The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1883-02-20

We regret that We were unable 10 attend The
annual meeting Of the Florida Press Associates,
the Official PROCEEDINGS Of which are elsewhere
printed. Il was evidently . very interesting oc-
casion-rendesed especially 90 by the ability Of
the addresses delivered by C. Fl. Jones. ESQ, Of
The 7SEAes- CAioa. and Major George r Fairbanks'
Of the Mirror. To the first named gentlemAn
had been assigned the duty Of making The i'd
dress Of 1" Welcome" and to the latter the Re
Spouse" and il is unnecessary 70 say that the
rrEnarks Of both were very instructive and en-
pertaining. Mr.. Jones treated rather Of that the
ory Of successful daily journalism which he II
illustrating BY his work; and Major Fairbanks
of the PRACTICAL workings, influences and results
Of journalism, as properly or lily conducted.
Major Fairbanks has been forty years . resident
Of Florida and while lack Of space positively for
bids longer extracts we make room for tie follow
ing closing paragraphs Of his remarks:
l have perhaps unnecessarily enlarged on
some of The salient features OF Journalism. bot it
is well not only 10 have distinct ideas of our own
on this subject, bat TO give to the public some
idea of how We regard our own duties and re
sponsibilities, and to impress on our own minds
and theirs the dignity Of our profession. Our
position will be what we make it; our utter
snces will be regarded with respect when il is
felt that they are sincere well considered, honest
and earnest
We Florida, owing to the rapidly develop
ing condition OF our State. have . somewhat diff
ierent and additional field to occupy in being
looked 10 for information in regard 10 our re-
spective localities, and to guide those who de-
sire 10 come to our beautiful. land. We are
sometimes accused of exravagance and boast
fulness, in the hattering and glowing accounts
he han fhA a1rH,r end
tility of our Land of Flowera II may be 90,
but i, is fair to say that we, who have lived here
longest, have never been able to divest ourselves
OF the exhilaraiion and sense of beauty and love-
illness with which the soft ana gentle hues Of our
winiry skies and summer verdure, and CLASSY
lakes first impressed US. Not only 30
but the earliest writers of Florida dwelt
with equal ardor on the beauty and lowell
ness of Florida, and painted golden pen pictures
Of her attractions. II, therefore, We are en-
chanted let Us not be disenchanted, bot try 10
speak the truth IN gentle sOberness, remember
ing that the rose has its thorns, the grass its
cockleburs the bright sky its heats, and the soft
dewy eve sometimes its malarious influences !;
but, after all, it is q fair land, good land.
We have no reason, Brethren Of the Press, to
be ashamed Of journalism in Florida 1t il re-
garded by others than ourselves a. exception
ally good, and that for enterprise, scope, broad
ness Of views and ability, the press of our State
compares favorably with that Of other portions
OF our land.
Let il be our aim TO make our standard higher
and better, as 4 tradition to our successors, and
finally let us cultivate amenity and pleasant
courtesy in all things We all know the trials,
lbe difficulties and troubles which the press has
to encounter in its pioneer existence. Words Of
cheer and encouragement are always grateful,
and never lost The little sheet viii grow with
population, and prosper with the prosperity Of
the country. Let rs give all who need it gym
pathy and God speed.