American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-10-04
EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

EUlIVnlAk NOR Wv SIDlAAA u
There is, perhaps, no situation in
life that involves as much perplexi-
ty, annoyance and anxiety as are
to be found in the sauctum of a
newspaper. For an editor to give
.,aneire satisfaction to his readers
and patrons is moral impOsslbIlI-
ty, and he who enters upon journ-
alism with any hope of realizing
his dreams of success In this par
ticular, will soon find that all his
efforts to accomplish it will meet
with sad and bitter disappointment.
There Is but one course that prom-
Uses the least safety to an editor,
and that is a bold, straightforward,
independent, consistent one, re-
gardless of the carplngs of croak-
ers, or the voluntary cOunsels OF
parties who have some selfish pur-
pose to subserve, OF who vainly
imagine that all the wisdom and
patriotism in the world are CEN
tired in the head and heart OF one
individual. Were we to discard
our own judgment and give heed t"
the numberIess suggestions that are
rung into our ears by those who
seem anxious to direct the course
and shape the conduct of our paper,
and commit it to the conflicting
views and theories of our advisers,
our journal would present a hetero-
geneous compound of stupidity and
folly.
Some of::our kind, but indiscreet
friends, seem to overlook the fact
that we have to cater to a great va
riety of tastes, and that what will
please the one may pail upon the
senses of another. The views, feel
iugs, dispositions, habits and prin-
ciples of the human race are as va
rant az the features of their
faces, and with all these has
an editor to deal; and though
he might possess the wisdom
and sagacity Of a Solomon, and
he imbued with angel instincts, yet
his efforts to please all would prove
abortive. An editor, it is true,
should employ every energy OF his
mind and heart for the pleasure,
amusement, entertainment and edi
.fcatiOn of his readers, and adapt
himself to their peculiar tastes and
wishes as far as he can do SD
witbeut a compromise of manly in
dependence of thought and prin-
-ciple; but whenev ct he makes his
paper the vehicle for transmitting
the preconceired opinions Of inter
ested parties fee purpU ses of self
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, political exaita-
ton, or yain glOrieasion, he sinks
the dignity Of the MAN into the OBJ
sequiousness of the tool, AMI ien.
ders his journal unxOrthy an0 cot
femptible.
The position 0f an editor may
not be inaptly litened to shat OF the !
master of a SKIP Both are require
ed to nesigate boisterous oceans,
and contend with stormy elements
The life they lead is full Of care,
anxiety, peril and disaster. They
must be constantly on the alert,
looking out for changes, by day
and by night, and by careful and
thoughtful investigation, prepare
for all exigencies that may demand
the exercise of prudence and judg-
1nent. The course of neither is al
ways over a tranquil surface, nor
such as they would mark out; for
though they may guide their barks |
with skillful hands, and feel secure
in their reckonings, yet the VIC
lence Of conflicting elements and |
adverse currents may force them !
from the beaten track, and tbrea- |
ten them with the wreck of storm
and tempest. /,
lie who navigates this restless. |
storing, billOwy sea, successfully !
through the voyage of life, must he |
a bold pilot, and well skilled in all !
the machinery and appliances of his
craft. ShOnld he waver and grow
timid, when GOODNESS and determi-
nation are most needed 10 meet I
and overcome the dangers that be-
act him, hope will desert his bosom
in the hour Of extremity, and his
frail bark founder in tire surging
waves of doubt and despair.
The editor who conducts his pa
Der OF, high principles of honor aud
integrity, and maintains the policy |
he adopts with firmness and digni-
ty, should not be subjected to the
unkind criticisms of those who en-
terrain opposite views of policy or
expediency. Give him credit
for honesty and sincerity, and !
allow bin the same privilege |
$500,