The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-12-01
Conduct of Cnmpigns..The Press.

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Conduct Of Campigns. Press.
The great lever that gives power to
political parties Is its newspaper press.
In this respect we are forced to the ad
mission that the Republicans have a
decided advantage-especially in the
city press. Thus, In both New York
and Philadelphia the Republican press
Is decidedly superior in ability, and in
each city that party has a half dozen
papers each of which has larger circu'
lation than the Democratic papers of
the same places. How stands this mat
ter at present
In the capital of the nation, the DEM
ocratic organ, until recently, was of no
account whatever, and now Is inferior
to the Radical organs in Washington in
circulation and not superior in ability.
As to the latter, it falls far below the
old Gio6e aud Union of PALMER days.
Nor is il at all times faithful to the true
principles of the party.
In New York city, half dozen
Republican dailies are greatly superior
in ability to the Democratic press and
in circulation each exceed it largely.
The World, the principal Democratic
organ, is totally unreliable as to princi-
pie and changes from one thing to
another with such facility that it is
often difilcuit 10 recognize its party
affinity.
In Philadelphia the fact as to circula-
ton is about the same as in Nsw y ork.
The Age, while 1t is most respectable
sheet and shows ability Of IA certain pat
tern, is rather paper for the fastidious
gentlemnn's parlor than for the masses.
It's careful, prudent, tame, eminently
conservative and amiable. Its chief
editor is firm and manly opponent of
RadicalisIn, gentleman of the highest
respeciability and of great worth, but
we suspect lat least) was never educat
ed in or deeply imbued with the rugged
Democratic principles Of JEFFERSON
and JACKSON. His object seems TO be
rather TO defeat the Radicals than to
establish Democratic ideas, and there
fore often favors or fails TO oppose pur.
poses that are otjustilled by any prin-
cipie Of Jeffersonian Democracy. But,
whatever the merits Of the Age, it is
quite plain that if the Democracy had
an organ in Philadelphia that was the
equal in ability and vigor of the New
York tribune, Radicalism would not
survive campaign in this State and
would be utterly driven from the field
in brief time, in Pennsylvania at all
events.
In our State Capital we are in no bet
ter plight. The only Democratic paper
there-the Pdtriot-wears the appear.
ance of private enterprise rather than
aparty organ, lis the exponant of cliques,
has interests to subserve, is not faithful
to principle. 1t lost the confidence of
the party when it justified the attempt
ed plunder of the State sinking fund,
and either supports or fails to denounce
the raids Of the political branch of the
Pennsylvania Railroad upon the Legis.
lature, upon the Treasury, upon the
party, and upon the people. AS per-
sonal organ serving its own interests
and promoting the welfare of its favor.
ties, 1t could not enjoy material inau.
ence however well it might be edited,
and it still further weakened its posi-
tion by supporting the Tammany "new
departure" scheme and by denouncing
those Democrats who refused to yield
principle at the dictation of rogues AM d
fools. 1t exhibits none of the power of
former Democratic organs at Harris.
burg.
The country press, as general thing,
Is conducted with ability and energy.
But its editors have not the advantage
of access to documents, Of conversation
with the leading distinguished and able
men participating directly in the affairs
of large business and government, of
correspondents at the seats of govern
ment and trade, where the leading men
of all localities and of the State and |
nation frequently visit, of the advan-
tages ofthe telegraph and other sources |
Of news and information. The New |
York Tribune could not be edited with |
It's ability in Sunbury or Williamsport,
or other country place, even by the
same editors. Facilities and pecuniary |
power would be wanting. The country |
press must necessarily look to the city |
press for much of their information and |
for thorough and detailed discussion of
party measures and action.
a great need of the Democratic party,
therefore, is able and efficient as we'll as
thorough exponents of its principles at
every capital and in every large city
our leading and wealthy men
give attention to this subject?
Some simple minded gentlemen of
the press condemn us for pointing out
and discussing errors of past campaigns,
and they resort to wise saws about
docking the stable after the horse is
stolen," sit is easy TO find fault after
the action" &C., &c. Now we suggest
to these that an election of much i'm.
portance is to take place next year, and
that good way to guardagainst defeat
is to ascertain and avoid the things that
produced it in tho past, TO strengthen
weak and vulnerable points, and that
is so effective in repairing dis.
aster as full discussion Of its causes and
the suggestion of proper means to avoid
the effect of these in future contests.
THE Cuban patriots are again making
some headway, and have recently de-
feated large Spanish force sent to at
tack them. There are indications that
our Government means to pick quar-
rel with that of Spain, in which case
Cuba would fall into our National lap.
The people would approve the action.
THE funkeys are having an elegant |
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