The Feliciana Democrat., 1858-09-18
TIE PRESS AND PUBLIC LIFE.

we are struck with the remark of cotem.
PoIory touching the number of persons at pres
gnt conspicuous IN public life, who are largely
i hot altogether, indebted to the press of the
country 'or the responsible and honorable po-
S.'loh they occupy. 1t was q foolish alecta.
'loH " third class member Of Congress, who
womb never have reached his seat in that body.
but Tor the mistake of some journal in his lo
calily Supposing him, in the heat of party
conflict, TO be possessed of some tolerable abili
ty, 10 set the press at naught, and treat II n
very trivial and uninancnial affair A glance
at the history Of the public men of this country
VIII ut once prove the slaowness of his obsur.
Yatlon and the iIlnature and malice Of his re-
mark Many man in high life aud profta-
bic station owes his elevation entirely to the
press By it he was brought out from retire
lheht ana possible obscurty, and made known
70 We community. BY II the confidence the
people was obtained for his claims and preten.
sons. By y ms best parts were exhibited aud
magniiied, and his fobcs and deficiencies con-
cealed and unmitigated. BY il lis character
was sustained against the dctractions ofhis en-
emes aud the misgivings Of his friends; and up-
on ITS assurance and recommendations the sur
lfages OF his tcllow-citizcns were extended t.
him
II i interesting TO observe how many men
have been made what they are through the
friendly agency OF the press. Not only in The
political field but in all the different walks o.
fame, and in all branches Of honorable employ
ment No more certainly docs the daily pres
by rs advertisements and announcement MAKE
known to the world the extent Of business anG
the mercantile standing Of the merchants and
manufacturers, who are thus brought into gen
era notice, than it confers distinction and rep
ntation npon all aSpirants for public honors, an,
all claimants of the public patronage Wit
ont the press no man can be anything W.
fear the press i too willing TO underrate its III
flee in this regard 1T il prone 10 sot too loy
4 value upon its power and influence tis tol
ready to submit TO mpertinence and diSparagc
ment on the part Of those who are indebted t
its aid for the position to which they have al
tanned. ] Is usually the case that it perform
all the labor and ncnrs most Of the expense
while its more favored clients sccurc the hon
or and all the advantages. 1t is too modes
and too easily contented 1t is too ready e.
labor without reward and without acknoweda
ment for the advancement and profit Of others
Ot eourse wedo not speak Of pecunary reward
The patronage and appreciation Of an homes
journal can0t be engaged Tor hire. We hear
Of a menial press, and Of the occasional pro.'
tuition of its vast Influence in behalf Of someur
princpled aSprants for notoriey who are cor
1ufa enough to pay for the service they bargair
for bnt we do not like to believe such things
We prefer TO entertain higher opinion Of Tic
purity and Of the press.
We claim for no pecnniary compensation for
is services IN the many cases Of personal ad-
it is called upon to promote W.
claim for it that self-rcspcct that shall secur
it from nbnse and imposition. We claim for
It fair acknowledgment Of its influence al
appreciutive gratitude on the part Of the many
recipient Of its gratniona favor; inst cstimat.
Of ita capabilities; an honorable consideration
ofits generosity and a respect for ls anhori
ty and prcrogatiyes The press is content that
others shall enjoy the fruit Of It's labors th
is result to which it is accustomed, and whic'
il IS prepared by eNp0!ICFce % expect in al.
time to come. But il will exact aue regar
for its rights and a Difference to its inacpcnd
ent position, as the promoter Of virtue and tru
worth, and the arbiter Of the fame of thousand
who, without its suecor were really nothing.
PARsoN BRowNLow AND REV DR PRYNE.
4 dispatCh Of the Ith from Phlladrhla say.