The weekly mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1861-1862, 1861-12-07
Freedom. ofth. Press.


1t was reserved for the Republican par.
ty, the " freedom shriekers," the especial
advocates of " free soil, free labor, fAee
speech" and free negroes, to introduce
into our country new and pleasing Re.
publican feature, which has not been in.
appropriately termed" free suppression
Of Democratic papers for speaking the
truth" Under Democratic rule the OPP.
ponents Of the Government were allowed
to denounce the measures and policy Of
the Government in unmcasured terms, but
it was because the Government was ad-
ministcred by pure and patriotic Demo
Gratis, who had nothing to conceal from
the public eye. Republication fears crit
iciSm, and to prevent it is forced to resort
to violent means to silence its opponents.
Much has been said on this subject
lately, and the apologistS and advocates
of suppression" justify it on the ground
Of Estate necessity" Never has there
been time yet when State necessity de-
handed the suppression Of newspaper.
Is newspaper more powerful than the
State? Has it more means, greater inhu-
ence AMI higher authorityI No one but
a knave or fool would answer affirma.
lively.
The right of fully and freely comment
ing upon and condemning, if necessary,
the policy and measures Of the Admins.
tration, is n sacred right, and has never
been interdicted by Democrats in author.
ity We call the particular attention Of
those who during his life time regarded
Daniel Webster as the greatest "erp0uhd-
or Of the C0nstitutiOn," living or dead
and who now subscribe to the doctrine
that Mr.. Lincoln has the right to silence
any press that dares call in question his
craftsmanship or the purity aud efficiency
Of his Cabinet-to the language Of the
great erpOunder in regard to the freedom
of speech and Of the press. Look at it,
read it, and reflect upon it. 1t is plain
language, not easily perverted, nor diff
cult to understand. Especially do we re-
quest every lover Of constitutional lib.
erty" TO notice the following terse sentcn-
ces Of Mr.. Webster at is a right to be
maintained in Peace or War. II is q
right Which cannot he MrddGd uithOut
Destroying Constitutional liberty" Preg.
nant with warning are these sentences !!
Will his voice from the grave reach the
ears of those who, frcnzied by partisan
malice, justify the destruction Of "Con-
stitutiOnal liberty! Did Webster speak
in the language of patriotism, and shall
we be accused Of circulating reasonable
sentiments, for quoting him as authority
in vindication Of the freedom Of the press
Now read and heed Wcbster's language {:
at is home-bred rights tire-sidc priv.
lege. II has ever been enjOyed in every house,
cottage and cabin in the Nation. 1t is not IN
be drowned in controversy. II is as undOMbt
ed as the right Of breathing the air, aud walk.
ing on the earth. 1t IS right to be maintain
ed in Peace and in War. 1t is a right which
cannot be invaded without destroying Consti-
Iutional liberty. Hence this right should be
guarded aud protected by the freelnen Of this
country with IL Jealous care, unless they are
prepared for chains and slavery"
Frccmen of California ARE you "prc-
pared for chains and slavery? You who
indorse the action of the Administration,
show by your Endorsement that you are
You are unfit to be freemcn -unworthy
the name of American. for no loyal Amer.
lean would do aught that would destroy
Constitutional liberty" and to forbid
the right, as the Administration has done,
Of commenting upon its policy and meas
ures, in the language of Mr. Webster, de-
strOys Unconstitutional liberty"