Year: 1877

In entering the field of journalism at the
National Capital at this peculiar crisis in the
affais Of business, our courage, perhaps, is
more to be admired than our discretion, for
n has been already repeatedly announced
by way of admon ition that fearful NOR
tAlity has heretofore prevailed among news
paper enterprises in the city of WASH
ington. In view Of this, the prospect may
not wear q roseate hue, but we have never
theless determined to embark on the jour-
nahstic sea and take the chances of bring
ing our enterprise into the harbor of
ultimate success


We now present the NATIONAL REPuB-
LlcAS to the public under new auspices as
. candidate for favor, and in doing so we
have no concealments rs TO our principles,
aims and ends. We enter upon this work
o matter Of business. The capital and
talent brought together in this enterprise
will be operated for the public welfare as
veil rs for the benefit Of those engaged, and
without subscribing the general veal We
can have no hope of realizing success. We
feel confident that this city presents an in
viting field for journalistic enterprise and
sGort, If it is properly occupied, and have
daliber ately concluded to enter it, we trust,
with just appreciation of the duties, re-
Ponsibilities and difficulties to be met and
overcome in our struggle. These, instead
Of disheartening us, only tend to challenge
our best efforts to earn popular commenda-
ton and favor.


We are not insensible to the fact that
public journal to merit prosperity must
wear those characteristics which command
popular confidence and respect. Its conduct
must be marked with untiring enterprise
and industry in gathering, preparing and
presenting the current events of the dny in
an acceptable manner to the reading public.
The publication must appear with comely
nien, and wear becoming respect for the
public taste, allied to Just regard for the
rights and interests of the people of the
District of Columbia 1t must occupy an
elevated plane of discussion, and preserve
dignifed line of expression in all its utter
ances.


The columns of this journal will be stu
diously guarded against the admission of
personal and sensational matter, CLEANED
from the purlieus of vice and crime, as we
do not propose to cater for n morbid taste
that luxuriatcs in that character of intel
lectual sliment. It will not be made the
vehicle ofpersonality or defamation of pub
lie or private reputation to crafty vitiatcd
tastes or personal revenges. On the con-
trary, it will strive To secure public esteem
by defending the right and rebuking the
wrong in such terms as will he uncxcep-
tionable to the most refined and fastidous
sensibilities. 1t will endeavor to defend
the weak, AS well as the strong, when as
sailed unjustly, and to aid in elevating
those who strive to elevate themselves.


five are TO judge from the past, there
must be gr eat temptation at the National
Capital TO crticise official conduct with Sc
verify, and, while we have no disposition to
surrender that prerogative of journalism,
we recognize the propriety and justice OF
making haste slowly in that direction We
shall aim to suspend Judgment until the
question of official dereliction is clearly
established, and then we shall nothing e,c-
shall take no stock in vague rumors or cal
luminous assaults against any one, whether
In public or private life, for, in our jndg-
ment the mission of true journalism lies in
quite another direction. Personal and Off
eial reputation are of too high value and
Of too sacred a character to be invaded and
damaged to crafty animosity and hate. On
this point We have no hesitancy in declar-
ing that while we control its columns this
journal will not be used for any such I'M
proper purposes.


In all matters relating to the interests of
M District of Columbia IL will be our
highest pleasure, as it is n recognized duty,
10 defend with our best efforts the rights
and interests Of its people. We are not un-
mindful of the fact that this city holds an
anomalous position when compared with
other cities Of this great country The con-
stitutionai right Of its people relating to
taxation and representation is utterly dis
by the law-making power, While
thry are burdened with onerow taxation