The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1876-05-13
Independent journalism.

In these days when so many interests are at
stake to swervs mems opinions it may seem diff
cult to be traly independent upon any subject
under any circumstances. There is such thing
as mate honesty which rises, with some at least,
paramount to every other consideration, and we
are charitable enough to believe many OF eur
journalistic friends strive to practice and adhere
to it,
There are editors aud others, in the frailty of
their nature, who, unfortunately, mistake the
true meaning of Independence, suppesing it gives
license to say or publish harsh things against
others, reckless Of truth, simply 10 accomplish, If
possible, sinister ends In political or partizau
sense this is often houghtlsssly-perhars with
out evil Intention INDUCED. There may, under
such circumstances, be a failure to realizs how
much iEjury, possibly, results from words un-
kindly spoken or peuned without intention OF
evil Ii is easy Ia after false charges, but diff
cult to retract thea after the injury is done, so
as to undo wholly and entirely what may have
been wrougfully said. Better for journalists and
all Others when imagining themselves indepen-
dent, to think, obedent to the school masters
advice, twice before they speak once 10 deber-
ate and SET down aught in malice.
1t is too often the cass with journals devoted
to partizan poliiics-9r those conducting them
to suppose they can say what they please in
despa-agemeni of opponents and be excused be-
cause such antagonists are fair game and the
principles advocated By them have no claim to
respect 4: that th-re is sort OF conceded license
to falsify or scandaiza regardless of consequen-
ces This, we regret to say, is the idea too many
of our editorial brethern entertain OF independent
journalism "Fell the truth and shame the
drv!'' is an DID, uue-ring adage Ii has held
good from time inmemoriAl aud will stand the
test through all generations to csms. This, in
our Judgment, constitutes the quintescence of in
dependence, whether practiced in journalistic
pursuits or otherwise. 1t suggests and demands
corsistest iberality in all things and invariably
begets ennebling generosity; willingness to
forget and forgive, to let by-gones be by-gones,
and have the dead past bury its dead. This is
the kind of independence which should govern
every journalist.
Newspapers, ii properly conducted, are pub
lished to give truthful useful information to
instruct The reader in that which is advantageous
to him and worth knowing. Failing in adher-
ence tc this great principle they become worth
less and ultimately lose that respect and conf
dence which alone journalists of common sense
and apprsciatve judgment should seek to crafty.
There are jouruals-lhry may be found on beth
sides Of politics and in all partes-whose esn-
ducors suppose their sole duty is to vilify those
who oppose them, or whe respectfully entertain
ad verse views to what they advocate. This
amounts simply to mere sel6shnees of the mar
rowest order, and never can beget respect from
intelligent observers and thinkers. II there be
merit any where or in anything, true indspsR-
dence free from groveling sel6shness, msst give
credit thereto. The whole is not to be condemn
ed because part may be defective. Seine Of our
Democratic friends, however, seem fergetfal of
this fact They would have it supposed "Roth-
ing good could come out of Nszarsth; ~ that the
Republican party, its principles and everything
connected Herewith must be corrupt and, there
fore, condemn the whole. Our ideas OF indepsa-
DEM journalism do not teach such illiberality.
The Baltimore County Union, speaking for it
self, ndexing our sentiments, political and other
wise, shall ever strive to maintain spirit of lib
eral independence, giving credit where credit is
due, looking carefully 20 true merit.