Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-06-21

alter week have gained. and in this way alone,
what reputation they have for telling the truth.
An editor told the writer that that 1t Just
this species of news that built up his circulation
and made a ready sale for his paper at the news
stands that TWAS just what the public wantsd-
something Sensatonal-and that the best ladies in
Vermont we're eager to peruse such matter, even if
they they did h It ~ secret; l deny the asPsr-
tunus and noble women OF our State.
For the honor OF the and the good name Of pure
journalism, am glad such cases rare, but
where they do exist they a disgrace to the pro-
fession, deserving only just censure as eneInie
and destroyers of their While these are rare
and exceptional cases there seems. however to be
a growing tendency altogether too general to cater
to the demand for light trashy, sensational lera-
ture; and who will say that this desire and demand
has not itself in large measure been created by
consideration. The whole truth in many cases
should not be told, unless by it crime be made
hideous and the young he kept from those paths
that lead to ruin. Whenever done. it should be with
the greatest c,ution and only with view to i'm
prove ublc morals.
Again, in many cases truth is only half told, and
thereby much harm is done. This is more appar-
ent when the character of individuals ia assaiied.
There is, am sorry to say, a class of journalists
lar o large, Who are nOt-happy unless they are
abusing some prominent man, or perhaps rival
In their profession, attempting to build themselves
up by putting others down. endeavoring to gain
prominence for themselves their party, by
traducing and vlifJ ing other men, sects parties
/ know of no class of persons, no matter to what
organization or profession they may belong so
contemptbje, deserving OF scOrn and utter loath
ing. Ne hear Of trades unions, printers unions
and the like for the protection Of the yhts of their
members. Editors should have such union to pro-
tect themselves from the class Just named, and
raise handsome fund at once with which to pros
ecute any and all such whenever they violate per-
sonal rights, as some OF them do weekly The power
of this class comes from telling at best but irac-
ton OF the truth-usually none at all. The effect Of
such Journalism il and can be only injurious. Truth
alone should be taught. The words acts and
printed uterances of the ideal editor will ever be
in favor OF truth, honesty, virtue. all the noble
graces that adorn life and elevate society.
Our editor should be an independent man, indie
pendent in thought. Independent in utterance. in
dependent In action. The times demand true men,
educated to think with will to carry well planned
purposes into effect free, fearless, outspoke cham
pions OF truth and right Such men are needed in
all positions. in all professions, but especially
they do most important, valuable service in the
direction of public opinion through the press. By
independence, do not mean that boastfu superior
ity sometimes manifest, belief in the inialibity
of ones own views and opinions, and consequent
discardng worthless the opinions of others but
firm adherence to principles fixed purpose that can
not be sweryed by visions of future good,
Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.
We want more such, only such men in the edit
orial chair.
He should be a progressive man. Progress you
know, is stamped upon every thing it is the univer
sal law Of being. He who would exert any influence
for good in the world must acknowledge this prin-
ciple should seek the front ranks lest he fall among
the careless, thoughtless throng and instead of as
sistng to move forward the car of progress be
every good work for the advancement OF mankind,
aiding every enterprise, small great, which will
tend TO develop the resources or add to the mate
rial Intellectual, moral or growth of his
community. Truly, his field is a broad One his
respons blity equally great his prospective abors
if viewed Alright. are herculean lie can accomplish
much or little, the opportunities are ample
and he can make the result very much
what he will. We may moralize to ahy consid-
cradle extent. and following out any line of
thought are lost in contemplation of the work
the true, faithful journalist might do, the good he
might accomplish. All this will readily develop
before you, and must think. bring with it an &C.
cumulated burden OF responsibility. We do we'll
TO consider il most carefully.
single thou ght or two as to important claims
which the present has upon US. 1t calls upon US
not alone TO practice but to advocate honesty, con-
stanty and with no doubtful, uncertain sound;
honesty in business affairs large small honesty
and fidelity in social relations honesty in politics.
honesty in morals honesty in ision. IL demands
that We throw a solid front against extravaganza
everywhere, whether in dress or living, 10 fine.
costly 1quipages, or in magnificent churches. II
demands a return to the simple ways of our fathers
to the practice of such economy and sterling virtues
as made them pre-eninently worthy, happy and re-
vered. II calls upon TO raise our voices emphat-
ically against dishonesty in all its FORMS intemper
ance, licentiousness. corruption in high places,
shams, deceit and hypocrisy everywh
all these evils and advocate always and ey.
