The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-08-16

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Paper Read Before the Cha,aauqua Circle.
T In 1776 there were but thirty-seven
newspapers in America, and but
few books. A century later there
were 1892 newspapers and peri
odicals, and books innumerable. The
early Americans evidently had great
faith in free press. They were, no
doubt, we'll aware of England's exper.
fence with licensed printing, so pro-
vided for free speech and press in this
country. No other institution in our
land has been endowed with such
liberties, and it has requited the peo-
ple's confidence by facilitating the
progress of the sciences, arts, culture,
and education.
When questions of Importance
arise, the people turn to the press for
information, and thru this medium in.
terested persons may voice their views.
1t is the greatest power in our nation;
it practically guides national senti-
ment and thought, and it is beyond
the reach Of no one.
Considering the benefits derived
from free press, the experiences of
foreign nations with licensed printing,
the progress of America, the enlight-
enment and prosperity so obvious
all due largely to the freedom of the
press-it is not surprising that no re-
strictions have been imposed on print
The history OF foreign countries
shows how unjust are the criticisms of
censors, placing power for evil in the
hands of few and retarding all ad-
vancement, intellectually and other
wise. Restricted printing is. therefore,
detrimental to progression; and free
press is essential to civilized nation,
stimulating thought and revolutioniz-
ing individuals, communities, states, a
nation, and even comforting inestima-
bic boons on the world in general.
Its object. This is matter of very
great difference; but as a general prin.
ciple, the press is presumed to be the
voice of the people and should en-
deavor to promote the veal of the
commonwealth. This it does by en-
tightening the public on vital ques
tions involving the interests of all, and
by propagating knowledge on deversi
fed subjects.
Its influence is unquestiOnably
powerful Sometimes this influence
may be prejudiced to certain interests
or individuals, but the press is con
trolled by educated persons who ar
generally to be found on the side o
the majority. sometimes its influenc
may appear wrongfully exerted a
when, for example, it excuses the un
lawful acts of millionaires or moneys
interests; but this attitude is seldom
assumed, and when it is, the publ
receives enough facts to ascertain tn
reason for the position of the presl
Certain newspapers may be influ
enced by certain interests, and there
fore may be biased in their presentatio
of news. But this Is legitimate pra,
tice. Some may contend that it is
policy of trying to whitewash system
of graft; yet. an individual or corpo
alton is perfectly at liberty to promot
private interests. The same concll
sion may be applied to party organ
and this confluence of certain sheet
to promote the advantages of its. pa
tisanship is not a misapplication {
press influence; for the rival faction
with all their outward ostentation, pr
ceed to dilate from their respecti,
viewpoint on whatever questions a
pending, and this is conducive to
clear understanding of such matte
as are of importance to all. To som
this loyalty to factions appears as
baneful exerting Of press influene
The result being as another has sal
"Good and bad men are praised ind
criminstely, so it occasionally happe
that some really good, blameless mi
has been placed no higher than son
chap that had been sent up q coup
of times-to the legislature"
But this custom Of dividing to U
hold party doctrine, or forward t
selfish designs of an avaricious cliqr
is the outgrowth Of modern conditio