Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-06-29

by DIR. Pease OF the MOL
tello Express.
Gen. Atwood, of the Madison Jour
nal. was then introduced and proceeded
= deliver the annual address, which |
was as follows
1E-. President, Members ofble Wisconsin
Editorial and Publishers Association,
Ladies' and Gentlemen:
To be able, reasonably, to interest or
instruct an ordinary American audi
ence. requires a gift possessed by a cry
small proport. IN of our people F.; gift,
which a practical printer editor, wholly
inexperienced in public speaking, and
unused to writing anything beyond the
commonplace editorials of country
newspaper, cannot hope to possess
But, if so small proportion can enter
tain and instruct an ordinary coDgrega-
tion-who can expect TO approach this
desirable object, with an audience like
the one now before me made mp, In
large degree, with literary critics; men
whose daily business it is to educate,
amuse and instruct the public mind
with their literary efforts / do not
appear in this place with any hope that
| can edify, instruct or entertain you
nor do lido it in accordance with my
own inclination or choice, but IN Obe-
dience to "A peremptOry summons from
the worthy President of the Associa-
tion. whose annual meeting we have
met to celebrate. A good printer will
cheerfully obey the requirements OF
well regulated Office. Claiming to be
regular printer, submitting to all prop
or demands of the craft upon me, 1 ac-
cept the situation, obey the summons,
appear before You mt this time, and
shall crave the indulgence of this intel
ligent audience for few moments; and
from my intimate acquaintance with
the fraternity, 1 have no fear of other
than the kindest of treatment, and OF
the most liberal indulgence at their
hands.
My object will not be to feed the
fancy with choice rhetoric, or to please
the sight with brilliant displays of or
atOry; but rather TO present a few prac-
teal truths, In a plain manner, having
reference to the noble calling in which
the members of our Association are
engaged. If, in the remarks L shall
present on this occasion, one mind shall
be stimulated to- increased VigOr in
promoting our common interest, or one
person shall be impressed with an en-
larged view OF the dignity and import
ance of our profession, or shall bemade
to see more clearly the duty AID re.
sponsibihty imposed upon us, my most
sanguine hopes and expectations will
be fully realized.
1t is ever a pleasing thing for me to
meet my fellow craftsmen IN public
gatherings, or iu the social circle.-
These annual meetings of our AssOcia
ton are attended with many and great
mutual benefits to all who participate
in them, in "a variety of ways. They
call from the confined life of the print
ing office, those who are IN much need
of the recreatiOn; they bring together
editors who are strangers, and who sep
araIe as acquaintance and friends
They afford opportunities for IA com
mingling of views, and comparison of
experiences, that IS productive of sab
stantial good IN the future action of the
members. Conflicting opinions on
matters pertaining to our calling are
discussed, and oftentimes adjusted. -
Asperity of feeling IS frequently soft
ened by them. Forming acquaintances
is an important means of promoting
friendly feeling. Editorial conflicts,
always liable so partake too much of
bitterness especially when the paThc-
ipants are strangers TO each other
have much of the poisonous sting re-
moved by bringing the litigauts tOgeth
er, enabling them to become personally
acquainted, and to form relations of
intimate friendship. In this condition
of the parties; the conflict will become
one of reason. and sound argument
will be substituted IN defense of the
position assumed by each-instead of
personal invective, as is too often the
case where the contest is going on be-
tween entire strangers. In fine. the re-
spOnsible, labOTiOus and Oftentimes del
icate duties of editorial life are mate
rally Hghtened and benefited by these
fraternal gatherings. 1t would be bet
ter still, were they of more frequent
occurrence than annual; but, IN this
busy country, where every man has his
own fortune to make, his own reputa-
ton to sustain on his own merits, and
In most instances, his own work to per
form, both mental, business and me-
chanical, IL Is difficult to find time for
more than one meeting of our AssOcia-
ton in the year.
can scarcely realize that the beau
tiful village in which we are assembled,
with its spacious business blocks and
splendid private residences with its
refined society and thoroughly syste-
4 4.
its many churches, and with ats able
and spirited newsp .pers, has sprung
into existence since my connection with
the press of the State. But such is the
fact. Twenty years ago this locality,
and nearly all the country north and
west, was only known as IA wilderness;
as inhabited by Indians and wild beasts.
The march of civilization has been on
ward with US in that time; not only
had this enterprising place sprung up,
but the whole territory north to the ex-
tent OF our country's possessions. and
west to the Pacific coast, has become
populated and improved by the free
men of our land, aud wealth and luxu-
~ exist IN every part of IL. For this
progress in the civilization,
and immense accumulation
OF wealth of the United States in the
last thirty years, over any former pc
Rod of time, before tho close of this
address, a claim in behalf of our calling
for an important share of the glory, will
be briefly presented.
The history of the invention of NOV
able letters for printing is so familiar to
all editors, that it Is not necessary at
this time to make any extended re-
marks in reference to it; nor need the