erywhere those things which make
for peace prosperity and happiness. l
feel that should prove recreant to the solemn
teachings OF the hour did mot urge the seemingly
strong demand for higher instruction in political
virtue Who should give this instruction II not our
public journals, which reach the masses better than
any other agency! may be wide of the mark, but
believe that much of the evil existing in our gov
eminent, embracing all the gross corruption daily
coming to view in political circles is the direct
suit Of the want of intelligence in the voter. We
sometimes question the capacity OF the negro to
cast intelligent vote, but l submit whether his
vote does not compare favOrably with thousands |
and tens Of thousands cast yearly by sOcaled INTEL
ligent whitesl How many even in our own State
cast their ballots annually with no knowledge of
men or principles-manipulated by adroit politi, |
ians Such and especially our young men lust at
taining to citizenship need to be taught the prnci-
pies ofour government, made fully acquainted with
party differences anc party leaders, and the Just
lations that should exist between rulers and the
ruled. Above all there should bs incucated a |
h gh regard for political honesty. Thus taught, |
they will cast an intelligent vote. And though |
this mi gh not directly remedy corruption in gov
ernment II will do much indirectly check it and
in lime to eradicate it, With an Intelligent exer-
else of the elective franchise there must come q |
higher standard Of political honesty, and the |
public conscience, reused from its leth- |
srgy, will reassert its influence upon public ser
wants. The Intelligent individual thought ofeach |
man becomes in the end the intelligent public /
opinion This is the pulse OF the national heart.
The less the degree OF intelli gence reflected the
less active, free and regular the puse-the greater
the danger in which the republic stands. Any man |
who helps in any degree 20 form an Intelligent |
public opinion does the State no small service. |
In this work we may have a part as journalists |
aud exert a most powerful influence Tor good. Our
mission 10 10 instruct our aim should be 10 ln-
struet faithfully and well. The field is indeed i'm
mense, without bounds even, yet let none be dis
Outraged at the magnitude OF the work. Let US
wear out, not rust out. l have simply rambled
over the field | may have presented no new |
but line upon line is quite as efficient in
the incubation Of truth. 1 have only desired to
our calling, that We might perhaps catch some
new impulse, and with quickened sense of our in
iuenee, our responsibility the nature OF our work
md the grand possibilities before US, mi ght 20
pack TO labor with renewed NAV This he |
the result. May our work be well done, and when
'ur last stick shall have been emptied, the gal
ey filed and our form imposed and locked up, |
nay the proof sheet of each it passes before the
sreful eye Of the Great Reader, come out so clean
II least as to meet his approval and receive that
,racious commentator, well DONE"
The address was received with hearty sp-
,lause. The graceful and finished poem
written for the occasion by Mrs. Dorr, and
by US. yesterday. next followed.
t was sery nicely read BY Mr.. Harry DOrr.
nd was received with every mark of grstif-
alton. At its close beautiful bouquet was
resented to Mrs Dorr by one of the Bran
on ladies'.
On motion of A. H. futile the cordial
hanks of the Associ alton were rendered to
lr. Camp for his admirable address, to
IRIS. Dorr for her beautiful poem, and 20
larry R. Dorr for his excellent reading.
The meeting then adjourned, the COM ,
any lingering Tor while to be presented
, Mrs. Dorr (Mr Henry Clark introducing
iem) and to give her their thanks for herr
ost acceptable contribution to tho pleas
70 OF the evening.
The Brandon Cornet Band sorenaied the /
ssociation at later hour in the !
ening.
THE EXCURSION ,
After breakfast Wednesday morning,
rriages were in waiting to carry the a
'rty to Lake Dunmore, famous for its d
autiful scenery and historical and roman 6
associations. Named after the Earl OF Dun o
,re, Governor of the Province of New York n
der King George Ill. and an extensive IT
1dholder in Vermont under Royal grants, q
has wider fame as the scene of some of pr
D most stirring chapters iot d. p. Thomp &C
, : novel of The Green Mountain Boys" q,
is beautiful sheet Of limpid water. &C
out i've miles long and mile wide, G.
Iose surface reflects the conical peak of l"
'Osalamoo, nearly 1000 feet high Rat tie
snake Mountain. in which was War \,
IS Cave" and other surrounding hills. =
its western shore, in most su
'utful location, stood till last ~
ly, when it was destroyed by
incendiary fire, fine hotel which cost Fl
rly 100000. Tho cottages attached to W:
hotel remain, and temporary dining Ia
has boon erected; and the Lake is still /,
ssort of seekers Tor mountain air and ne,
utiful scenery. Another year, We trust cr(
expect, new hotel will be erected, on
site OF the old. OH
drive Of nine miles from Brandon, lie
lght tho party to the Lake. where they s.!
Q greeted by Hon. j. NJ. Dyer, of sew
shury one of the PRINCIPAL owners of