Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-12
INDEPENDENCE IN JOURNALISM.

that might promise to be successful.
INDEPENDENCE IN JOURNALISM.
Just now we hear much in certain quarters
about independent journalism, its elevated
character and its potent influence A few
papers of pretension are hostile to the pres
ent Administration and seek to dignity their |
antagonism with the sffectation of freedom |
from party tammels and of superiority to
party claims. contrast is drawn or i'm
agined between their assumed independence
and the assumed servility of journals which
recognize party obligations, and the attitude
of the one class is compared disadvantage
ously to that of the other. Is this assumption
just! Is it true that there is more real indie
pendence and dignity in the ''free lances'
than in the trusty swords? Is it true that
their position is one of more power and in
luence?
If independence means the wanton, unre-
strained exercise of mere personal caprice,
then they are, indeed more independent. If
it means the subordination of all important
and far-reaching ends to the within of the
moment, then they are more free. But if it
has q broader Specification, if it signifies in
telligent and conscientious devotion to high
public objects, if it signifies faithful effort
through appropriate and practical means to
rational and just ends, then we challenge
their Wanted claim. Party journalism, like
party organization, is the legitimate offspring
OF free institutions and popular government.
| The newspaper indentifies itself with the
| political association for the same reason and
upon the same rules as the citizen. Both
cherish fixed political principles. Both aim
at fixed public policy. Both recognize that
principles and policy can only be practically
realized through associated political action.
Both understand that associated political
action involves the submission of the minori-
ty to the majority in the incidentals of party
machinery in order that the consolidated
strength of the whole may be brought to the
accomplishment of the ,grand objects. The
citizen does not ALLURE his own independent
judgment in joining political party. He
simply declares that he holds the triumph of
, certain principles and policies so important
that he willingly valves a measure of his
freedom upon immaterial points. He prefers
J to fight in an army rather than upon the
guerilla plan. And why not the great public
, journal which speaks the aggregate voice of
thousands! 1t is the inseparable condition of
all associated action.
) Upon questions of principle the ''free Ian
ces" exercise no more independence than the
journals which they delight to charge with
subserviencc. The latter hold settled convic-
tons and labor through feasible channels to
impress them upon the history of the country
They cooperate with the party which most
nearly comedies with them, because they
know this is the only practical road to sue
cess. AS new exigensies present new ques-
tons, they enforce new policies. The repre-
sentative party journal is just as alert to see
and just as ready to urge new demands as the
paper which owns no party allegiance. The
republican organization has made long ad.
vances in some directions since the last au-
thOritative declaration of the national plat
form in 1868, and this has grown out of new
conditions and the quick apprehension of
their requirements. The party journals have
conducted the way. There is nothing in their
relation which precludes the freest criticism
There is nothing which impairs the efficacy
of their endeavors to educate the party to a
, higher standard. The true party journal will
steadily labor to lead its organization forward
to more elevated plane and to inspire it
with higher purpose. 1t simply acts upon
the rule that in doing this, it is not 10 jeo-
pardize more important interests.
These "iree lances" are outside of the
great columns. They joust and strike at
their own pleasure. They disregard all rules
dependence is the true description of their
guiding impulse. 1t has more of name than
Of solid substance. They study isolated dis
tinction Go back over the last dozen years,
and they will be found always pursuing such
course. They are in the press what Mr..
Wendell Phillips is in the forum. Even with
great cause Mr.. Phillips entertained rather
than led. PROFESSIONALLY he wrought great
work because he aided in developing and re-
fleeing the moral sentiment of the people
But the movement gained power only as the
people, through many influences, grew up to
it, and none of the thunders of Mr.. Phillips
shook the continent like Mr.. Stewards declar-
alton of the irrepressibe conflict. The rea-
son was that Mr.. Phillips spoke for himself
and Mr.. Seward spoke for the party, and
when he thus spoke it portended blow. And
that is just the principle which will govern
in journalism. The ''free lances' will excite
admiration by their brilliant play. They will
carry weight just SO far as the opinion they
utter is entitled to consideration upon its own
intrinsic merits. But so long as men act
through parties, the party journal, broad,
bold, intelligent, discriminating, with just
conception of its mission, trusted by and 10y
al to its organization, speaking its voice and
holding its standard constantly higher--that
journal will be the true power.
Albany Journal.
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