The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-07-29
Introductory.

WATCIIMAN AND STATE JOURNAL, we
do not deem it necessary to offer an
elaborate exposition of the principles
and policies which will govern the con-
duct of this journal under our manage
ment, but we will briefly generalize
some of our purposes.
The new editor of this paper is a
Republican, and will not be found
wanting in the enunciation of what
he believes to be sound Republican
principles. We find much in the
present political situation that gives
us strong inspiration and purpose in
that behalf. We shall seek to treat
public questions in the spirit that under
lies system of true republicanism, and
of those motives which have given the
most salutary force to our national ca
reer. We make no claim to the indie
pendence which has no preferences,
nor do we regard it as worthy of emula-
ton; but we shall not hesitate, when it
seems needful, to criticise the defects
and wrong-doings of the Republican
party, though always, we trust, in fair
and conservative spirit We shall aim
to discourage factional strife and to
maintain party unity. While we shall
treat political opponents and their prin-
ciples and measures with all the con-
sideration that their merits may seem
to deserve, this journal, believing in
the correctness of the principles of the
Republican party, will strive to repre-
sent the intelligent, vigorous and con-
sistent Republican sentiment of the
country. With no intention to reflect
consciously upon the political course
of our immediate predecessor, with
whose views we have not always been
in accord, it will be our earnest en-
deavor to make the WATCHMAN, in the
stability and consistency of its political
character, what it was under the con-
troll of those able and veteran editors,
WALTON and POLAND.
1t is not to be inferred, however, that
the WATCHMAN will give undue prom
inence to political questions. 1t will
have editorial discussion on other top
les of leading importance and current
interest; brief review of the country's
opinions as shown by the expressions
of its newspapers; general reading mat
ter of interest and value to the family
circle; and carefully edited epitome
of state and general news. Above all,
we shall aim to make a complete his
tory of each weeks doings in Mont
pelier and vicinity and in all the terri
tory where the WATCHMAN principally
circulates, without sensationalism and
without offensive personalities; for it
has been well observed by an editor of
long experience that the journalist who
writes sharp and saucy things, or in
vents circumstances, or embellishes
facts with an exuberant fancy, will in
the long run find it a losing policy; and
that it is better to deal with affairs in
an earnest, common-sense way, and
with such regard to consistency as will
enable those who read from week to
week to respect what is said, and rely
upon it as at least honest opinion.
The WATCHMAN will earnestly labor
for the promotion of local interests
county, town and municipal; for what
ever conserves the interests of educa-
ton, agriculture, productive industry,
temperance, and sound public mo-
rality; for all that tends to advance the
prosperity of the state and the general
welfare of its people. We shall advo-
cate all principles and measures of re-
form and progress which, in our judg-
ment, may seem needful and practical
BILE and tend to beneficent results; but
we shall feel in duty bound to combat
whatever we believe to be founded
upon error or prejudice.
Finally, we shall strive to maintain
the high reputation of the WATCHMAN
as first-class family journal which it
has deservedly enjoyed under the man
agement of our predecessors We con-
template only such changes in the mat
ter and makeup of the paper as our in
dividual judgment and experience may
suggest to be in the line of improve
ment; and related to the general fea-
lures we have mentioned, such others
will be introduced from time to time as
may appear worthy of adoption. We
are well aware that no editor can please
all classes of readers; but we venture
to ask the cordial and generous sup
port of all who believe that a journal
conducted upon the basis we have in
Dictated is deserving of success.