Gazette and sentinel., 1860-08-04
First Number of 18th Volume.

by our own feelings, We announce to our rea-
ders that the present is the first number, Old
series, of our 18th volume. 1t is a proper
occasion for US to return our thanks to our
patrons and the public for the support they
have so long rendered us, which we do with
feelings of the deepest gratitude, as well as
to take a brief review Of the past
Twelve yesrs ago this 4th day of August,
we issued the first number Of the Southern
Sentinel, then supporting Gen. Taylor for the
Presidency. His election, brought about by
Democratic votes, was the last great victory
such as it was of the Wing party-the defeat
of Gen. Scott, which followed, blotted from
existence this old organization. We all know
what followed. A strange and secret organ
ization called the "Know Nothings,' sudden
" arose, and for a time threatened TO overrun
the country. The ozark Lantern seduced
many into it's earnest support. Its demise,
however, was as sudden as its career was bril-
liant. 1t persisted with the election Of Mr..
Buchanan to the Presidency. Here again,
thousands were aIrift, Ike rudderless vessels
upon a wide sea. Many enrolled themselves
under the banner Of the only constitutional
organization existing, that Of the Democratic
party. We were Of that number, and we
shall ever be proud Of the course VIII ch our
convictions then prompted US to take. That
was in ] 1856. ,
The man who denies that another can hon
estly change his political sentiments-or who,
under circumstances similar to the foregoing
could earnestly and loyalty ally himself to
a party he had been opposing-wouh also
deny that great changes, new principles and
unexpected issues. have occurred in the polit
ical element within the last twelve wears, or
that there was sufficient patriotism in The
mind Of man, or truth in his heart, to adopt
a course OF action for the benefit of his conn
try, which events had brought about and JUS
titled, that ran counter to his former argu-
msnts and predictions. To deny the neces-
sity Of changing ones political sentiments, is
to assert That our country does not progress,
that new men and new systems do not arise
that al sides are true and %jnst-that man
learns nothing from experience-that wisdom
is not the fruit Of years, Of study, of long
andsdeep reflection. To change ones polai
cal sentiments, evidences a mind capable OF
grasping and comprehending the issues that
arise and the principles they represeet-it
evidences a mind unclouded by prejudice or
one warped by the influence Of interested de
magogues-as also does it evidence a viii oil
Mons and the jibes Of the party hack. ne
have changed our political sentiments within
the period alluded to-we are proud to say
that we did-and since that period we have
lived but to be the more firmly convinced that
the cause of the Democracy is the cause of
the Country, the Constitution, the Union
Since that period, the latter part of sc, our
pen, to the amount Of its ability, has battied
for the union of the Democracy, for the Con-
stitution, for State Rights and the Uuion Of
the States.
Being Of the same political sentiment, the
two papers-the Gazette" owned by Jos.
ii. BALcH, and the "Sentinel," by ourself-
were united in February, 1858, and the sub
scription lists Joined. This enabled the pro.
prietors to publish a much better paper than
either Of the former had been, which we trust
is still Characteristic of the Gazette and Sen.
%tinel," which name was assumed when the
union of the two took place.
Our connection with Mr.. BALcH, in the
publication Of the democratic organ Of this
parish, owing to the state of his health and
his obligations elsewhere, terminsted with
mutual good feeling in June, ~1s59.when P.
E.. JENNINGS. ESQ.,, became associated with us
in the future management of the paper.
This latter connection was sustained, in
mutual political sentiment and harmonious
feeling for one year. 1t expired with the last
number of our twelfth volume.
Thus we are again singly and alone at the
helm; but it rather augments than destroys
our confidence to guide safely and successfully
our charge, and to the appreciation of our pa
irons, through the storms and dangers that
beset it. Trusting, hoping, that our friends
have confidence in our skill, judgment and in.
tegrity, we shall do all that man can do to
keep that opinion unimpaired.
The Gazette and Sentinel" will continue
to be conducted in the same style. spirit and
sentiment that have heretofore characterized it
With these remarks. lenoihier than We in.