Dodge City times., 1888-12-06

are traceable directly to the influence
of sensational, and minute descrip
! tions of revolving scenes as they are
given in the daily and illustrated pa
pers and books.
The expression Of opinion by the
secular press is a matter of great i'm
portance. This is especially seen
during our heated political campaigns.
In the National contest four years
ago, the Des Moines Register KNEW
that Blaine was elected. The New
York World KNEW that Cleveland was
elected. But in the very nature of
the case neither of them knew any
thing definite about it, for the returns
were not in, and only l 100 votes to
decide the question. But upon all
questions of public interest the news
paper is looked to for an opinion, and
it should be given with care, discre
ton and wise Judgment.
Regarding morals, too much can
scarcely be done in the way of judi
cious management OF the press.
Many people read but one OF two
papers, and that is the county or state
paper where they reside. If there is
an undertone Of immortality, or vul
garity running through the reading
matter of that paper. imperceptibly,
the reader becomes like the paper in
his thoughts and character.
\ recent writer has said: "Mod-
ern newspapers are largely the i'll
structors Of the rising generation"
Too few of their conductors realize
the terrible responsibilities they have
incurred in welding an engine of
such formidable power. Instead Of
exercising cool dispassionate judg
ment, and diffusing that sort Of in
formation which is calculated to i'm
prove their readers and cultivate a
high moral tone, we find them revel
ing in personalities, indulging in the
lowest species Of vituperation, ran
sacking domestic closets for their
possible skeletons, holding up for
public observation the filthiest rec
ords of crime, vice, or misfortune;
dealing in SANDER, selecting with
reckless avidity the most appalling
and disgusting features of depraved
human nature, and dealing out with
lavish hand the most horrible events
of the times. Their columns are
sullied by the coarse, reckless abuse
heaped upon one another by contem
poraneous journalists, and the public,
especially the younger portion, be-
comes SO familiarized with the pois
onous upas constantly distilled, that
in course of time such contributions
are received with relish, instead of
exciting contempt and loathing.
If the above were false, it would
be less serious.
Yet it cannot be said there is no
mixture Of good in our secular press.
For if we look at the other side, we
see that the press is the great educa
tor Of the people, the imperishable
record of the past, the light Of science
and art, and the defender of the peo
ple's rights.
~. Lastly, an educated people is
an absolute necessity in republic.
The ballot is an expression Of the
power Of republic. If that power
is directed in wisdom, we may expect
a righteous judgment. But if the
means Of expressing that power be in
the hands of the ignorant and the
vicious, serious consequences may be |
The effects are first felt in Localities |
where the conditions are favorable,
but i'll time they are spread to the
state itself, and at last endanger the
life of the republic.
In self defense, if for no other rea
son, let the government proceed to
educate the masses Of the people in
districts where they are too poor to
educate themselves Let funds be
drawn from the National treasury and
in the ratio of illiteracy.
For we must educate the people. We
must educate! or we must perish.
Our people have made great pro
gress since four years ago. A political
contest has just closed. Great prin
ciples have been discussed, instead Of
being slandered. The
omen is a good one.
We have seen this people when
they were little band Of Pilgrim
Fathers. Slowly they spread from
the rock bound coast of New Eng
land, carrying with them the moral
sinews that bind people in one. A
war Of Independence arose, and they
we're free. Three millions strong,
with uplifted hands, they swear ale
glance to the Constitution of the
United States. Twice since baptized
N blood. but now they stand nation
Of sixty five millions and who shall
leclare their destiny?
With tremendous possibilities be-
ore us, let us learn that "Wisdom is
Better than Weapons of War;" and
hat a Bible ministry, and active and
,ure church, righteous press, and
IN educated people are the hope Of
,ur country, and that we are Nation,
One and inseparable, whose God is
he Lord