The Shasta courier., 1872-12-07
HORACE GREELEY.

Dul 4 lew weeks since Tue IemdinS vi
William II. Seward were followed to the
tomb, and today we are called upon to
record the fact that another great mind has
passed from earth, and will henceforth live,
only in history In the record of the past
thirty years, few men have lived whose
names are more widely known than the
name of Horace Greeley. Latterly this
name has been more prominently brought
before the American people, in connection
with the Presidency of the United States:
but this last prominence will not be held
in as high estimation, as will be accorded
to other parts of his life.
In the United States the Press, as an
agent in forming and moulding public
opinion, wieds an influence which, under
the restrictions which are placed upon it in
less favored nations, can he felt in no 9TH
er country to such an extent. The journal
which enjoys an extensive circulation and
comes each morning replete with intelli-
gence and editorial comments upon matters
of public interest which are transpiring
daily, becomes, with reading people like
ours, a daily necessity. The opinions and
prophecies of the editor, if sustained by the
current of future events, come to be ac-
cepted as the results of the inquiries of
mind familiar with the subjects treated up
on, and as such worthy of future confidence.
Tie long editorial career of Mr.. Greeley re-
suited in placing him at the head of his
profession IN this country if not in the
world, and gave to the Journal under his
care, the New York Tribune, a circulation
and influence enjoyed by no other news
paper. An influence SO widespread vas
powerful, for good or for evil, and it is well
that its conduct was in the hands Of one
whose highest ambition was the elevation
q humanity and the amelioration Of suf-
fering, When, from the ruins of Whig-
gism the Republican party leaped into ex-
istence, Mr.. Greeley, and the Tribune at
once assumed a leading place in the coun-
ellis of the new party. The slavery ques-
tion had grown into the all-engrossing
theme ofpolitical discussion, the Whig par
ty had opposed the Mexican war in the
pro slavery interest and most of its repre-
sentatives in Congress had favored the
"Wilmot Proviso," and other propositions
to restraiD the growth of the slave power,
and keep it within its then bounds. Mr..
Greeley at once took the Free Soil side of
the controversy, although acting with the
Whig party while it existed. When it
went down in 1852, the repeal of the Miss
ouri compromise measures at once brought
the Free Soil movement, which up to that
time had been of insignificant proportions;
at cnce into party having national exis
tence. 1t spread at once into every North
ern State, and found supporters also, in
the South. The Tribune became the ac-
knowledged organ of Republieanism, and
retained that place until within the last
few months Its views, always represent
ing the progressive principles of the party,
could not fail to meet with a sympathetic
echo from all who believed in strict adher
ence to the immutable principles of hu-
manity, justice and equal rights.
1t is matter of regret to the admirers
of Mr.. Greeley's past course that he should,
in the last few months of his existence,
take a course so opposite to that which had
characterised the thirty previous years of
his journalistic career. But if we are to
judge of his motives by the past, let us be-
lieve that his action was in sincere spir-
it of Cancellation, and desire to restore
fraternal and friendly relations between all
sections OF the country. 1t is not to be
supposed that the step which placed him
before tie people in the strange character
of Democratic Presidential candidate,
was taken without due delberatiou, and in
this view of the subject, the thought that
his political defeat contributed to his
death becomes ridiculous. He had already
attained an age greater than that attained
by the majority of men, and recent troub-
les had been enough to break the spirit of
one whose seusibilities were less refined
and sympathetic than his own.
Be that as it may, he has passed to the
shadowy land at moment when his death
causes one universal feeling of sorrow and
regret among his countrymen. He lived
to see the great desire Of his heart accom-
plished-the flag Of our country floating
over none but those who can claim its pro-
lection His errors were of the head alone
and will be buried with him, while the
memory of his services in the cause of HUI
man Liberty will endure forever.
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