The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1860-06-23

NeWSp0perS ana HOllttClU1ps
The publication Of the editor OF the Tn
I.~e's letter to Mr.. SEWARD has furnished
the occasion of q good many newspaper dis |
courses ON the text, "Put not your trust in
princes" .The newspaper editor" says
philadelphia journal, "is, in fact, the creator
of politicians and statesmen" 1t would be
moro accurate to say that he 10 the architect
of their fortunes, not Of themselves, for both
oo,,,icians and statesmen are born, not made.
The Qualities necessary TO a successful politi-
clan can no more be acquired than those OF the
fox or the serpent though they may be devel-
oped and sharpened by opportunity, educa-
ton and practice. In like manner, statssmen-
such men as CALHOUN, CLAY, WEBsTRR-are
horn in the eagles nest, and their own strong
wings bear them up in the higher regions OF
tho atmosphere, without aid from ANYBODY
but themselves. But the political fortunes OF
both politicians and statesmen are often mace
and unmade by the press. BY dexterity OK
manipulation, which no juggiery ever equal
lad it converts mere politicians into states
men and statesmen into politicians, after Sc
curing Official advancement to those who are
not worthy Of it, and consigning those who
are to popular neglect and even odium Fro
badly. more Misrepresentation and prejudice
exist3d against the three men whose names
we have mentioned above than any men OF
their generation probably, outside their own
party, th.y had less hold OF the popular heart
than any other public men Of their day, whilst,
at the same time none deserved AS much both the
respect aud the affection Of their countrymen.
But whilst their talents were acknowledged,
their ideas, principles ard character were
widely misunderstood. The press converted
ons into a miserable abstractionist and traitor;
a
mt 10 his own section; the third into a
naughty aristocrat and federalist. This is an
illustration Of the power of the press. and OF
the unjust and injurious manner in which it
IL often exercised On the other hand, how
MANY political pigmies has 1t passed on as first
rate statesmen 1t is no more than retributive
Justice that these creatures of the press SO
often prove ungrateful to their creators that
in 50 many cases, they kick over the ladder
upon which they have mounted TO distinction
Put not your trust in princes" was WISE
maxim, even when applied to those hereditary
rulers, who have little occasion to propitlate
the people but " Put not your trust in poll
ticians," is q prohibition which would seem
almost a. superhuous as Put not your trust
In foxes and serpents." Yet from the weekly
village newspaper to the mammoth oaily
sheet of such a city as New York, there is one
universal experience of newspapers being VIC
timized for theirOwn purposes by politicians
From tho cunning little demagogue at
county courthouse to the long-headed aspl
rant for Presidential honors, the politician
are everywhere angling for the newspapers
a. the most certain mode Of securing their Pc
litical fortunes. This game has been generalI!
played with great success, but OF late years tn
newspapers are learning wisdom by experience
They have discovered that TO goa warfare OF
their own charges for the benefit OF others
accords neither with scripture nor common
sense; and, with few anuquated ana ante
djluvian exceptions in the most verdant OF tn
rural districts, they base their prospec"
success and independence on their own enel
~. economy and Independence, instead of IN
promises Of politicians. Yet, it Is siDgula
enough that after the editor Of the Tribune ha
made . fortune BY the exercise Of these quail
ties. he should still sigh over the 1leshpots {
Egypt. and devote SEWARD to destruction b
cause he did not confer favors upon him whic
could never have been a. valuable and perm,
nent a. those he has achieved BY his own il
dustry.
We rejoice to see the ties between the pol
ticians and the press constantly growing Wea'
er. We rejoice to zee the light gradually dawl
Ing upon the minds OF eoitoEs, 'n"' ING WI
and meanest patrons Of the press are the pol
ticians, and that it is not altogether consistel
with dignity and self-respect to fnrnish bralI
and political position to those who are inc
pable OF approaching the immense pow
which that lever Of public opinion has exc
cised In their behalf. II the press will her
after pursue an independent course, givil
honor only to whom honor is due, and refu
Ia 70 ronAsr its>lf iustrumentAl in fOiStil
insignincant men into high places, it will e
nance ito own value and dignity, and subser
the interests and reputation Of the country
Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Co.
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