The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1873-04-08

cnlSi yet OF rra0clcs was surely Or
Frederick's eldest son, if not technically,
at least in fact and but few hope that
the present baronet will be able to hold
on TO the patrimony.
For the Register.
The PublIc Press.
The last year has afforded some marked
illustrations, showing that the newspaper
press is not the prime influence in the
creation Of public opinion. The public
judgment has in many instances been
found during the last year against the
views Of the public press. In fact the
press has been found entirely powerless
to create a public sentiment, other than
that warranted by public events. To il.
lustrate-when General Grant was first
inaugurated President, Charles A. Dana
was expectidg the appointment Of Sccre-
tary Of War, or to the portfolio of some
department in the Cabinet, but failed of
the Presidents confidence and hence, of
any appointment under the administra-
ton. Well thought Charlie, Il will be
even with the government So he bought
the New York Sun and what he lacked
in ability to SANDER the government, he
made up by hiring reporters who supplied
the deficiency There was no charge so
vile, no story SO absurd, no imputation
OF motives SO gross or criminal against
General Grant, that they did not find
ready rehearsal in tho columns of the
Sun with editorial endorsements and dark
prophecies Of the ruin they were to bring
to the administration. Still the govern
ment went on and achieved success
against the most extraordinary exigen.
cies, and when, the presidential election
came on, Grant was reelected by an
overwhelming majority. Coming to the
matter Of the presidential election, the
New York Tribune and its kindred
journals, assured the public, that they
had the matter all their own way. These
leaders all verify believed they could
create a public sentiment that would put
things all right as against Grant. The
result showed that men sometimes be-
came distinguished in following public
opinion but quite contemplate when
seeking to control it. The truth is, the
history ~ v~. es--t-y, for tho last ten
years, has been made up of great and
striking events, that have left their i'm
press on the national hcart and so have
become great and controlling forces in
the administration Of the government.
As the press could not produce or control
the late war, so it cannot ignore its re-
suits and the character acquired by its
successful heroes. The press may en-
tighten and modify public opinion but
it cannot override or control it.
OF like Significance, is the result of the
combined attempt Of the great body of
the public press of the country, Of all
political parties, and Of no political par
ty at all to ruin cartain public men,
who stood in the way Of different politi-
cal programmes these press leaders had
worked out, far different and perhaps con-
flicting partisan interests. But is Schuy-
Ter Coltax ruined? Poor Patterson of
New Hampshire got used up politically,
before any inquiry was made OF him
about Credit Mobilier stock, and is not
worse used up now. The point made
against Oakes Ames, was as much with
in the knowledge Of Congress three years
ago, as now and while the exigences Of
. great national work were being met, it
was not thought or felt that the making
its success certain was to be esteemed Il
, crime. Ames had already been super
! seded as member Of Congress at his own
, choice or otherwise, and his term of ser
vice was to expire on the 4th Of March
, last. The purifying the ranks Of Con,
| gressmen was not the thing sought. A
r the old Quaker said he did not see why
Y men should 90 to war and kill each other
r for if they would let each other alone
t they would die themselves, SO of Ame
S in Congress. As to Brooks, he had fo
:, years represented district that did no
c require much of moral character in it
n Congressman. His partsans in Congress
s. considered him Of such small account
y they were willing to slaughter him,
d three or four hated republicans shoul
le be burned on the same fire Brooks a
t. a government director, really had cas-
l. well proved for his convictions. But hi
a, very yirtuous partisans, did not propos
l. to turn him out of Congress, they kne'
he was reelected and would come bac
the very next session. Schuyler Cola
had retired from public life, but une
lis they could brand him some way, it wi
C. morally certain he would come back.
~ jme respects the Poland Committee d
Gu feated the purposes OF the couspiril
'e' newspaper press, though they sanctiont
er the preliminary measure of eXpelliI
Us Ames aud Brooks-the one for briber
n when nobody had been bribed aud the la
IS ter for being bTibed by persons out of Co
us gress at his own solicitation When ii
ell committee had served awhile as ca
~ paws to rake democratic walnuts out
~ tue fire, they began to perceive that Il
to whole matter was better comprehend
lis by our individual citizens, than by t
he public press, and considered their off
ID would be satisfied by furnishing two sea
Is goats to bear away the reproach of 9th
re- Congressm D.. But the majority Of ca
Ills grc4s comprehended that the mounts
m, had labored and brought forth moi
,rd or two very little white mice and kn
ne that the common sense Of the coun
De- would sustain the measure reported
'ch the committee, The votes Of Cougr