Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-08-25
MoDERAToRs OF OPINION.

from an article on London Editors and Political
Writers, contained in late number of the London
Society Magazine, the New Yo-k Observer cites
the following passage
One set Of editors in Lord Palmerston and Earl
Russell models OF superDal wisdom while another act ara
equally certain that Lord Derby and Mr. Disrael can
90 wrong and neither the other awake
to the great fact that the English people, taken WHOLE
Of party that they to he side the other
according the acts OF either attract their favor
their indignation and that that journal will other things
being equal, command The widest aud the most lasting
popularity which impsrtally distributes it's applause
not according to the Of the agent but to the
merits Of the act"
The Observer justly says that this generaliza-
ton has some large of truth in it, rs APP
piled to onr own country. Our party newspapers
are just blind to the merits of their opponents
as British editors; and it thinks that our people
are so>intensely devoted to party that they are,
as whole, almost as blind as their blind leaders
Of course, it follows that independent journalism
stands poorer chance of success here than itdoes
in England. Probably in no country in the world
is the despotsm of political party stringently
enforced and more patiently endured than here"
Our contemporary proceeds to say
This is evident from the spirit of intolerance with
which all attempts at independent criticism of and
measures frowned upon and rebuked by men of all
parties 1t is held to be impossible for to differ
honestly in opinion from the temporary leaders of the
party When change all must change ard the
the better for the changers Very few any party
willing that the favore doctrines or If the
leaders of their party shall be resisted and they regard
the newspaper that attempts such resistance
ry in the interest of the other party hey do not rise
the dignity of character that acknowledges the right
aud duty of discussion and the honest expression of
opinion hey would have every think they think
not speak ut all This il the sentiment of party
men, and it is great misfortune OF times. 1t is
greater misfortune ia free country like than in
mixed government like that of England. There is no
despotsn earth more intoerant, cruel and blind
the desp0sm of MAORI may be. No feels the
responsibility OF the wrong done, and in the aegre
gate like corporations, will do what each man would
shrink from with horror if he acting alone This is
why independent Journalism stands less chance
of here than any whrreese The people the
ulers each party for the time holds power the
people There a select few in every community who
have the good and dor to form their opinions
with the light of comparison and under the power fair
aud free discussion They willing to read WHIT man
says who ers fom them, and then egent minds are
pre- pared receive the truth rou whapeser source II
comes These the elite of men. Milton wrote only
for such readers, though be found such men are
the baancewhee Of the machinery of State. There no
reliance others stormy times When party spirit
becomes supreme liberty is gone.
:. We may come out OF the present national pers not
by the despoc power of party another but by
overthrow Of the military Of the rebellion, and
prevalence OF sound, patriotic, constitutional opinions
Extreme either side will repudate this doctrine
They would have the county believe that unless they rule
there be stable government. Between these
right and God with them If ever have union with
peace the basis will be laid 10 submission to the principles
of constitutional law, interpreted by SOBER thoughtful
mind OF calm, rejecting good men y