Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1869-07-20
Edito rial Farewell.

tho once, Is TO pc IN Iull Charge
Many friendly persons are generously
offering to become contributors, and
will be his assistants. The Herald
may thus become even q more gen.
eral and better organ of public opin-
ion than before.
During our connection with the
Herald nearly half our life, as its edi'
tor and proprietor, we have aimed less
to please the public and more to
benefit the people. We have not been
neutral editor upon any public issue.
In moral, religious and industrial af-
fairs we have taken a prudent part,
and in political issues we have from
inclination been active and always
radical, believing that middle grounds
are always compromises with wrong.
In being thus active and radical we
have often seemed fanatical to many
people naturally conservative. But
we now remind such that only radi-
cal aad thorough opinions and actions
have saved the country from un-
known evil fate.
The Herald under our administra,
tion has ever upheld morality, not
however according to conflicting
views as to what is moral, but ac-
cording to standard views. The pa
per has thus been made q welcome
visitor to nearly every household in
Grant Co. We have not pandered
to the vicious for their support, nor
lent the Herald columns for advertis~
ing vicious merchandise-bel believing
that editors are as accountable under
the moral code as other citizens, and
far more responsible for the evils
that belong to the age.
Very often oar course as q NEST
positive editor has led to personal at
tacks ana discussions, and sometimes
to inconsideratea assertions. Offences
have been given when the like
was not meant or desired, yet we
have always allowed fair play in per-
hitting defence to be made in the
paper. In a business sense it has
been our chief misfortune to not work
for popularity, but we had either to
sacrifice q share Of popularity or a
share Of self respect. We chose the
former, and now affirm that an eds
tor who panders for popularity can-
not be much of man.
In resigning the place we feel that
we have not disgraced it'by pandor~
ing to any man or faction, nor cater-
ed to wealth or power. And official
position we have not sought through
popular influence, believing that an
editor should be his own master and
not the official servant of any party,
which would make him but a public
caterer. This paragraph explains
what to some may have long seemed
anomalous ia our case.
AS to personal i'll will toward any
living person we disclaim the like,
and shall aim to drop all recollection
thaC sucn ever existed in mind, hop
ing that in this respect there will be
reciprocity all round.
AS to our past action in political
party affairs, and especially pertain
ing to the success and defeat of as
piring candidates we have from ne>
cessity acted a positive and cons
handing part. In these matters we
have aimed at the best for the peo-
pie, very often in snch view oppos-
ing our own choice and acting con-
trary to our own interest. But SELL
fish motives in such affairs cannot in
justice be charged, nor factious nor
sectional. We have erred at times,
but in all such cases have endeavored
subsequently to more than undo in
iuries. We are still indebted to some
persons for errors, and shall not rest
well till such debts are fully paid
with interest.
Long years we felt that, upon the
abolition of slavery and the estab-
lishment of the perfect political frees
dom and equality of all men, there
would follow but little else to excite
our anxiety in politics. Our utmost
editorial abilities were bent and ex-
hausted for that great object, and
now the country is free country,
the Fifteenth Amendment when
adopted to cap the climax Of freedom
and equality. All parties cannot
henceforth fail to be true to democ-
racy and equality-not from choice
perhaps, but because they can't help
it. And new if the people fail to
support free government they'll dc
serve the yoke the blacks wore un>
der cruel masters. 1t has proved 20
easy matter to relieve our black la
boring brethren of their bonds, be-
cause the very strongest supporters
of slavery were our white laborers in
the field and work shop. Labor Of
one kind had no sympathy for labor
of another, and th us divided, tyran is
ruled the country under free con-
stitution SO interpreted by infamous
courts as to support slavery. Such
the case, the country long deserved
the war Of desolation which came
the rescue by Almighty Intervention
Only saving rs from deserved retri>
button for enslaving an innocent peo-
pie.
Friendly readers, we now acknowl-
edge your many delightful favors
and evidences OF respect daily shown
to us in the years of our devoted SER
vice as your editor Your confidence,
friendship and support have been
firm, unwavering and onduring-even
when our actions seemed to merit
your disapprobation.
1t may be our lot to again some
time resume the charge which we
now surrender, but this is not the
intention. In our future life, abroad
or at hsme, and however employed
you will be much of the time present
in mind. And nothing can afford us
happier moments than to think of
you and feel grateful over the services
you have rendered US.
We shall leave in a few days for
Fayal, Azores, Portugal, holding the
position Of American Consul to that
place, by commission under General
Grant. The place is situated in mid,