Proving, with those, this holy maxim true- Hence, Wisdom, on thy pilgrimage! ANSWER OF THE AMERICAN PRESS. From the Foreign Quarterly Review. : and trample under foot a single number of ence is composed. You may tear to pieces the New York Herald,'or the 'New York Courier and Enquirer,' but at that very instant, there are tens of thousands reading that very number of either journal, and deriving from it all the satisfaction which large classes of men will never cease to take, in the gratification of their ignorance or of their evil passions. 'Does any well-educated man in America read these papers with respect,' is the strange question of the 'Edinburgh Review.' With respect! Why, what has respect to do with it? Does any well educated man enter a gambling house, or a brothel, or any other scene of vice, with 1. The New York Morning Courier and Enquirer: The New York Herald: October to Febuary 1842-3. 2. Les Américains en Europe, et les Européens aux Etats-Unis. (Americans in Europe, and Europeans in the United States, by PHILARETE CHASLES: Revue des Deux respect for the inmates he looks to find there? Far from it. It is more than probMondes, February, 1843.) Paris. 1843. 3. Les Etats-Unis: Souvenirs d'un Voya- hates himself for going; but he goes: and Voya-able, if he has any feeling at all, that he geur: (The United States: Recollec. tions of a Traveller.) Par M. ISIDORE LÖWENSTERN. Paris & Leipsic. 1842. 4. The North American Review for January, 1843. Boston. U. S. the oftener he goes, we will answer for it, the less he finds it necessary to trouble his And this is what we charge upon the newshead with notions of respect' of any kind. papers, as not the least frightful mischief We have reason to be satisfied with the that is in them. They level, to an undiseffect of our article of last October, on the tinguishable mass, the educated, the ignorNewspapers of the United States. It has ant, and the base. They drive into one bad been, in the first place, understood by those direction all the forces of society, which, whom it concerned, and complimented if personal liberty is to be preserved, or the with that calm indifference and philosophic contempt, which were lavished by Sheridan's hero on the villanous, licentious, abominable, infernal Review, that had been written upon him. In other quarters, it has been met with guarded doubts, with well meant remonstrances with timid comparisons and questionings, and with agreement founded on honest examination of the facts and reasons that we offered. In all it has involved of necessity, more or less, a discussion of the nuisance it exposed. rights of individual thought and opinion respected, ought to be engaged in counteracting each other. Democracy is little understood, if this is supposed to be democracy. It is a state of equal and universal slavery: the tyranny to which all are subject, being that of a press the most infamous on earth. To pretend that such a condition of things must flow as a matter of course from the institutions of America, can blind only the most thoughtless. The 'Times' argues ably for all its opinions, but omits an imThis is the main advantage. And for portant element in the consideration of this. this we return to a subject, only more im- The government and society of America portant than hateful, since it forces us, cannot be assumed to have as yet taken whatever the tone we adopt, to admit at permanent shape. On the great experiany rate the continued existence of a pow- ment which is going forward there-the er, enormous in proportion to the absence right of any one broadly and finally to proof every quality which inspires respect. nounce, is far from having yet begun. In Power, founded on the junction of literary the present stage of it, we must still mainincompetency with moral indecency, and tain, the character of the people is more deriving its means of support from nothing distinctly at stake than the character of the save scandal, slander, wretched ribaldry, institutions. Nothing seems so dangerous and ruffianly abuse, is the humiliating antagonist against which we enter the field. You cannot afford, with justice to all that is at stake, to despise such an antagonist; for you cannot treat with the same contempt the masses who listen to him, and of whose blind lusts and ignorance his influ as to palliate the social delinquencies of America on the ground of political experiment, unless it is the danger of making forms of government of any kind responsible for what lies in a direction too deep to be amenable to them. Government in that sense is much to be considered, but se 1 government, in every form of society, is asserts, that even taking it as a fair descripalso worth considering; since without it, tion of the newspaper press of America, the other, though cast in the perfect mould the case attempted to be set up signally of absolute wisdom, will avail surprisingly fails. And why? "We say," says the little. The existing constitution of Amer-Westminster Review,' "that the moral ica has not yet outlived the test of fifty tone of the American