The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-01-09

slsts not alone, or chiefly. in the strength and
brilliancy OF their editorials, though even this
deserves passing notice. 1t would be abso-
lutey surprising, to those not accustomed to
peruse large number OF papers, to learn how
much OF able and feryid writing there is on the
:, american press, and how much OF il is found
outside the great New York dailies-how much
OF 1t Is furnished by the tired brains OF country
journalists, who have to cover variety OF sub
jects not dreamed OF by the specialists OF
metropolitan Journal. II were invidious to
specify papers which aboundin earnest thought,
sersely and beautifully expressed, but there are
many such connected with both the great polt-
zeal parties and some which are unconnected
with either. Their writing might not always
escape the criticism OF strict grammarians, or
please the fastidious scholar, but it is ever
sinewy and vigorous, and often very logical and
pleasing. II is apt fresh and sparkling. 1t
gives evidence both Of talent ana culture. 1t
is such writing as years ago might have achieved
splendid regulations for its authors, but which
does not now have such effect because OF its
very abundance.
But it is not for the mere decoration of words
that we admire and have faith in the American
press. Our respect for it has higher consider
atoms. and is based upon our belief IN its o.
sential honesty. The press OF botn parties
seems 20 have thrown off much OF the tram
nels OF party and to fairly revel in the Inde-
pendence it has gained. II speaks its mind
freely and without fear. It has regard-at
least the Republican press has-for the princi-
pies OF which the party ia the represe sentative.
Ii holds TO these principles as the sheet anchor
Il National hope and prosperity. Gut it does
not claim that they should serve as the cloak
For abuses and the shield FOR iniquities. 1t is
10th 10 defend even friend, il il sees that that
friend is clearly in toe wrong. The recent
course OF the Republican press furnishes ample
proof OF this assertion. Hardly Republican
journa. has expressed its approval OF the CON-
promise upon the salary bill. Many of them
have deplored the continuation or Gov. >hep-
herd, and the election OF Senator Carpenter
while not few OF them doubt the propriety Of
the appointment OF Judge Williams.
such independence as this would have been
impossible 30 years ago, when the nod OF Weed
or the frown of Croswei gave the law to the
minor journals OF their respective political par
ties. The revolution that has come is the re-
suit OF clearer insight OF men and OF affairs,
OF wider understanding, and, we believe, OF
more exalted political principle. This last may
seem a queer assertion to make in these days
when corruption Is scented in every breeze and
the air is thick with frauds and rumors of
frauds. But corruption has existed in defiance
of the press, and its exposure has, in ali in
stances, been reached through the press. 1t
was the press which laid bare the robberies OF
the Tammany ring, and dashed the rascals in
the face u the world. The press was not silent
in the presence OF the Credit Mobllier expos
ures, and it Is only the restraining power OF the
press that keeps political villalny from proceed
ing to even greater lengths than it has hereto
fore taken.
We are disposed, also, to say good word for
the Democratic press, but it must Re with q
reservation. Democratic journals would ma,
urally strike at Republican mistakes, and, as
the Republican party is dominant, it is impossi-
bic to tell how much of their indignation pro-
ceeds from political spite, and how much from
real desire for public virtue. They are often
uureasoning in their antipatmes They we're
prepared to critcise the appointment of Roscoe
ConAling Tor Chief Justice quite as freely as
they have criticised that OF George Il. Williams;
and yet, IN the one Instance, their criticism
would have been baseless and even in the other
their censure was urged upon erroneous
grounds. Still many of them spoke brave
words when the Democratic Congressional
caucus chose Fernando Wood as it's represent
alive man. lie. Us do them this justice, at least.
Upon the whole it seems 10 US that the best
journals CT both political parties are earnestly
striving to bring about better state OF politics
than has heretofore obtained-that they are
anxious to strike for the right, if they can COM
prehend what the right is Sometimes they
strike blindly, and sometimes their blows fall
short OF the object intended but they mean to
strike honest blows. The press is not infai-
BILE. II makes mistakes and many OF them
Its conductors have 10 form their decisions on
the spur o. the moment-often when thought
is jaded and the reasoning faculties far from
acute: but in the main. they come to just con-
illusions and exhibit integrity of purpose, If
not infalllbllity OF judgment.
II Is wen tuat tHe press Is tnus nOnest-for
its power cannot be disputed. 1t makes and
unmakes men and parties. Every public man
stands within the focus of its RAYS, and the
light poured upon him is very intense, reveal
ing his failings as we'll as his excellencies.-
There are public men who assume to despise
the press-who wear an air OF courage, while
they sicken at their hearts-who are mere bra
vadoes. not heroic souls. But their overthrow
is simply a question OF time. How many Rep
resentatives who voted for the original salary
grab, and whose names have been printed In
great capitals. from Maine to California. are
likely to be returned 10 the Forty-fourth Con-
gross? They will be almost as rare in that
body as mosquitoes in January; and tins is
simply because they have been focused by the
press
I; i. some thing hopeful, therefore, that
American journalism is thus happily conducted
that il strives to the utmost to reveal all in
iquities to battle all wrongs, to correct al
abuses, to AID all genuine reforms. Perfect?
No II is far from perfect but it is on the .
right track and will reach Its pr oper goal. With
increasing prosperity its independence also in
creases. With the greater enterprise 1t has in