Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-02-16
POLITICAL. NEWSPAPERS.

The newspaper which has fixed po-
litical opinions, which upholds, main,
tains, and defends certain principles,
occupies an unique position. Itdiifers
from the alleged neutral or indepen'
dent paper in that it does not cater to
every passing wind or doctrine-does
not seek popularity at the expense Of
principle 1t is at all times supposed
to be in duty bound to gloss. over and
correct the plumbers of politicians who
seek Office for the emoluments and
honors which are supposed to be due
the ofliceholder. The editor of paper
as rule does not want Office. Know
ing the faults and frailties of officers,
being cognizant of the pitfalls in the
way, he prefers to bestow rather than
receive, and only accepts place wheu
force of circumstances compels him to
do so.
After laboring for years to place his
party in power, his efforts are finally
crowned with success. He joins with
the populace in praise of the men who
win the prizes Ut rough his Efforts ano
at once assumes the difficult task OF
placing before the people, in its best
possible light, the acts of men who are
only striving to advance their own in
terests at the expense Of the party,
Should he criticise any act performed
or word indiscreetly spoken, he al
once becomes the target of abuse. A
notable instance is the resolution OF
censure, passed by the House of Dele
gates of this State, because the editor
of the Intelligencer had the nerve tc
criticise the acts of the Speaker Of that
body. Members of the Legislature
forget that the Intelligencer has beer
fighting the battles of Republication
for the past 10 years, and having wor
the victory its editor is at once ano
unceremoniously cast overboard-is
made the Jonah of the party. Whether
the criticism was just or unjust the
mem bers of the House will live to rue
the day that they SO far forgot them
selves as to perform so ungracious ar
act.
But to come nearer home. The
Herald has for many years advocated
Republican principles and has at al
times been strictly consistent, as its
files abundantly prove. 1t has moi
been a mine of wealth The greater
portion of the time it has not paid ex
penses. Had the editor and manager
been paid even ineager compensa
tion for labor performed it would have
gone to the wall years ago. Judging
from experiences of the late campaign
the editor of the Herald is expected tc
fight the battles of the party in this
section of the State, endure all of the
abuse which the opposite party car
heap upon him, and receive in return
nothing OF those nominated for
and elected to office in this county
not more than one-half are patrons
Some are outspoken enemies. Others
are too penurious to pay the regular
subscription price and refuse to sup
port the paper unless they can have
it at reduced price. Their names
are placed upon the ticket and thai
ticket is published for several weeks
the party triumphs largely through
the efforts of the Herald, and those
men do not so much as thank the edi
tor for his labors in their behalf
The chairman wants to do the fai
thing but he is in the same boat will
the editor. Tom, Dick, and Harry
nag him constantly for money for this
that. and the other thing. His sup
ply of funds is exhausted and he il
unable TO pay the editor for printing
and other work done, all of which COS
him not only labor but money.
The above is no fancy picture anc
does not apply only to the Herald blu
can be duplicated in both parties il
every county in the State.
Cleveland has sold about OF Z mil
lions of ! per cent bonds to foreigners
for sos, 600, 900, making in all STOP,
400, 900 increase of the bonded indebt
edness Of the country since he becam
President. The interest charged eacl
year on these bonds will be SO, 400, 600
and for the thirty years they have t
run it will amount to SG94 $50 900
Principal and interest-S357, ESQ, 600
Not so bad for two years of "Clover. .