National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-01
A Few Parting Words.

WIN
charge of it as part proprietor and editor,
at period when its vitality was at low
stage and the industries of the whole
country were paralyzed by what is known
as "hard times" Under such circum-
stances an attempt to resuscitate its
vital energies and advance it to a
more propitious condition of prosperity
was necessarily attended with much ven-
ture, responsibility and effort. The strug-
gle was undertaken, and the battle was
fought successfully. The establishment,
by dint of close application, incessant
toll, and due economy, has been placed
upon fair paying basis. During that
period the responsibility and care as con-
trolling proprietor and the labor as editor,
when added to more than forty years
of previous service in journalism under
responsible and laDorious positions,
engendered desire for retirement and
rest. Prompted by this consideration, he
has disposed of his interest, and now re-
linquishes a profession to which he has
been welded during the best part of his
life, and for which he feels deep de-
votion and high respect. However, the
reasons which impel this change relate
especially to his own interests and COM
fort, and he takes this step cheerfully,
regarding it the part of duty to himself
and his best interests under the circum-
stances.
The undersigned would remark en-
passd'u that, having borne an active part
in twelve consecutive presidential cam
paigns, and finding the flag of his party
covered with fresh victory, he leaves
the arena of active journalism with feel
ings Of profound satisfaction, in the
belief that SO long as the Republi-
can party and its principles are pre-
dominant in the Government the
country is safe in all its material and
political interests. We now seek this
change, for, as johnson has it, "such
are the vicissitudes of the world, through
all its parts, that day and night, labor and
rest, hurry and retirement endear each
other. Such are the changes that keep
the mind in action. We desire, we pur-
sue, we obtain, we are satiated; we de-
sire something else and begin a new pur-
suit" In retiring from editorial duty he
does so under the consciousness that he
has never abandoned or compromised a
principle of his political faith, or betrayed
a ticket presented by his party under the
of expediency or the promptings
of personal objection.
In his political action he has steadily
and perseyeringly confronted the Demo
cratic party and its dogmas with the best
abilities impaired to him by his Creator,
and through the best efforts those abili-
ties have enabled him to put forth. The
Whig banner was his insignia in battle
until the people fllrled it and laid it
away among the things that
were. The Republican party be-
came its successor as the natural
enemy of the Democratic organization
and its articles of faith. He enlisted
under the Republican flag and took up
step to the music of its band. He has
maintained that relation with loyalty
that has never faltered, and has given his
best efforts here and elsewhere to the
cause, believing that through
its success alone can be secured the great
est good to the greatest number of the
people.
1t would be strange indeed if in all
these years, covering period of nearly
half a century Of active political and par
tisan life and strife in the midst of heated
contests and sharp controversies under
conflict of opinion, there had not been
more or less asperity, unguarded express
sion, and severe criticism, tending to
and perhaps to alterations; but
never, under any circumstances, has the
writer Intentionally violated the laws of
justice, and fairness in his pas
sages at arms with his opponents. He
has invariably met them with that bold
ness of spirit which ever attends
sense of right and its faithful de-
tense, and has taught the lesson
that there are blows to give as well
as blows to receive" In all these years,
however, he has never Willingly misrep-
resented an adversary or the truth as he
it, though he may have been
betrayed into errors of fact unintention-
ally, and been apparently guilty of that
which others may have counted as in
Justice. 1t has been in his controversies
his steady purpose to preserve a con-
science void of offense toward his fellow
men, and he now retires with charity for
all and malice toward none"
The writer, in closing his editorial and
business relations with The NATIONAL Re-
desires to tender his grateful
acknowledgements to the people of Wash
has attended his efforts, for he is greatly
to their aid and encouragement.
He is not unmindful that the public have
been indulgent and charitable, all of
which challenges his gratitude. He
now retires from the field of active
duty without regret, and under
L profound sense of obligation toward
hose with whom he has been associated
in editorial and business relation in the
conduct of this enterprise. He fully recog-
lizes the ability and fidelity with
which they have co-operated with him
II an effort TO achieve success. His sue
,essors have his most cordial and ardent
wishes for their prosperity and success in
making THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN jour
lal worthy of the Capital of the Nation.
And now, with a happy New Year to
III friends, these parting words come to
IN end. A. NJ. CLAPP.
The New Mauaoemeut