The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-05-28
AuRTrHT
nAD TAsTE IN J0UREALIsn.

Although it is generally conceded that
editors are web posted, and know as much
about the proprieties of lie as any other
class Of men, still there are daily little
outcroppings which prove concIusiyely that
there arc some who either do not know how
to treat their cOtempoFaries or are devoid Of
that refinement and manliness which should
characterize the press. It isYery natural
that there should be differences Of opin-
ion; but why cannot they be expressed in
.haste and suitable languagef Why use
she coarsest and most disgusting express
sions, simply 70 pander to deprayed appe-
titles and perverted fastest Yet, almost
daily, we see evidence OF this want
Of refinement. Slang phrases and bill
lingsgate seem 70 be the most suitable
mediums for such papers to cOmmuni-
cate their thoughts and desires. But
not only 10 there a want Of refinement
there is also a lack Of manliness, indie
pendeuce and impartiality. When ques-
ton Of importance IS presented to the pub
lie, one which does or may affect the inter
ests Of the State either for good or evil, 50
soon as there has been sufficient time for
mature consideration and digestion, the
press should speak out in firm, decided
tones, and either defend OF condemn the
proposition. How many do SOL AT first
there Is profound silence, but after the ques-
ton has become old ard the opinions Of
leading men and papers are known, then
they take position, and are often more Bit
ter and denunciAtory than the papers which
had ably and consistently explained their
positions. Now, this is decidedly in very
bad taste. Do such papers suppose that
their conduct is not marked and their course
condemned Sometimes we are provoked
and again feel like laughing at the want Of
q proper appreciation OF what is due jour
nalism by certain papers. Instead of ele-
waiting the masses and cultivating refine
ment in word, thought and action, they are
really sapping the foundation of law and
order, and planting trees which will bring
forth nothing but thorns. This ought. not
to be so. Editors and proprietors should
remember that they are looked to as the ex-
Founders and advocates of ell that is good
ana beautiful. If then, they should send
forth muddy and foul stream whose waters
will breed moral leprosy and disregard OF
the rights of all, the power win be taken
away from them, and the mission of the
press viii pass into other hands. It win not
do for men to swear like the army in Elan
ders, because they are expected to be al
ways found on the side Of law, order and
propriety. There is an eternal fitness in
things; and it is tho duty of editors and
proprietors to find out what that fitness is.
1t would be just as reasonable, il We were
to Judge by certain pSpers, to suppose that
Shorse would eat oysters because he was
seen wadisg among The banks, as to con-
clude that a man must know what he is
about because he controls paper. BE
must be adapted to the business, and show
by the matter that appears in the columns
Of his paper that he is the right man in the
right place. Whenever he goes into jour
nanism, It Is expected that he win make
his mark by the brllliancy Of his editorials
the eogency Of his reasoning, and the sclec
tions which appear ia his paper. Neither
win It do for him to attempt 70 bully peo
pie into his views. The day for such things
has past. Because he is bold, reckless
man, FUN Of fire and SIGHT, win not fl
him for the position, unless he possesses
in large degree, other noble qualities
which win enable him speedily to Overcoms
his faults and prepare him for the duties
which win devolve upon him daily. We
ike to see a noble, courageous man, but not
bully devoid Of good principles. Sallusl
tells Us that there are two powers which
distinguish men and brates, the one Of thu
mind, the other Of the body. SO then, il
We wish to move upon the plane Of men, VIZ
must use the empire Of the uzind rather thar
the scrvitude Of the body. Now cult
waited mind viii have COOL taste, unless
indeed, tue possessor is one Of those mon
s,rosities Of whom We occasionally read
who fear neither God nor man, but take Ii
oense Cor liberty anil deeds Of blackness q
laurel w1eaths.
AIS not very pleasant 10 write upon suel
subject; but when We see that there arr
meuabers Of the PRES who violate me rule
of decorum and independence then 4
would Be- an crgor ii usif We should fail t.
note the fact and attempt to eradicate n,
evil. The momeeFs Of she press wiz, w
believe. generally Unite with rs in adVocac,
of TIE views which wehate expressed, IN
loss ahsre are sorio who feel that they ar.
guilty al the offences which are condemned
To this end, Il woold Be well for thl
various papers 10 give an expression ofthsil
views. s. that theie may be concert Of "a
ton and uaity o. purpose. II, AFTER having
plaee1 npoa recka sound ana laudabll
views. they shoald depart nom them,
win be IN esq mhtser 70 strike such papc1
from the excAaniie list and treat them q
strangers and aliins Who have 40 interest il
common With us Thero should b vholo
some end eorlees rales adopted and ulain
e.lnsd ~ TIE press, 50 that Journalism ma
- ellgalcd and linnohled.
=-....
TnEnn Il 90 old slorg told ol 4 nsnllena
who was hired . 50 Qua and eare eoE
very eood pcopta and eoo.e them aad go
heir prn,fcss. who went inoch egaiust y
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