Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-07-07

signated 40 the editor in chief The Repub- !
liean papers Of this city, and some Others,
have been pleased to extol Mr.. Morgan in
this connection as the sblest Democratic
editor in the State, display Of amiability
chiefly due to the laudable desire Of the Re-
publicans to encourage the Breckenridge
movement, 70 which is added in this city the
qualification Of seeing rival TO the Enquirer,
which has for a long time monopolized the
organship Of the Democratic party. .d,
These motives, which are highly creditable
to human nature, account for the sudden
appreciation of Mr.. Morgan's ability as
writer. We don't know exactly how high a
pitch it takes TO make the ablest Democratic
editor in the State; but If u means sufficient
ability TO make foundation for successful
daily journal, then this light must have been
pretty effectually hidden under the Newark
Advocate bushel. .,....,. --
In the present transient era of Republican
good feeling, Mr. Morgan is called sharp
and forcible writer. So he is, probably, the
way that Newspaper writing goes. Not that
his sharpness and force consist in directness
Of logic force of argument, keenness Of satire,
sharpness of sarcasm aptness Of illustration,
or any Of those trivial writing weapons.
What would become of the "able editors"
if the use of these weapons was
regarded as a necessary accomplishment No
such narrow rule is going to be set up in this
generation, Slang-whanging denuncistion,
bitter vituperation running into personali7
ties whenever a discussion arises, charging
all manner of wickedness on the opposite
party and on its candidates-these constitute
sharp and forcible writing in the common
newspaper parlance; these, continued through
the year. with gatherings of the same kind
from the bell-weather organs, and from
speeches of the candidates, comprise the COM
mon type Of the party newspaper.
For the sake ofthe new enterprise we will
hope that the Advocate is more respectable
than the average. The whole press of this
partisan stamp is demoralizing TO public SEN
timent; it is the greatest load under which
civilization labors at this time. In view of
its general character, the popular habit OF
apotheosizing the press as the palladium of
our liberties, the fountain of intelligence and
the hope of the world, is q joke ghastly
enough for his internal majesty in one of his
most convivial moods. A prize ring in
every neighborhood, with bull-6ghting, bear
batting and cock-fghtng, established as the
popular amusements, would have a civilizing
effect on society, compared with that of a
large portion of the newspapers of the present
time, whose editors regard it as their prin-
cipal duty TO exhibit each others personal
vices and failings, and to keep up perpetual
contest OF personal slander with each other
for the entertainment of their readers. II
matches Of physical force are brutalizing,
what must be the effect Of mental strife
whose aim is mutual degrsdation7
We make these remarks generally, not that
the new enterprise here, under Morgan, re-
quires them. Few will deny that in gen.
eral their application is just. The result Of
several years outside observation of Cincin-
natl journalism, convinces US that taking a
scope of that extent, they are no where more
applicable than here. No where has the
tone of journalism been lower than in this
city. What is there in the profession that a
member Of it should not be a gentleman?
But the chief object Of journalism in this
city has usually been to show that it untitled
men to associate with gentlemen. What
writer is there who has been known in the
leading department of any Cincinnati news
paper who has not been made by some con-
temptuous nickname familiar household
word within the whole circuit of Cincinnati
newspaper circulation? Where, more than
here, has the first and last newspaper argu-
ment been the resort of the blackguard--
personal abuse2 Where has the personality
of writers constituted a larger portion of the
editorial articles, than here2
Who has not had his personality constantly
dragged before the public as if that was a
subject for their inquisition? There seems to
have been some improvement lately; but,
perhaps, is only a lull; but as a general
thing the tone of Cincinnati journalism,
while affecting metropolitan airs, has savored
more of the nature which furnishes her
great export.
But to return to our mutton--to start Il
daily paper in this town to support Breckin-
ridge is a most forlorn undertaking. II
ian render no aid TO him nor support
itself II is supposed, as a matter Of
course, that it is to be supported by a
levy on the federal officers, and by such
Administration patronage as the President
can bestow. II does not argue high state
of political morality in this country thai
newspapers should be openly established and
controlled by government patronage; but &C
accustomed have the people become to thii
open attempt of the Administration to de-
grade public opinion, that it is hardly though
Of now. ...
However, popular opinion is not so low
but that any paper which is started and sup
ported by government, must abandon. all ex
pectation Of support from the people, or o
influence on them. Such things stake theil
whole existence on the next Presidential
election, which, in the present case, may have
some chance for Breckenridge organ, but il
certainly seems desperate one
o. The Weather and the Harvest.