public acting
If we should drift into war with England Up
on the question of visitation and search, the
impulse will have been given to the Admin
istration by the press.
We are very far from asserting that the
influence of the press is always beneficial. II
has done great deal of mischief; but tia,
the good which belongs to it is out of all pro.
portion to the evil, is amply demonstrated
by its existence in two such countries as
Great Britain and the United States.-PhI
american.