Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1867-05-04
The spirit Man.


The editor Of the Spirit of Jefferson, af-
ter devoting more than column to JOS
eph A. Chapline. Of this place, concludes the
article by payin, his respects to US in the fol-
lowing heightened dgnifed elrishan-like :
presumptuous, threatening manner -
GA WoRD TO TIE RsG,srEe We want our
friend of the Register to advertise our ''big
show" which he can best do by copying the
above article. He must either take sizes with
US, or come out openly as ChapIine organ
His halfand half course does not suit US. If
he fails TO joiR us, We shall appeal to his con-
sentative patroes to drop his paper and take
ours. So, look out ZItte!"
To the editor OF the Spirit we would say,
that whether our neutral position suits him or
not, is imma terial 10 US. And as for any ne
cessity 10 coming out ana showing our hand,
Through the columns of our paper, we woulo
plainly inform him that there were days when
we did obey orders, but even then only from
supsriors. Those days are now past, and hav-
ing arrived at The age of discretion, ice claim
the right to think and oct for ourssl.
in our prospectus, after the close Of the war;
announcing Tie reissue Of our paper, we pro-
claimed our intention TO publish newspaper
neutral, yet Independent, in politics, but leit
our columns open, ready and Wiling to publish
both sides Of any political discussion that par
ties might desire, if carried on IN spirit fit for
publication. From this course we have not
yet deyisted nor do we wish 10. But we new
or have, nor do We ever intend to, devote oar
colum ~ to The discussion of ind cidlIGl chdrac-
ter, unless paid for as advertisements or au-
thorized by responsible parties.
We are satisfied that no better evidence could
he produced Of the appreciation Of our course
by the public than The number Of o'ir suh>crip-
ton list is continued growth, aud the crowded
state OF our advertising coiumns--and all
have been received voluntarily, without ATTY 60
licitation or drumming upon cur part.
We are aot willing 10 cringe & humlate our
SELF TO crafty few patrons. Our Press is our
oun, have been paid for long since out Of our
urn pocket, aud is trammeled by no one, Tree
and independent, hence zee run II according to
tie dict ,es of our orn judgment. Cnr own
sense of proPreiy, endorsed hy The public, is
the rule Of our action, and the enlightenment,
accom- mediation and good of The PeoPle, our OBJ
lect We are not under the control OF any par
~ and we dare The editor Of the Spirit IL poIal
out one instance of the kind, nor do we ever
mean to cover 10 his threats lie publish no
have nsVer had occasion 10 retract iroia any
publication which appeared under our editorial
heading.
We regret the unhappy condition Of orr coun-
try and community, a"d the mary occurrence
around w., We do not endorse-b"t We have no
ROVER to change or remedy them Unfayora-
bic as the issues Of the late war terminated for
US, we have now no ether alternative but TO
submit manfuily. with dignrhcd spirit, until
Time alone works out a change. hen, IN
stead of a.italng thi, source Of bitterness which
separates our people, let ii settle, and by neg
lect and disuse. the rancorOuS spirit will waste
away-vanish forever. In this connection, we
would refer the editor of the Spirit TO the ex-
ample and precepis Of cur late prominent and
noble Southern Generals whose words ard
opinions have sons influence, and who have
gone to work with determination TO lessen,
rather than widen our present differences, adj
wishing every person ITO mind their own bust
ness" We advise the editor "f tie Spirit to
Ego and do likewise" and he will be better ct.
otfr rights and privileges sooner return, our
people b. far happier. aud our country more
prosperous.
We then unhesi;atingly refuse TO heed the
Spirits challenge 10 take sides, and we sPurn
hi. threats starting as we did. upon neutral
basis, crowned with the success Of which we
are the recipients, We are more strongly con-
frmed in our resolve 20 Eight it out OH this
line, aad ii will require n more powerful lntiu-
ence than the Spirit wields TO swerve us IN The
least from our prese Il purpose.
We give the Spirit free and unrestricted per-
mission to make any appeal in his power TO
our con Ivatiye subscribers, TO drop our paper
and take his. We AK no one, yea, we would
rather erase than retain the name of any sub
scriber who takes paper reluctantly, ~ IS
dissatisfied with its policy, or viii permit HIM
self to be dissuadcd from his own choice by the
editor of the Spirit. We don't Pretend nor aim
80 crafty tho whims of any Individual who IS
no, generous enough TO allow us 10 think and
net for ourself; aid if our patrons think tie less
OF US for not assailing the private character oil
those who do not think and act erGetty rs we
do, or according to the views of the editor OF
the Spiri', We must answer that such are at
liberty 10 withdraw their patronage, Tor we do
not wish TO force our paper upon any one.
&z- We have examined 'he new churn,
invented and patented by J. i. Dawson
Of Md. April 9lh. 1867. and having seen
IL work have no hesitation IN recommends
Il ...Il