The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-10-20
The Editor.

| lcal journal;
A political editor needs an excellent
memory to hold the general knowledge
which is requisite to the editorial pro-
fcssion, that he may remember the his
tory of politicians and Legislators, the
history of nations, of science, oflitera-
ture and law, and also that he may re-
member what he himself has said and
done before. An editor should be able
to carry in his memory all that he has
ever written and published that he shall
be be consistent, that one years exper
ience shall give him light for the next
years's labor But we would not make a
a man slave to the past through reten-
tive memory We would have the man
open to progress, to improvement, to
new truths, and TO reforms; but we would
have his memory sufficiently tenacious
not TO forget the pit from which he had
been digged-the old errors and ignor-
auces in which he had at some time
houndered We have known reform
ers who forgot the ignorance and weak
ness from which they had emerged, and
seemed to take delight in charging with
wickedness and folly those who occu-
pied the same position which, but a few
years before, they had lett This is as
ridiculous rs it is for man who, by ac-
cident or energy, has made himself rich,
and then turns around and denounces
''poor people" because they are poor.
Ii is both ridiculous snd pitiable to read
the editorials Of some newspapers to
see how to-day subjects and persons
= = will be petted aud praised who, FIVE
= years ago, were Villified and denounced
: A better memory Of the past should
Il serve to correct such folly il the pres
cut. Besides, all editor needs con-
u science in strong measure, He wields
wondrous power, and can be tyrant
. if he is SO disposed. An editor who
% lacks conscience, and has excessive self
:, ishness and severity, can slaughter rep
y utation, can plant thorns in the pillow
>. % of innocence without incurring legal
- penalty, and without the power Of un-
doing bis own mischief An editor,
therefore, should be truthful, just, up.
right; he should have large BeneVo.
lence, SO as to be tender Of other peo-
peS feelings and interests.
On the other hand, an editor should
have courage-no position needs great
er; having a selfish world to deal with
es he should be willing to utter the truth
le and to back it up, when justice demands
D. that an unpleasant truth be spoken A
in want of courage in an editor is as baC
is as a lack Of courage in a soldier; fo
ID while cowardice or treason in sodie
er may cause the loss of battle, lacl
Is of courage or conscience in an cdto
cr may poison the public morals, and, per
M haps contribute TO the loss of battle
10 as well. An editor should have largt
r. Language, that he may write with east
r. and facility he should!hav good taste
II, that bis style may be smooth and ele
es CANT, and that his publications shall no
~ offend the tastes of his readers, w,
u would not give him excessive Bcnevo
h, lence and Ideaity; while lack Of Com
n bativeness, Firmness, and Self Esteem
s. renders the editor pusillanimous, anC
G leads him to soften the truth until III
IN very back. bone is Withdrawn; but ther
rd ia such a thing as manly courage, un
at hinching determination, serene dignity
ID and uuflinchng justice, combined will
es kindness, affection, and proper consld
ly Grafton for the rights, prejndlces, ant
~ even the ignorance of others. Men o
ell power should carry that power gently
he one does not lose his vantage ground
r. who really possesses il, by trying gen
r. tie method of accomplishing results
ed lie who has hundred cannon at bi
lie back can afford to be polite to an, OppO
ne nent, and request the favor OF u compli
Is ance with his wishes, A general VIII
he is capable Of backing up his reques
h need not insult foe when he demand
his surrender, An editor who has th,
hest of controversy can afford to b
modest he who has a clincher for al
ic argument can afford to suggest it, in
r. stead of rudely examining it down hi
he opponents throat, n...
IT, An editor also needs large Cautious
" ness and Sccrelvencss, SO that he sha
not rashly adopt any course, or impru
on on dcutIy lead others into wrong by tn
i'd expression of undigested opinions
III There is quit, as much wisdom in tn
IN IN, rileuce which large Secreliyeness mpos
no es as there is in the dashing courag
,Se Ioe which large Combativeness inspires
he but with large Benevolence and stronj
Il social affection, the editor will be in
ISr bG spired by general goodwill to the wea
ss- and the wicked, as we'll as to the goo
. aud the noble. This good. will vii
p give him tendency to put the best fac
" on everything to remember the &C
y; ne cused may have good defense tina
" there is generally another side TO ever,
IT, bad story, A rash, unkindly man, .
rs editor, will hunt the accused before h
y has time to enter his plea Of "no
~ guilty, or 10 "put himself upon hi
y. " country" for defense.
,ir Moreover, and finally. an edito
to should be imbued with a religious spir
ell il, that lie may ever remember that th
g. noise and hustle, the excitements an,
m strifes, OF to-day are of less corseqnenc
ve than those subjects which, while the
m have their roots in time, have the lit
is to come for their complete development