The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-31
Courage and Patriotism Of Newspa-
per Editors.


| To the Editor Of the Eagle:
| In common parlance we speak with
| Difference of a courageous man, of a res
olute man and Of patriotic man. These
| inherent qualities come to all in greater
or less degree and individuals are char
acterzed and impelled by the force Of
these agents to various conspicuous posi-
lions in life. American journalism stands
at the head of all professions. 1t is the
| most comprehensive and diffusive source
Of light and knowledge in the world. 1t
seeks out the rich and the poor, the high
and the low. It knows no class distinc-
ton in the advancement of truth and
justice. 1t is the most complacential,
generous and sympathetic of the chosen
vacations. Newspaper editors, unlike
other professions, put no stint to their
versatile genius, but like a munificent
messenger, they daily and weekly distrib-
ute multitude of delectable things TO all
classes and conditions of people for their
edification. Newspaper editors also have
a keen perception of the fundamental
principles of patriotism and of political
economy in the legislative and executive
ment. They stand as sentinels to shield
protect and defend the sacred rights of
the people against aggressive and tyran-
nous Innovations and ruthless monopoliz-
ing syndicates. They are composed of
every variety and shade of sentiment in
the utility of things that pertains to the
good of the public. The editorial profess
sion, however, is not exempt from cranks
and their balderdash theories Of politics;
nor is it free from a tmorous class. act
uated more from policy and partisan
prejudice to sustain the patronage OF
their papers. Editors, be it said IN honor
of the profession, are endowed with
rare degree of fortitude and unsullied
patriotism which they manifest in every
laudable enterprise, and with Spartan
courage they smite the evil genius of
INSCRIPTIONS plotters to wrong and de-
spoil the people.
There have been volumes said Of sub
sidized press, but where it is kept, and by
what title il flaunts to the world we
have never been able to discover. Syn
dictate journals ordinarily are published
more for money than for the prcmulga-
ton Of correct principles, their servile ed
itors. though they be greatly learned,
manifest but little regard for the public
veal, beyond their stipulated salaries.
Their f1ippancy and graceful ease of COM
position may lure and fascinate the
reader, but always at the expense of
winnowing a vast amount Of chaff to get
a few grains of wheat, and when they die
a whit better for their having lived in it.
A man may be imbued with courage and
resoluteness and still be a very bad pa
triot, if you know what that means. But
patriotism combined with courage and
resoluteness constitute the most noble
qualities of a newspaper editor. Such
men will not be fettered; they would re-
ject with disdain a subordinate position
under a censorship or advisory board OF
capitalists to promote their arbitrary
designs upon the unoffending public.
Among such men have been found some
of the greatest champions OF the world,
who devoted their great energies in be-
half of justice and liberty, notably Will
lam Lloyd Garrison. Benjamin Lundy.
Horace Greeley, Owen Lovejoy. Arthur
Tappan. ]. w. Forney and Henry Wat
terson.
To this list scores Of less conspicuous.
but equally courageous and patriotic ed
itorial characters might be added. Among |
the more prominent newspaper journals |
of the day, the Eagle stands at the head. |
It follows more nearly after the manner |
of the immortal Greeley than any other |
journal extant, IN batting for the better |
ment and safety Of the public good. Rad |
ically Republican and pledged 70 the |
support OF that party. the Eagle dares |
to chide the pernicious designs Of evil |
minded men. and condemn political meas !
ures whenever and wherever they in !
fringe upon the rights of the people. nor |
does II squeamishly withhold from print |
ing correspondents cautious criticism Of /
Inflated and INSCRIPTIONS Republican op- |