The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-08-17
THE VALLEY YIRGINIAN.

THE VALLEY YIRGINIAN.
The gratifying success which has attended
the publication of the Vi,yinian for the past
six mouths, is a surprise even to the editor.
We had expected to make success OF the
paper-undertook its control with that deter
mination-but believed We would have to ez-
ercse patience, lose some money, and bidc
our time. We had disadvantages to contend
with, which no one, probably, but the present
editor, properly appreciated But these have
been successfully overcome, by steadily
pursuing the course we had in the outset
marked out for oursef. That was to pub
lish paper emaucipated from the DONNA
ton and control Of cliques and combinations
Ito discuss with freedom and independence,
leading questions Of State policy-to industr-
ously assist iu attracting attention to the won
derfu! undeveloped wealth of Virginia, and
to gather all the items Of local interest, whicha
careful regard for the feelings Of others, would
admit of publication. To merely crafty
prurient, maudlin taste, we have never
thought it the business Of the newspaper to
parade before the public incidents Of domes-
tic misfortune, which could only tend to wound
the feelings Of the innocent, without contrib
uting to the general good.
We are pleased to announce that oul course
IoI
prevail by the people Of the Valley, as evl
denced by the steady and continuous increase In
the number of our subscribers and the business
Of the office. There is something in human
nature which instinc,ively reponds to indcpen-
dent expression, whether cordial endorsat!vu
is given to the sentiment advanced Or not
1t is only by comparison Of honestly en-
tertained opinions, that the true idea OF pub
lie duty can be elected. We do not expect,
nor do we aim to please every body. We
only claim that the same latitude and freedom
Of opinion shall be allowed US that is cxercis-
ed by others, and the same honesty Of purpose,
which others appropriate to themselves, shall
DO awarded to US. One thing is certain, we
never intend that the columns Of this paper,
while under our control. shall be subordinat-
ed to the whims aud caprices Of an irEesponsi-
BILE public sentimcnet, springing into existence
from passion and pref ui dice, OR be prostltuted
to the base purpose Of subscribing individual
schemes Or party dictation, where we believe the
true interest Of the people will be cempromis-
ed thereby. The time has passed, when the
popular mind can be directed and controlled
by the dicta Of the few against the good Of the
many. The people themselves have advanc-
ed to the arana Of intellectual exercise, and u
prominent and commendablc individuality
They haze assumed their rightfu prerogative
of thinking for themselves Of acting tor
themselves; and determining for themselves
questions which intimately concern them
He is less than man, who will dare barter
his birthright for mess of pottage, or allow
others to put in his mouth words which con-
vey ideas hatched into existence by political
mountebanks and party tricksters, for sell
fish purposes.
We esteem the mission of the press to be
to lend aid to the people in arriving at cor
rect conclusions on questions of public con-
Germ. It is no part Of its duty, to avail oil
transient, passing impulse, and to accord with
popular clamor, because in fever,sh moment
plausible, yet unsubstant:al and deceptive
point may be gained. 1t is just here that
the conscientious editor is called upon to act
part consistent with the obligations he owes
to the public veal, and throw himself in the
path of thoughtless passion, riding riot over
the true interests of community. If he is
true to his trust, he will fearlessly espouse
the cause of reason, intrinsic truth, and seek
to give healthy direction to popular opin-
ion. 1t only requires pause; a moment o
serious reflection, for calm, common sense te
assert supremacy over infamed passion
The judgment of the masses is Inherent,
right and if left free from the appeals of thu
designing demagogue, will lodge upon sur
and steadfast foundation.
We shall continue in the course we have
adopted for our guidance, and endeavor II
merit the confidence and approval which
thus far, have been SO generously extended
NJ more gratifying assurance could be givel
the conductor of public Journal, to stimu
late him to removed energy and an enlarged
appreciation of his trust, than the voluntar,
ribute of approval by an intelligent and dis
eliminating public.
Education and Credit.
Two important ideas should be nurturet
and inculcated in this new era of Virginias
history, upon which mainly depend her fur
ture growth, prosperity and influence. The
FIRST and most essential of these is, the gen