The mountain Democrat., 1863-05-09
TTF H0UNTAIN DEMOCRAT.
rnrss olasses d NswspaPer Men.


The pres Of CalifOrnia can boast some
ahla aud honorable writeFs-men whose
minds are above meanness, whose argu-
mouts are addressed to the reasoning fac
uItiea. and not to the passions of men
Who nsvsr stoOp TO dirty, uaProGessional.
conduct; who resort not to abuse, indulge
no Vulgarity, aud treat their brethren of
the pen, and citizens generally, with uni.
form courtesy, candOr and fairness. The
influences Of men, such as We have de-
ocribed l. felt and acknowledged, even by
their opponents. Their gentlemanly de-
pOrtmenk, candid reasoning, upright con-
duct, digniHed style, and unvarying fair
dealing. entftle them to respect and admi.
ration. They are ornaments to the pro-
Iession, and worthy all praise.
There is another class Of newspaper
conductOEs-men who deserve contempt
and should be execrAted by every respec-
table man in the community. They be.
long 10 the Hessian class. who are ready
70 undertake anything for pay. When
vou.Rnd Oos Of these low creatures win
brains s6Sskia 10 EDIT country newspa-
per. yOu viii discover that he prostitutes
what little talent he possesses upon the
altars Of IWere. He Is ready-Sy, eager
20 advocate the worst Of causes, to defend
the mOse dangerous conspiracies, to shield
bribery and corruption, and vilify honest
citizens whO never did bin wrong or in,
Jury. An this he docs for hire, sometimes
writing on one side Of . question, and
anon Wielaibe his pen in behalf of the
other. He is . Hessian editor--a man
without principles, devoid alike Of honor,
virtue, decency and shame.
StiIl third class--and, il possible, low
er than the second, is occasionally met
with In charge Of public journals. These
latter belong to what is termed the Nor
risey school Of Fighting Editors" 1t
will be remembered that this noted bruis-
OF for Q time faunted his name as conduc-
tor Of paper in Troy, New York. This
puguaciOas class Of mankind, whether
lound 70 be on the "shOot'' or shoulder" 1"
without brains, education, or manners,
yet thrust themselves in as proprietor or
editor Of . paper, and endeavor, by EN-
ploying . mercenary hireling TO do their
writing, to obtain cheap reputation up
on the strength Of another mans brains.
Being by nature Of vicious, brutal dis
position, and lacking wholly the instincts
Of . gentleman, the course Of journals
under their control is marked by lying
defamation. slang, bIlingSgate and vile
personal abuse. This is their style, and
the poor creatures who for so many pieces
Of silver per month do their scribbIing,
although perhaps able and drsirons Of do
ing better. are compelled to hash up edi-
torials to suit the debased taste Of the r
brutalixed masters.
1t Is sometimes rather agreeable to the
feelings Of some cowardly wretch to make
personal assaults editorlally on his fellow
citizens and neighhors, when he can 40
90 behind the shadow of another mans
name: when he assumes no responsibility
and runs no risk to his dirty person !;
when the lighting editor stands ready.
with bludgeOn or pistol, 10 knock down
or murder any one Who attempts TO save
bis reputation from the slon1rrouS viper,
or to call him to per>onl'- account. 1t
iiS not difficult TO see the difference be-
tween the newspapers { !ited 10y unprin.
ssipled hirelng lIessianS, whose C. lumus
AFe,eontrolicd by branlr>s sighting men,
and those journals whose editors and pro.
pFiet0Es are peaceable. good citizens, men
.of ability, char acter aud standing. The
distinction is broadly defined They are
as ride apart as the poles Of the earth ;
as manly courage from brute fcrocity, or
wiekednsss and sin from purity aud holi-
neN-SOnora Democrat.