press is not so low as years, and for every vice and failing of the that of the newspaper stamped press of people we are asked to make this fraction our own country, with honorable excepof time accountable! tions." The reviewer is at pains to repeat Will those who require us to do so, point the assertion, and to have us understand out the example in history of a political that it is made 'deliberately.' He adds constitution framed in this rapid ex-cathe- that he has 'carefully' examined a file of dra fashion, and turning out of greater ac- the 'New York Herald,' the paper especialcount than the paper it was written only referred to as the worst in the United Will they furnish us an example of consti- States, and found it, "bad as it is, freer tution or form of government of any kind from gross obscenities and ribald jests than whatsoever, which had within it an element either the the, or the—, pa of permanence-to which the habits, the pers circulated extensively here among the duties, the rights, the capabilities of the peo-higher classes; and its personal abuse of ple governed, had in any manner found it political opponents not greater than that of possible to accommodate themselves and almost any one of our Tory journals." which has not been in every case the work We do not give the names of the papers of time, and, in a still greater and more im- thus specially put forward, because the portant degree, the work of the people third, though of political opinions with themselves? Admitting here, then, that which we cannot sympathize, is conducted the finale issue still waits to be developed with perfect decency and honor, and is on by time, it is on the latter ground we for no pretence, save of a most reckless disre the present take our stand. We say that gard of truth, to be classed with that literawith no effort to check the influences which ture of the 'gambling house and the brothare now running riot in America, the chan- el' which we did not fail to denounce when ces of that great society being ultimately we entered first upon this subject, and of gathered together under any one set of which the other two journals named are political institutions, we care not of what the admitted representatives. It is impordescription, are extremely remote and prob- tant to notice that what we must call the lematical. Why, if they had wars upon design of indiscriminately bringing within their hands, if they had threatening and the same degradation aud reproach every troublesome neighbors, nay, if they had class of English periodical publication, is their millions of ill-governed, starving poor, very 'deliberately' pursued by the Westclamoring for instruction and for bread, minster Reviewer. we do believe that their chances of exist. Gently passing the "New York Herald" ence as One People would be greater than as "with all its faults" having "early comthey now are. Frightful as we must think mercial intelligence," and by its circulation these penalties and vices from which older the best advertising medium in the United countries suffer, at the least some centre States" (pretences we had already noticed of resistance would of necessity evolve it as those by which decent American citizens self from them, to what now overrides the attempted to justify to themselves the adland, crushing all that is of elevating ten- mission of the foul thing within their housdency, everywhere establishing like nar-es), the reviewer proceeds to quote the row prejudices and foul passions, making case of Lady Flora Hastings ; a more recent one mean view and example of mankind falsehood against another of the maids of universal and predominant, and silencing an independent thought wherever it would make itself known. No government, no society, can long exist with such a power as this abroad, subject to no control. We are quite prepared to have it said that we exaggerate: we say what we believe to be honor; some scurrilities in the report of a meeting on the subject of Miss Martineau's refusial of a pension; and an alleged libel against Mr. Cobden. "Is the American press," he then asks, "alone to bear the disgrace of giving utterance to vile slanders, when it is merely copying the example of the prints of the mother country? A In remark on our so-called exaggeration, twelvemonth has not elapsed," he continues, the Westminster Review' waives any ad-" since two newspapars existed, the avowed vantage derivable from its exposure, and object of which was to trade in libel... true. The papers alluded to are now happily ex-in any way suffered to appear in their coltinct, but they existed for many months, umns, the infamous slanders of which he and large sums were realized by the wretch- makes special mention? Why, with the es associated in this infamous speculation." stamp returns at hand, does he talk of the Our "severe censure" against the Presi- extensive circulation of papers, of which dent of the United States for the disgrace the miserable sale is as notóricus as the of connecting the government at Washing- miserable and mean contents because