The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-09-20

NEWSPAPER NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. RE-
PORTS or CONGRESSIONAL DEBATEs.--We men,
toned the other day, amongst the improve
ments which the favors of the public and the
necessities of the times were likely soon to i'm
pose upon us, the publication of full telegraphic
reports Of the proceedings of Congress. The
next session promises to be one of the most i'm
portant. that has taken place within the last half
century, involving, as it probably will, attempts
to bring about sectional revolution, tending
to the humiliation of our present political sys-
TEN. 1t is essential, therefore, that the coun-
try should be placed in possession as promptly
as possible Of all that transpires on the scene
Of action. 1t will not tolerate with patience
the slow and but too frequently incorrect pro-
cess by which the Washington papers will con-
tinue to convey to the public discussions in
which they will feel so deep and eager an inte
rest. We could not, therefore, if we would,
postpone any longer step whish we had long
since decided upon as an esseu1hl feature of
metropolitan journalism. Its adoption at the
commencement of the ensuing session WILL as
we have already stated be the Inauguration of
series of important innovations which will
completely revolutionize the American press
There are but three or four papers in New
York that can afford to enter into this arrange
mentor we do not mean to monopolize its adj
vantages-namely, the Tribune, the Times, the
journal Of Commerce and the Courier and En-
qaiaer. The annual expenditure which it will
necessitate will range from $4,000 to 100000,
which, taking the minimum. will make the
yearly proportion TO be paid by each $4,000.
1t may be that some, perhaps all. of the
journals that we have named will decline to
join in the plan. Should they do so, either
singly or collectively, it will not make par
ticlc of difference to us, for we shall undertake
it in any case. On the>other city papers, which
have not the means to enter into this combina-
ton. and which are known to be in sckly
and declining condition. such us the Express.
the Soa. the Day Book, the Ecening Post and
the Commercial Advertiser, its effect will be i'm
mediate and disastrous. 1t will kill whatever
pretensions they may have as newspapers, and
it will crush out. in like manner. the old
sleepy-headcd Washington journals, which
exist only by means of the public printing
and government pap. Upon all newspapers.
in fact within a radius of thousand
miles from Washington it will exercise dis
turbing influence, disarranging all their old
calculations and plans and destituting many
OF them of the circulation which they at pre-
sent possess.
The most important result, however to which
the contemplated innovation will lead, will be
the termination that it will at once and for
ever put to the disgraceful scramble for the
public printing which takes place at the meet
ing Of every new Congress. Thus one fruitful
source of venality and peculation will be re-
moved from amongst the other vile influences
which poison the political atmosphere of Wash
ington. Instead Of an organ fed by the spoils
derived from the public printing, the govern
ment will in future have merely gazette, like
the Moniteur, for the publication of official
documents, and thus the country win be spared
the expense and odium of system which.
whilst it degrades the Office and character of
the journalist, is made the means of prostitut-
ing and dshonoring its representatives.