New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-10
| first be thrown upon the character OF the Guy
| government they thus uphold.
A TRIBUNE BIRTHDAY.

A letter from a venerable reader which We
print this morning calls attention IN KIND ana
afYectionate words to the fact that The Tribune
is entitled to celebrate its ffty-eighth birthday
to-day. We had not forgotten the anniversary
but we might have refrained from abiding TO II
II our correspondent had not given expression TO
sentiments which remind us not only or the
general goodwill which we are happy to pos
sess but also Of the obligations which we are
bound to acknowledge Similar testimonials 10
a confidence which imperfections and even as
agreements do not impair come to this once
every day in the year, but we hasten to say 10
those who send them and to those VINO omit 10
follow so excellent an example that they are all
welcome. that sincere criticisms OF particular
polices and utterances Of The Tribune are
scarcely less so, and that both varieties OF ad-
dress are helpful contributions to the production
of this journal.
Orr correspondent adverts to the material
changes which have come to pass In the nelgh-
borhood of The Tribune, and Of which It's pres
emf habitation was one Of the early examples
They are indeed impressive even to those whose
recollection covers a much shorter peron than
fifty-eight years. They are as striking 10 the
eve As are the moral and civil changes which
have accompanied them to the mind. Inc
thought of old landmarks which have dlsap-
reared recalls the comparatively recent perlod
when New-York. though metropolis, retained
not few characteristics Of village life, 10
which perhaps many of our readers still look
back with fond regret. Nevertheless. In spite OF
pleasant memories and some present expert
ences which are less dear, we are constrained 10
proclaim the doctrine that every succeeding age
IL the golden age in the history OF CIVILIZATION
and that New-York cannot be fairly deemed an
exception to the general rule Of progress.
Inasmuch as the appeal lies to accomplished
facts. and we can be refuted II we are unduly
egotistical, we do not scruple to accept our cor
respondents congratulations upon the part
which The Tribune has been enabled to take IN
the promotion Of causes to which 1t was irrevo-
caby committed by the circumstances or us
birth. That essential consistency which has
been defined as Fidelity to great principles once
comprebended" we believe this journal has uni
formlv manifested Those who have directed
its course have been conscious of mistakes and
had keen sense Of shortcomings, but they
have not at any time felt the necessity OF plead
ing guilty TO an inHrm and unworthy purpose.
The past they think, is on the whole pretty Sc
cure But the qualification which evidence or
service rendered inspires would be poor thing
If Il did not in turn inspire stronger resolve 10
make a still better use of future opportunity
Readers of The Tribune often give us reason 10
know that they not only value this paper for
what 1t has been and, in their opinion, Is but
that they expect Improvement and Will not De
satisfied without II. We assure them that we
fully acknowledge the Justice Of their demands
and are solicitous to meet their requirements
We profess only moderate degree of content
ment, and we pledge our most earnest efforts to
Justify the constant preference of constituency
which il is an honor TO possess.