The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-05-21
~ fNpEPEN6ENT PREss.

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propositionl Shall We record our own
opinions and convictions, or shall we wait
to hear from some man or paper before
WHOM we bow down submissively and
swallow theml And in, asking the ques-
ton and advocating the independence
Of the press, we do not, for one moment,
wish to convey the idea that we advocate
RIGHTEOUSNESS. Far from It. It is & fact
which all should remember that abuse never
csnvinces any one, and is no argument.
None but the guilty or cowardly can be
driven into the support Of men or meas
ures without the approval of their
own convictions. When we speak of
the cowardlyr no reference is made
to the mans Willingness to face phys
ical suffering or to expose his person to
the bullet or the knife, but to his moral
courage-which will cause HIM to face a
world in argument, not in buster, not in
abuse, but by the almost sublime power of
reason to bear down all opposition, if, in
deed, he should have truth on his side, and
convince his opponents that the press is not
the vehicle Of hate or envy, or SANDER, but
the medium through WHICH the battlements
Of errorare assailed and truth supported
and vindicated. The mission Of the press
is to advocate what is right and condemn
what's wrong. Amy other position is a mis-
take and will lead the undertakes into
shame, confusion and loss of character as
we'll as Of influence. Even in pecu-
MARY sense, it is doubtful if the subsi-
died papers succeed as well as the in
dependent journals, which speak out plain
" on all subjects, without fear, favor, par
TALLY or reward, or the hope thereof. How
humilisting is it to read paper to-day
taking bold position either for or against
measure, and tomorrow facing about and
defending the opposite side Yet, such is
frequently the case. But we do not by this
mean that bold and Independents journal
will never change its views Not at all. It
IS said the wise man may change his opinion,
but the fool never. How often is it that
we are made to blush at the toadyism of
the .day-nen and papers who only live
aud breathe and move in the smiles and by
the favor of some one who holds the reins
and directs their movements 1t has be-
come almost disease Of the body, as it
is Of the mind. The press should endeavor
to eradicate this error and to educate pub
lie sentiment that viii frown it down and
set the prisoners of such influences free and
make them independents. Each paper should
have a high mark ; and there should be
spirit of emulation in all the noble qualities
Of the true journalist. Low, vulgar, abu-
sive words ought never to be permitted in
the columns Of any paper. The masses are.
looking on, the masses are being educated
by the press; and the masses viii surely be
either elevated or degraded by the papers.
which they read. If there should be differ
cences let them be settled in private, or at
least, let the discussions in. the papers lac
conducted without the use of billings
gate. Language may be severe but
from low vulgar abuse
Facts may be stated and conclusions
drawn which may bite and sting, but at the
same time couched in such language as
could not we'll be offensive to the strongest
stickler Of etiquette 1t is not our desire
to emasculate the press, to destroy its yigor,
OF to weaken the blows which may BE-
hurled at error. BY no means; the stronger
the better; the sooner wlll truth triumph.
II we could grasp the lightnings Of heaven
to smite, and destroy wrong, We would do
IL Not that We desire to kill or destroy
the advocates, but that they may be, re-
tOrmed-may know that only by tIuthand
Justice can one be walled mas with triple \
brass and bars Of STEEL Bat in order that the
press may exercise that power properly, every
important position must be,yell examined
beforeit is advocated or condemned In
conducting a daily paper it is often difReuit
to dothis as thoreagl as might be desired
Still, there are but few subjects presented
to the public which have not sufficient data
10 enable the intelligent journalist Co ar
riYe at correct conclusions. Hasty and
crude opinions are to be deprecated, as they
frequently bring confusion and shame upon
The writer. Better treat Of the news of the
lay, and discuss ordinary and familiar sub
lects, rather than enter upon difficult ones
Which cannot be compTehepded. Toooften
IS il the case that the merest twnddle is in
serted into the columns Of papers ana att
tempted to be palmed Of As scientific analy,
is Of some absiruse subject or historical !
eArning. Let everything be done in the
right spirit with an eye to the present wen
lsing Of society and to the future glory |
nd prosperity OF the country.