he is ton with the infamy of the "New York defending the American Press. Herald" is the reviewer's closing subject of remark. "Governor Tyler," he coolly suggests, "would probably explain by stating that it was his duty not to give the advertisements to papers which had only a comparative small circulation," and the matter is then finally dismissed in these extremely "knowing" paragraphs: press It is worth remark perhaps, that among the earlier articles of the same number of the "Westminster Review," there was one by a particularly enthusiastic writer, who said a number of fine and flattering things about the English press, and put forth nothing but the very grandest claims in its behalf. What his friend and colleague was saying in the same instant of time, the reader has observed. The delicate monster with two voices was probably never played [the first article] is to speak well of his friend; his backward voice [the second ar ticle] is to utter foul speeches and to de tract." The men of the press are the authors of the moral life of nations, says the forward voice. Nothing can be so morally low as the tone of the men of the press, says the backward voice. Bullying, exaggeration, downright lying, don't apply to the newspaper man, cries the forward voice. The newspaper man bullies, exggerates, lies, cries the backward voice. His own party deem him a servant of Right and Patriotism, have retained his services, and do what His own party they like with their "own," says the backored in England at this hour by the intelward voice. No profession is more honligent than that of the press, cries the forward voice. Until they sign their names says the forward voice. "But admitting that the real object was that of a simple bribe, we must still marvel at the astonishment of the 'Foreign Quarterly,' seeing that the practice is one which, in the mother to greater perfection. "His forward voice country, and probably in every state of Europe, is about as old as the press itself. Is the writer so innocent as to suppose that the morning and evening papers which are known as ministerial journals support the government of the day only from motives of the purest patriotism, and that in return for this devotedness there are no considerations in the shape of early and exclusive information, official announcements, or more tangible modes of payment for this devotedness ?"* We have given this outline of the defence of the American and its upholders by their hardiest advocate, because it comprises matter which, throughout the course of our present article, it will be instructive to keep in view. The writer's purpose cannot be mistaken. It is to involve in the same disgrace the most respectable of the Tory journals of the metropolis, and the literature we formerly classed as but part of its social dregs and moral filth. It is to convey the impression that the "moral tone" to what they write, the press will be a of the "Times" and the "Standard" is in mere mercenary mass, cries the backward point of fact on no higher level than that of two scandalous journals still existing, and two still worse which are extinct. The last two are not named, but proceedings at police offices have forced their names on respectable men, and we understand the reviewer's allusion. It conveys what is not the fact. They were not They were not "newspapers." They were prints of the lowest price, unstamped, indecently illustrated, and filled with the sayings and doings of shameless and abandoned profligates. Why does the Westminster Reviewer thus recklessly class these foul publications with the great body of English newspapers? Why does he leave his readers to imagine that such jour nals as the "Times" had countenanced or * Sic in orig. voice. The journalist is not believed ready to repeat his lies for a few guineas, says the forward voice. Is any one simple enough not to believe that bribes are as old The man of the press is a Lion, cries the as the press itself, asks the backward voice. forward voice. He is a Libeller, cries the backward voice. His autographs fetch high prices, says the forward voice-But we had better stop here, seeing that we stumble on something like agreement. must pity the innocent who does not know For, responds the backward voice, one of "tangible modes of payment" for the devotedness of a man of the press! Which is perhaps only more delicately put in the remark on high-priced autographs. Between such exaggerated differences in men of the same political views, who thus With such a man as this, it is now attempted to confound the newspaper man of America. But it will not do. Our exposure of last October stands on record against the stale trick, and, if any thing else were needed, the answer of the American press to that exposure is now on record also! A precious and invaluable testimony to the truthfulness and justice of the "Foreign Quarterly Review!" It becomes us gratefully to recognize it, and to offer some slight description of it. Such is our present purpose. We will be careful to do it as briefly as we may. flatly contradict