Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-11-02
8aiIy Eeuusbtf auurnal,
NEWSPAPERS AND PRINCIPLES.
An lmparlia, View Of The Present Poiitica
Situation.

among the ntfnblest campaign ISLANDERS
OF the silver monopoly is that which de-
raa lar .hat all the sound-money newspa-
GERS are the subsidized organs of the gold
syndicate. This falsehood has been re-
i'eated with remarkable diligence BY men
VINO know better. and shrieked from the
p ,.m by unbalanced creatures like
Iliiman, until the enthinking among the
oo-csnt Zeatots have actually come 10 re-
gard II as an uncontrovertible argument
o. the canvass concerning which there
can be but one opinion.
AS matter of fact there has not been
y campaign IN this country in the last 30
Years that has so thoroughly demonstrate
ca the independence and the integrity of
journalism as the one through which we
are passing. To say that newspapers like
the New York Sun. the Herald the Phil
adeiphia Times. the Louisville Courier
Journal, and scores of others less prom
inent, but not less devoted to Democrats
doctrine. could be seduced from their
convictions by any ring or syndicate is
TO utter a reckless falsehood which car
rieS with it its OWN condemnation in the
mind of every intelligent citizen who is
not blinded by partisanship or deluded by
doctrines which appeal to his cupidity
at the expense of his common sense. If
sordid considerations alone Were sufll-
cient to sway the judgments of journals.
most of those we have named would be
on the side of the silver delusion. cater
ing to the crowd and swelling their cir
culations by ad captandum appeals to the
prejudices and passions of the multitude.
But there are responsibilities attached to
journalism which may not be laid aside
even Tor the temporary advantages which
might accrue as the result of an aban-
donment of principle and these RESPONSE
bilities have been nobly met in the pres
ent national crisis.
We have particularly In mind the case
OF The New York SUM- which promptly
repudiated the Chicago platform without
waiting TO see what others thought of it..
The sun became convinced that the Chi
tslGO UHllVpfanrp WrQp,. and that ITS
success would be an injury to the coJIn-
try. and having reached this conclusion
its position was taken and its course de-
termined without delay and without
counting the cost. Its voice rang out
true and clear without faltering or hes
itation at the very first opportunity. and
caustic comments on some of the hum
bug features of the campaign are dis
tasteful to persons of demagogical incli-
nations. and they are ready TO attribute
any motive but the correct one for its iii
dependent course. But those who are
angry now because honest newspapers
take issue with them will yet have real
son to thank the courag eOus American
journals that are standing between them
and disaster. and that did not hesitate
to make their choice at the crucial mo-
ment even at the risk of mourning par
tisan displeasure and inviting destruc-
ton.
The newspapers that are standing up
tor sound money and sound principles
~ TINS campaign are tiiH true lflefltS OF
tabor. They are upholding the best dol
lar for the wage Garner, they are defend
ing a system of national integrity that
VIII insure prosperity. security, and hon
or. and restore confidence. peace, and
happiness to the people of the United
States. They resist the noxious doctrine
that national dishonor can promote per-
s0nal prosperity. and in this they main
tain the principle of the greatest good 10
the greatest number
The soundmOney newspapers are doing
this without money and without price
syndicate of gold or silver. The degener
ates who claim that such newspapers are
bought or subsidized voice their own deg
radiation. No papers have made greater
sacrifices for principle this year than the
scund-moncy journels that broke loose
from party traditions to stand up for
their convictions. They are an honor to
Journalism, and the present crisis WAS
worth bringing about TO demonstrate the
LOYALTY and high-mindedness by which
they are actuated.
1t is a hopeful sign of the nation :
strength when the best journalism of
the country prefers principle TO PARTISAN
ship and is willing TO sacrifice gain for
the public good. Small minded and shall
low critics of newspapers are not willing
to conccde these virtues to the sancturl.
but editors and publishers who are con-
seious. of having done their duty care bat
little for the envious ISLANDERS of The ul-
scrupulous who being dishonest them
selves. seek to fasten the stigma Of Iii =
honesty upon all who take exception to
:heir fallacies. When the history of this
campaign shall he written. the unseltish.
Sound principles and honest money by the
independent journals of the United
States should not be orgotten.-Scranton
Truth.