The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-02-19

reason Of 1t tho public themselves are made
| partners in the enterprise. and the news
paper is made more sensitive to its obliga-
tions to them. It's interests and
| the public interests become essen
| TALLY the same. for its prosperity depends
ON its fidelity to the public welfare and the
consequent popular support 1t receives. 1t
must earn tho popular confidence and re-
spect by mcrting them. It's own interests
arc involved in its enlightened comprehcn-
sion Of tho needs and the sentiments of
society 1t Is not for itself alone. but for all
mankind; not its own critic. merely, but an
object for the criticism of all the people.
Hence, by the very necessity of its existence
as prosperous business enterprise.
newspaper s forced to adopt principles and
methods which partake Of tho character of
the highest and purest craftsmanship and
have distinctly altruistic quality. 1t can
not take a narrow and n selfish view. 1t
must survey all society and subordinate
personal considerations to the general
welfare. II is statue carved out by
man, but which takes on life and indi-
viduality OF its own and eventually dom-
mates It's author. 1t is an institution
which may never die. while he is NOR
tai whose span Of life is short. 1Ie be-
comes insignificant as compared with the
construction of his own hands All society
and not he alone has buildcd IL up. Without
the sustcnancc OF the popular confidence
and favor, it languishcs and dies. II is for
the people to say whether it shnll DO vigorous
and enduring. or feeble and ephcmeral: and
their decision is rendered in accordance
with the vigor and persistency. the wisdom.
honesty. sincerity, and ability with which
it defends their interests and maintains tho
principles that command their respect. it
is representative elected by popular suf-
frage: and 1t must serve all the people and
not it's individual owners alone III 1t Is to
prosper as u commercial undertaking.
This makes the newspaper peculiar among
business enterprises. 1t is as necessary
for 1t to have intrinsic merit as it is requi-
site that work of art should have beauty.
or be true revelation OF nature, In order to
command critical approval and enduring
cmincncc. To secure parallel consideration.
a newspaper must be conducted on the
principles which undcrlic all real art: it
must get its reward from the singleness OF
its effort to attain purely ideal end.
Art for arts snke is motto applicable TO
JOurEulISIIl. AS " DuSilleSS cS-
tablished for money making. it cannot sue
coed otherwise in full measure and per-
manently. To the great honor of our i'm
portant and successful newspapers 1t can
be said that generally they are conducted
with sagacious and conscientious re-
gard for their public obligations. They
do not forget thcir representative charac-
ter. but hold themselves as servants Of
the people. accountable for the use Of their
stewardship. Their conductors are under
no oath Of office and no formal bonds for tho
faithful performance Of their public duties;
but they are bound by sense OF obligation
which is oftcntimcs religious in its eleva-
walton. Their function has n sacerdotal
character. and their VOWS Of fidelity must
be made to Con and not to men.
We therefore offer fratcrnal greetings to
all the representatives Of the dignity OF tho
press whom the business Of their news
papers has called to New York.