each other, and stultify the never able to escape such immediate conjournal they write in, the truth has at any tact with what he treats, as must always to rate room and breadth enough to make itself some extent cloud its just proportions; calmly and, clearly known. And if of the how seldom is the English journalist a mere overweening claim it should hardly ap- caricaturist, dogmatist, or declaimer! prove, on the low and false depreciation it may assuredly trample with scorn. English journalism, whatever its defects may be, represents not unworthily the civilization and intelligence of England. A great people finds free utterance in it for every possible difference of thought and of opinion, and a respectable community has no call to be ashamed of it. The man who says it wages war on private life, or who implies that it is conducted by professional bullies, whose avarice or other passions invite the price of their dishonor, utters what we can only call a falsehood. Its writers are for the most part men of known character and station, The first steam packet after the Review and have all the inducements to keep them had reached the States, brought to this true, even if they had all the baseness to be country the letter of an intelligent "New able to be false. As to the particular "re- York Merchant," which was published in velations" to be expected from the English the "Spectator" newspaper. In that letter journalists, or the special "truths from the we found it stated: "The Review of the higher regions of philosophy," of which the American Newspaper press in the 'Foenthusiastic article in the "Westminster" reign Quarterly' is attributed here to speaks, when it likens him to Spring in the I believe falsely. In the main it is true, Greek ode, shining forth and scattering and therefore CUTS DEEPLY; but justice is roses-we will only say, that when he sets scarcely done to the 'Courier and Enforth a pretension to deal in these wares, it quirer,' which is decidedly one of the best is more than probable he will be found ac- papers published in New York; although tually supplied with them. Meanwhile, we that does not say much, I confess." We contemplate him with equal admiration in knew that such was the esteem in which a somewhat humbler sphere, where he no the "Courier and Enquirer" was held, and it doubt feels he is able to do greater present was for that reason we singled it out for exgood. Swift observes it is an uncontrolled hibition of its style and character. truth, that no man ever made an ill figure should grieve to think that we had not done who understood his own talents, nor a good it justice; but what was omitted in the forone who mistook them; and it is, we think, mer article, may possibly be supplied in one of the chief distinctions of the English this. "In the main it is true, and therefore journalist, that he both understands his ta- CUTS DEEPLY." This statement, in an intellents, and their most cautious and useful application. He seldom stops short, and much more seldom goes too far. He does not loiter near Apsley House while his friends are some dozen miles further on the road; nor exercise his speed in the Park at Windsor, while his readers are struggling to be lifted out of Slough. He is an eminently practical man; and, upon the whole, we say, a just and conscientious man. Of the latter we think we gave some proofs, in our late paper on the Newspaper Press of France. His great ability we do not think any one would question, except perhaps the friend of the American editors in the "Westminster Review." With every disadvantage to contend against; forced to write upon subjects with which he may be least familiar; always writing against time; We ligent and altogether unprejudiced quarter, we could not but observe with pleasure. But how little were we able to appreciate all that it conveyed, till we had seen the papers it had cut so deeply! We We sought, through a leader of three lengthy columns devoted to us in the "Courier and Enquirer," for one word that should proclaim the manly or the bold antagonist. We found only the meanest shuffling, the most cowardly and bullying evasion. found our review falsely charged on a distinguished writer--who had nothing to do with it, and had never, but as one of the public, seen it-that what admitted of no reply might be the excuse for a series of vulgar personal libels. We found not a single statement met, not an argument even attempted to be answered, not a syllable of any kind but that which the dishonest is, | possessed, were wholly devoted to his country never called to prove, and the honest never-Midshipman Rogers. He translated those stoops to notice, the most gross and filthy characters." Upon Mr. Rogers' explanacalumny. Every way characteristic was its tone and spirit, of the only man out of two hemispheres, who it is to be hoped could have been found to write it. It was an article in which nothing was wanting to the perfect self-complacency which waits upon the consciousness of a perfect infamy. The man quoted the account he had given of himself, as a mere matter of course. It is said of the criminal that in confessing the greatest offence, he gives himself credit for his candor. You and he seem to have come to an amicable understanding on his character at last. We cannot quote this article for the reasons stated. From the ordure of its abuse, we can only extract one special comment on one of the statements in our "Review," to which any thing like a special denial is given. "We quote again from this infamous review. 