The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-08-20
A NEW PAPER.

1t is reported that new paper is to be
started in Ridgway, by that portion of the
Democracy known as the Rdgway ring"
1t does indeed seem rather hard that they
should be shut out from their own party
organ and it is not at all surprising il
they wish to be treated more politely by
the Democratic press than they have been
lately by the Gazette. The language used
by their misguided brethren y has not
always been the most choice, certainly not
the most endearng and it is no more than
we should expect of human nature if they
start an organ of their own.
But, before they engage in such an en-
terprise, we would afFectionately counsel
our friends of the Ridgway faction to
count tie cost for if it is only to crafty
wounded pride and ambition, they may be
assured beforehand It ,cW not lay We
are entirely disinterested, and ask no
thanks for our advice but while we have
no affection for the Democratic party as
such, we have some respect and the very
best wishes for the individuals in that
party. We sincerely IRISH they would DO
the best thing, and leave altogether that
corrupt organization known as the Demo.
cratic party" But If they will not do
that, We would be glad to have them do
the next best and try to purge the organi.
cation Of its corruption. We we do not
suppose it possible that they should sue
cced for it would be to much even fol-
Hercules but it would do them good to
try. Something might be effected by a
determined effort; aud where there is so
great room for improvement, certainly
beginning ought to be made.
We hope the new Democratic paper, if
it shall be determincd on, will attempt
something in this line There is plenty of
room for journalists, as Webster said there
was for lawyers, mp high. And we think
there is fine opening for Democratic
newspaper in this county that shall be
manly, and always gentlema"y, in its tone,
and advocate with what ability it can its
own convictions as to what is right in
principle and expedient in policy. There
is room FOR honest difference of opinion on
many public questions and we wish others
to enjoy the same freedom that we claim
for ourselves. There must be parties,
more or less, under a republican govern.
ment But these should be only the
ranging of citizens on different sides of
disputed questions, according to their con.
victions of what is right or expodient as
the case may be. Now if the Democratic
party in this county can be made a party
of principle, whose members vote together
because :h1y think together, and think
differently on some important proints from
the Republican party and if the new
paper shall be instrumental in effecting
this change then all honest men will re.
joice.
We would not say word to discourage
our Democratic friends from undertaking
this arduous work; but they may as well
moderate their expectations at the outset,
and settle their determination to act their
own part we'll, whatever becomes of the
party, and whoever gets the offices. 1t is
allowed to be very difficult thing for the
Ethiopian to change his skin, or the leopard
his spots and whoever undertakes work
of equal difficulty should be thankful for
even small measure Of success.
Yet, for the encouragement of our friends
in this new enterprise, we venture to pre-.
dict, Notwithstanding all that might point
to different conclusion, that if they will
publish such paper as we have intimated,
they will not only gain the respect of their
political opponents, but will find that
courtesy, candor, and thorough honesty
can be perceived and appreciated even by
the Democrats of Elk county. Therefore
we wish the new paper the highest success
and to this end would remind those con.
cerned in it that, like charity, repentance
and reformation should begin at home.