Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-06-11
THE IEoITIMATE, PRESS OF .MIssrs-

A number Of Mississippi papers OF the
unreconstructcd stripe are solemnlY dis
cussing the great conundrum, whether
tho Republican or Radical administra
ton papers of that unfortunate State
are Legitimate journals" The Consti'
tuition of the Mississippi Press Associa-
ton contains the ambiguous clause that
"any publisher or editor Of the iegiti-
mate journals of Mississippi may become
members of the Association see Muir
rays Grammar by signing this Consti-
tuition" The Hsndsboro Gazette and a
few other journals cannot recognize
Republican editors as legitimate. IL
happens that the question Of legitimate
journalism is monopolized by a select
few-the chosen few-who carry the
Ark and defy the Republican PhilistiRes.
We admire their self.esteem, but not
their judgment. They remind us of a
resolution, once ascribed to the Nor
mons: Resolved, That the earth and
the iatness thereof belong to the Saints
of the Lord. Resolved, secondly, That
we are the Saints OF the Lord" 1t is
simply amusing to read the pretensions
of these standard authorities on caste;
and it is edifying to learn that the man
who differs from you in politics, or has
different pecuniary interests, is irregu-
lar, Legitimate and without the pale
Of civilized journalism. In kicking
over such an opponent with apochriphal
force he becomes distanced by his fall,
but not by the rise of the aggressive
party. This way Of shaking hands over
the bloody chasm may not accord with the
platform adopted at Cincinnati and Bal
timore, but it banishes the rising doubts
as to the existence of some sort of
chasm. If, however, these Republican
journals were to secure majority in the
Press Association the question might
assume another phase, and the legitimate
Orleanists of the regular line might
be deposed and declared illegitimate.
1t is something new under the sun to
draw such lines of distinction in matters
of business, although people of all
classes maintain the rightto choose their
personal associates. The Republican
papers Of Mississippi doubtless live by
official patronage, and when the other
side gains the ascendancy we have no
doubt they will make up some Of their
lost time. Meanwhile the journalists
who play the heavy tragedy business
should read Shakespeare and make their
calling and election sure, lest in some
uncuarded hour they drift out into the
Legitimate realms of low comedy on
legs without brains. The distinctive
points should not be forgotten mo
ment. But in all seriousness we think
that men who draw such imaginary lives
are heavier in the heels than in the front
part of their heads, and will never lead
their few followers out of the mire of
ignorance and prejudice, or reach the
great fields of progress and liberal
thought. They are ten years behind the
times, aud will continue to 90 back
twice as far by night as they advance by
day. The State of Mississippi is af-
Aicted with ,some parasite newspapers,
no doubt, that feed and get their daily
bread from the public crib, and when a
change Of administration comes, they
will be succeeded by lank, hungry
crowd, that will be clamorous for
their hereditary fodder as an inalienable
right Such is the history Of politics in
all States We hope, however, that our
brethren down in that State will ever
prosper upon their own merits.