Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1876-03-08
A WARNING TO CROOKED EDI.
TORS.

TORS.
The conviction of Mckee in spite OF
the most brilliant legal defense that
could have been made in his behalf, is
tho severest blow which the whisky
conspiracy has yet received, and it
forebodcs almost certain disaster to
J the defendants in the trials that are
yet to follow. There was little in the
testimony upon which the jury based
their verdict Of guilty that tended to
prove specific acts on the part of the
prisoner; the careful secrecy which
had characterized his connection with
the ring forbade many such disclosures,
but there was, what was of far greater
Importance, an abundance of corrobora-
tive evidence TO establish the fact OF
his partnership with Mcdonald and
Joyce, his bestowal of counsel and in.
flncnco, and his subsequent share in
tho profits. II was fervently hoped
By the defense that the jury would re-
iuse to convict upon testimony of 80
general character; and had, indeed.
that expectation been realized, the ne.
quittal Of General Babcock would have
been assured almost beyond question.
But the result annihilntcs the element
OF chance from the calculations of the
whisky defendants, and they probably
realize now, for the first time, that
nothing will avail against the success
OF the government where its case is
founded upon truth and supported by
unimpeachable witnesses. 0pportuni.
ties have not been wanting elsewhere
in occasions Of like moment, to divert
the course of justice by the corruption
of the jury, but the st. Louis juries
have been uniformly drawn from the
agricultural districts, and the virtue Of
the egrangers has withstood every temp
tation. If so happen, then, that the
evidence against Gen. Babcock should
prove as strong as Mr.. Henderson and
cx-Dstrict Attorney Dyer have fire.
qucntly asserted it to be, it is plain
that nothing can save that unfortunate
gentleman from the fate which has be-
fallen his old acquaintance. But
whatever the significance of McKee's
conviction in its effect upon future
prosecutions, it can scarcely fail of ex-
erting moral influence of the most
wholesome. character. Mckee was
something more than mere conspira-
tor against the revenue. At the mo.
mcnt OF his exposure he controlled q
great newspaper, powerful in its opin-
ions and hourshing in its finances; he
possessed alike the confidence of his
buissess associates and the esteem of
good citizens generally; in politics he
occupied the place Of leader, and as
such compelled unusual respect. 1t
was possible for this man, had bis
80 inclined him, to have be-
come public beneiactor, and instead
of concluding his career at mid-life as
a convict, to have passed into serene
and honorable old age, or dying, toi
have lived forever in the affectionate
remembrance of his fellows. But this
happiness he denied himself, choosing
rather to satisfy bis thirst for wealth,
however foul its sources. There is
lesson for editors, il seems to us, in
this melancholy history, which they
cannot too quickly nor too thoroughly
learn. Be its subscription list ever so
slender, and its constituency ever so
humble, there is no newspaper which
does not possess some measure Of in
Huencc and whose editor some degree
Of responsibility. Temptations such as
seduced Mckee may not be likely,to
bcsct others, but whatever its form,
that must be always regarded as temp
Iation which tends, in any way, to
disrupt the essential relations between
the editor and his public. In politics,
IN finance, in trade, in letters, in art,
n religion, the sentiments of the editor
belong to his paper, aud for that alone
should they find expression. Other
honors may dazzle more for the time
md other powers seem vastcr, but
here are few which do not owe their
origin to the press or find perpetuity
through il; the editor who mistakes
the privilege, as well as the duty OF
to wander after the strange
gods Of the outer world runs O sad risk
If becoming sacrifice to his idols
The country clamors for pure press
md honest editors, but it will receive
neither until journalists surrender
themselves wholly to their profession.
philadelphia Times.
Mckee was the editor of the st.
Louis Globe, the leading Radical organ
If Missouri, and one of Grant and Bah
,ock's butties, and like Joyce and Nc
Donald will be compelled to spend the
Centennial in tho pcnitentiary. What
! pityl