Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-01-07
INFL UENOE or NEWSPAPERS.


weekly newspapers we have seen amazing
results Every man of sense knows that orr
safety as government consists in educating
the massof the people up to standard of
such excellence that they will not only know
how to make laws, but be masters of that
higher knowledge which enables them to
obey the law.
The newspaper finds its way into the
house of the rich and the poor, into the
shop of the artisan and the offices and count
ing rooms of men OF trade and business, and
silently works its way into the confidence
and conviction of its readers. People are
coming to appreciate this element of power
more and more every year. The daily and
weekly newspaper is no longer the organ of
political success alone, but is called into the
aid of every scheme or system that involves
the cooperation of numbers, whether it be
religion, benevolence, or social or political
economy.
The newspaper is the mirror Of the liv-
ing world, and as such the breath of i'm
purity should never sully its polished sur
FACET is the school of the people, the
library of the poor man, and if upon popu-
areducation and intelligence the prosperity
of the government depends, there isno func-
ton in American society which requires
more conscience as well as ability. The
right of free discussion, of large and fire.
quent assemblages of the people and the
ability TO hold constant intercourse with all
classes of the community through the me-
dunn of newspapers, constitute a perpetual
bulwark for republican institutions, and
while the newspaper is outspoken and in
dependent, the public liberties are guaranteed
against foreign invasion or civil disturbance.
Whether or not the Grecian and Roman re-
publics contained within themselves the ele-
ments of their dissolution, or whether they
fell from their inability 10 resist the pressure
of surrounding and barbarous States, it is
evident that in the absence of the press TO
arouse and stimulate the people to the proper
preservation and appreciation Of the public
liberties, these republics gradually became
subverted until they crumbled into pieces,
and upon their ruins were erected the most
cruel despotism.
soldier and a statesman of the last gen
Grafton, declared his willingness to let others
make the laws if he might write the ballads
of his country; but the ballad has, in the
United States, been replaced by the leading
article, and he who would know what form
legislation will take in the coming years,
daily and weekly papers Of to-day. For the
changes Of politics, the result Of campaigns,
the fall or foundation of States and King
doms, for ALL in fine, that makes up the sum
of contemporary history, we must look to the
newspapers.
But they also contain fund Conformation
on other topics, past and present, so varied
and extensive, that few men who have not
considered the subject are aware how much
they would lose if all that they have learned
from that source was erased from their
memories Their advertising columns are
in themselves, a marvellous record Of what
the thousands have or want and furnish q
silent exchange whose value and absolute
necessity, the whole community comes grad
ually, by personal experience to under
stand.
1t is very generally understood that the
power and scope of newspapers in this coun
try are greater than in any other part of the
world-their liberty is less restrained even
by force Of public opinion; and because This
liberty is so free, and their power and infiu
ence SO great, it is the more cncumbont OIL
those who regulate and control the press Il
studiously endeavor to see that its powe
and liberty are used to elevate and not Il
degrade, to build up and not to destroy
to subdue passions and not excite them, L
indicate truth and not advocate error--it
influence should ever be in the interests o
truth and pure morals and careful to sift in
teligenee as il is enterprisiDg to collect il
In short, the press (which constitutes tn,
newspapers of the land,) is not only "th'
palladium of our liberties" but it should bt
the patron and defender of everything thai
can elevate and promote the intelligence
the prosperity, and the happiness Of the hu
man family.
"You may have corrupt House of Lords
and yeIal House of Commons, but with Q
free and untrammeled press will preserve
intact the liberties of the English people,
was tho sublime and philosophic declaration
OF the accomplished orator and statesman
Richard Brinsley Sheridan.