The Waco daily examiner. [volume] (Waco, Tex.) 187?-1888, 1874-02-03
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We doubt II such thing 40 truly
Independent newspaper ever existed, or
10 indeed possible under the present sys-
TEN. independence, as used in its con
nection with newspaper affairs, simply
means license. 1t is impossible for
journal TO meet the wants Of the reading
nilliohs anleas Il msatana iadiudsAls in
connection with political place or power.
and whsn II does 90, IL must speak of
them tavorably, or otherwise. whsn II
takes ground in favor, IL Immediately be-
comes partizan; when against an indi-
vidual, an opponent; either Of which po-
sitions is opposed to the assumption of
perfect Independence. Independence
upon political questions argues either
contsmpt for, or indifference to, ques-
items in which the people arc vitality in
tcrested and in which they are alone viii
ling to spend money for information
"Impersonal Journalism" is simply an
impossibility. Every paper in the world
which has acquired position and infu-
ence among the masses, has borne the
impress Of strong individual character.
The Tribune, the Herald, the Express,
the Springfield Republican, and many
other papers in this country are notable
examples. Imagine the Tribune without
Greeley, the Herald Without Bennett.
When an individual writes for paper
his characteristics will inevitably obtrude
themselves into his work, and whenever
the person becomes apparent, then thor
ough and perfect identity is at once es,
tablished, and what man on earth is in,
dependent of tho good or bad opinion of
his fe!low,Aan: And again, to say man
lives among people, identified in all re-
spects with them, and yet has no sympa.
thy with their pursuits, their ends, aims,
hopes and fears, Is simply monstrous.
Then il he feels a common interest in
them, how and from whence comes his
vaunted independence, his prosperity.
Nay, his very bread must come from the
people among whom he labors and ex-
perience and observation teaches this les,
son. that when you either neglect, de-
spise or ignore the feelings of the people
they refuse, as they ought, their support
1t is the high prerogative of the con-
scientious journalist to lead and direct
public sentiment. Happily is it for the
people among whom he labors if he is
broad, liberal and fair. Then indeed he
becomes guide second only in import,
ance and sacredness to Him who minis,
ters in holy things.
There is q class of journals who fnd
the lines of public morality too closely
drawn for the success of their schemes of
money getting, and so these people would
fain raise themselves above sccounta-
bility to their patrons, and talk learnedly
and wisely of independent journalism"
when such things are physical impossi-
bilities.
We have no respect for the man who
lives in the South to,day, without sym
pathy for one or the other of the politis
cal parties which are SO potent in fixing
the destinies of the people and their
dearest interests, or him who has not the
manhood to array himself upon one side
or the other, and cor sent to stand or fall
by his convictions of duty. The genius
of the whole people of the South is
against the position taken by the Calves
ton News, on this subject, and it will
live long enough to see it. f