The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1894-04-13

Governor was given the sentiment, ''The
Agricultural Districts the Stronghold of
Republicanism" To give all the reasons
was too much of an undertaking but among
the principal ones was that the farmers and
people of smaller towns read the country
newspapers, not casually but through and
through. They were intensely American,
governed by principle-free and independ-
ent thinkers. They realized that in the
suppression of slavery depended their veal.
The republican party had always been the
party of principle and right and although
some insidions claims found too willing ears
and the people were deceived, the little
realization of what free trade mis hit be, had
struck terror to the hearts of the people.
The country districts do not have to con-
tend with the new made voters who think
their interests are with the democratic
party; and finally the greatest of all evils
1.-The salO0n-d0es not have so terrible an
effect upon them. Men. who read are the
ones wanted, not the men who vote the
ticket Of the party that has the biggest show
and the most red light. The papers must
not fire over the heads but get down little
closer-nO high sounding language but
facts, facts, facts, and the republican party
will again restore prosperity to this land.
Washington Gardner, Secretary of State,
considered Journalism as an Educator of
Patriotism" He had found out that some
editors had patent insides," and he thought
they must have the latest gastronomic i'm
provements. In his younger days the New
York Tribune, the Bible, and the local pa
per had been placed side by side before him
as the great teachers of all that was good and
right He had known editors and editors.
and journalists and journalists. He sup
posed at one time that everything was writ
ten by the editor, but had learned of the
man of scissors and paste. The true editor
was the one who went down deep into his
own mind The editor sits as on throne
and it is one of great power; seizes the edi-
torial pen as warrior sezes his well tried
blade with the courage Of his convictions,
and the bouyancy of hope in an ultimate
triumph of the right. A true journalist is
not follower, not even reflector, but an
originator and director of public opinion.
The Legislature could enact, the Governor
execute, the courts construe; but the con-
stitutlon is in front and they can go no
further. But when the people speak the
constitution moves. Among the forces are
the home, the school, the church, the press
and mighty among these is the press-yet
none are rivals-all are factors in solving
the problems that confront us. Dearer
than state pride, should be the thought,
am an American. And to this thought the
republican editor has never been false since
jackson. We should have no Irish Ameri-
cans, no German-Amercans no Scandana-
vian-Americans--be Americans without
handle for hindrance. The papers were
driving into the Gil tizen, old and young, rich
and poor his duty in attending caucuses.
If the government was worth $40, 900 lives
and countless millions of dollars laid on the
altar of sacrifice, is 1t not worth fidelity in
peace? Shame, shame on the American
citizen who says. take no interest in cur
rent political events The caucus is to the
political life what the town is to the govern
ment. If the sacredness OF the ballot is not
as strong as the virtue OF Caesars wife then
the country is in danger of falling. As far
as religion is above secatranism, so far
must Patriotism be above partisanshlp.
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