'To convict a man in America, unless he happens to be a negro, is by no means a necessary prelude to his punishment. A murderer, whether of life, or of character without which life is worthless, has infinite chances if he has a while face.' 66 has gone to Europe with the fullest endorsement for truth and honor that any person ever took from the United States; and of course, the readers of the Foreign Quarterly Review' cannot doubt the faithfulness of this picture. What say his New-York friends to its truth?" tion (for without some reasonable suspicion of the possible rising of the crew, the whole affair is as unintelligible as deplorable) it was resolved on the sudden to hang Mr. Spencer and his two associates, men named Small and Cromwell.* Notice was accordingly given them; not the least form or shadow of a trial was gone into; they were told within an hour or two to prepare for death; and at the expiration of that time were hanged at the yard-arm. This done, the crew (under orders) cheered very lustily for the American flag, with its stripes and stars. "I then said," adds Captain Mackenzie's narrative, "that they had given cheers for their flag, but that they should also give cheers to their God, by singing to his praise. I ordered the hundredth psalm to be sung." Duly arrived at home with his dreary news to tell, the first paper in which any thing like an authentic account of Captain Mackenzie's tragedy appeared, was the New-York Courier and Enquirer." The selection was a happy tribute to the influence of this base press; highly illustra tive of the unquestioned and unquestionable power of that spirit of party with which it has cursed America; eminently characteristic of the utter absence of delicacy or decency which marks its influence over men esteemed the most honorable. The too monstrous and outrageous for belief. Upon a sobeen justly hanged without trial for a suspected inlemn investigation to inquire whether a seaman has tention to mutiny, evidence is gone into to show that he used to speak coarsely of his wife!! We quote from the examination of one of the witnesses: 'Cromwell spoke of his wife and spoke of her in a very light manner for a man who had just been married: he said, he supposed some one was then doing up her fixings at home, but he did not care as long as he had the berth clean when he returned." The Judge Advocate suggested the impropriety of pursuing the inquiry further. It was dropped. We will tell the editor of the "Courier and Enquirer" what his friends say to its * From the extraordinary evidence since adduced truth, which may possibly be more satisin justification of this act before the tribunal apfactory to him. All the world has seen the pointed to report upon it, we take one passage havaccount of the attempted rebellion on boarding immediate reference to this man, which seems the "Somers" American brig of war, commanded by Captain Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, the "Young American," whose "Year in Spain" made a very favorable impression in this country some short time back. It was alleged to have been headed by a midshipman of the name of Spencer, nineteen years of age, with whom were said to have been directly implicated two of the common seamen. It was revealed as madly as it seems to have been planned, † Let us supply, by the way, from the same exand a sort of vague suspicion of the pro-traordinary case, another notable proof of the abbable co-operation of several of the crew was founded on the discovery of a paper which was afterwards described by Captain Mackenzie, in the exculpatory narrative he submitted to the authorities, in these curious terms: "On this paper strange characters were written, which proved to be Greek, with which Mr. Spencer was familiar. It fortunately happened that another midshipman was on board who understood Greek-one whose Greek, as well as every thing else he sence of these qualities, which caused of course no Captain' Mackenzie, offering himself for trial in a surprise, and provoked no remark of any kind. case where, above all others, it seemed essential that his conduct should be free from the slightest breath of suspicion; in which his first anxiety should have been, that no faintest color of a motive could possi bly have been attributed to him, of even the most remotely connecting with any shadowy anticipation of his own profit or advantage, events so dreadful, and so plainly to be treated as a mere awful ne cumstances, thus closed the narrative, to which we cessity; Captain Mackenzie, we say, in these cirhave made reference in the text. "All the credit |