The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1877-06-27
THE PR ESS.
u. Claims Upon abe People.


Fn1roRs CLARION: Among the names
mentioned in connection with cur 0'"'
offices are some of our best cltlzehs' anu
men OF different occupations IL L NOV ""
;,,snti,, 70 suoo. 81 "A man suitable to MI
any office in the State, or OF VIVA o00"P"
ton he shall be. But we have always oe."
of the opinion If any man Is sultaOle' suie''
4 journalist is because the Press embraces
a part of the greatest talent that a hatio.
has f litors occupy j very important anu
useful position among men. In all popul"l
Governments Free Press i the most lul-
nortapt ofall agents and instruments. Ii
not only expresses public opinion, but 10
very great degree it contributes 10 IoIni
that opinion. 1t is an engine lot S"ou -
evil, As it may be directed; but an engine
of which nothing can resist tie force 1"e
conductors of the press, in popular Cover"
ments occupy place in the Soclal ana Po-
liticaI ~ stem of The very highest cohse-
ouence They wear the character OF puo-
lie instructors. Their daily labors bear III
rcctly on the intelligence, the morals, the
taste. and the public spirit of the country
Not only are they journalists recording
| political occurrences, but they discuss prlh-
/ ciples they comment Oh measures theN
| canvass characters; they hold power over
| the reputation the feelings and the happl-
] ness OF individuals. The pubic ear Is al
| WAYS open to their addresses, the puoilc
| sympathy easily is made responsive TO their
sentiments Ii is indeed a distinction OF
/ high honor that theirs is the only probes
sion expressly protected and guarded by
/ n
ment scars so high in its general conse-
| queries. it is so intimately connected Win
the public happiness that its security Is
provided for by the fundamental law.
| While it acfs in manner worthy OF TINS
distinction, the Press is fountain OF light.
| Ii instructs the public mind and animates
the spirit of patriotism. Its loud voice sup
presses any thing which would raise itself
against the public Ibis rty AMI its blasting
rebuke causes incipent despotism 10 perish
in the bud.
These are the attributes of the Free Press
| of our State. And certainly men that make
up and compose this important part of our
society are not to be disfranchised. Ger
! tainly they are fair candidates for office,
and more especially by popular vote, as
VIII be the coming election. Certainly
they reckon in their number some of the
first gcniuses, the best scholars, and the
most honest and we'll principled men in the
country. We do not advocate editors (and
we presume that others occupy the same
postion), as candidates trusting that the
State executive may gain control over the
press, nor the latter over the former; but
! because we believe those whose names are
being canvassed in connection with some
fthe State offices, come up to the standard
as above spoken of.
Daniel Webster opposed before the Ma
tional Republican Convention at Worches-
ter, (Mass.) in 1882, the appointment of edi-
tors to places of public trust. His reason
for opposition was because the a1ministra-
/ ton had made more than sixty appoint
ments among journalists, many of which
were opposed by the Senate. Webster was
much in favor of their popular election
''beeause' said he, "they are our ripest
scholars, and a band of brothers breathing
= the purest wisdom and noblest patriot
6 ism" There can surely be no objection
TO the election Ola journalist to office if he
| is the tittest man. There can be no objec-
ton to the considering of the service which
in that or any other capacity he may have
rendered his country. He may have done
much to maintain her rights against for
eign aggression and her character against
insult. lie may have honored rs well as
defended her; and may therefore be justly
regarded and selected in the choice of her
| faithful public agents. Every man must
see that ifa candidate is rel ected for being
Journalist a Uttal stab is aimed at the indie
pendence and purity of the press. There
fore we hope to see the Press recognized in
| the nomination ofsome of its members by
thr approaching Democratic State Conven-
! ton. Yours truly, L.L.ADAIR.