and such other useful subjects. Thus, though to blame. There is an immense amount of puffs originally intended expressly for news, properly and flummery continually seen in their columns: so considered, newspapers contain something of this is so much the case, that so far as the praise every thing; and as one subject or another pre- of an individual or thing is concerned, very few are ponderates in different countries, so perhaps, might so verdant as to put faith in any such paragraphs; we estimate the character of the nation. In this thus, far from being in any way useful to the person all-containing aspect, there is something even poeti- or thing, which they recommend, there is with cal; but we can find poetry in every thing, if we many persons, rather an excitement of suspicion. would but look well for it, as is plainly proved in Here too, they themselves know so well that the the "Weaver's Song," by Barry Cornwall. Here true state of the case is not given, that it is wonthen, as in the real world, are all things mixed derful how they can tell the truth at all, through together but still, it is not in politics alone, that this habit of misrepresenting. Another point in subjects are under a veil, and somewhat misre- which they are continually faulty, is, with regard presented; for all subjects are more or less so; to news readers themselves encourage this fault; how false, for instance, the panegyrics of some for the editors knowing with what avidity and pleabooks, also most advertisements; how feigned sure such things are sought for by the multitude, many emotions, worse than heartless, drawing-will insert false news merely to make their papers room ceremonies: pity but, as in the latter, we interesting. For the same reason, they delight had some sufficiently rough, to do without them, in publishing accidents, murders, suicides, and other and give the plain truth: there is no excuse here, pleasing horrors. The question has often been as in the drawing-room, on the plea of veiling the debated whether this really has a bad effect, and faults of selfism. Yet there is a resemblance ex- the opinion seems to be somewhat against such isting between the real world, and the printed one; publications; at any rate, the fact of criminals, for in the former, little does the external coincide having in many places, been executed in private with the internal, with the essence, the real. As rather than in public, as formerly, shows the inin the crowded street, we pass without concern, creased feeling against it. As to accidents, a many a face and figure, that veils a soul, which by knowledge of them, may perhaps teach us how to its misery, its bright hopes, its passions, or its act, if placed in similar situations; but at the same temptations, would, if known, fill us with feelings time, it may lead us to distress ourselves oftentimes as intense as its own;-so there is many an ad- with causeless fears. And this pleasure flowing vertisement passed over by the reader, or looked from the horrible, always leaves an unpleasant imon without thought, which the person who inserts pression on the mind, which would almost demonit, rests upon as the anchor of his hopes. In this strate, as much as it is sought by some, that the department however, there is as much humbug- mind is much better without its presence, at any gery as in the real world; and on account of the time. Often too, the means of committing crimes universal puffing and exaggeration, those really are suggested to persons, which they would not suffering, are prevented from being recognized. otherwise have thought of at all; and such things Here meet together, and join hands, the most an- are very apt to be remembered in times of temptacient times, the middle periods, and the stirring pre-tion to commit the like; for when the heart is roused, sent; here are old things and new; remarks about memory, like all the other intellectual powers, is Plato and Aristotle, with anecdotes of Dr. Buckland and the Duke of Sussex. Things old, but lately discovered, and things entirely new; dug-up antiquities, with the daguerrotype, and such like.

much more intense than at other times; of course, having the means increases the temptation. Moreover, an individual has a crime suggested to him, of which he would never have thought at all; this By the continual interchange of articles in news- increases the power of temptation, the shadow is papers, an individual achieving something, in any with him, where naught was before these things line whatever, very soon acquires a far-reaching too are of such a nature as to impress the mind reputation they are also beneficial in this respect, deeply, such as are to be brooded over the first by leading persons to observe articles relating to whisperings of sin have commenced. Bulwer, in individuals, whose peculiar achievements not fall- his last novel, attributes the number of crimes of the ing within their sphere of action, would otherwise same kind, occurring at precisely the same period, never be heard of at all. This continual inter- to a constant brooding over descriptions of such change also enables them to correct quickly, false things, until it becomes, as it were, what he calls “a ideas on any subject, which they may have pre- horrid phantasmalian monomania." As a strong viously handed over to their readers; and they predisposing cause, he attributes these to the press; therefore frequently do justice to individuals, of and in both statement and inference, I think expewhom they had formerly published false reports. rience will bear him out. Dr. Pritchard says that the Pretty generally, they seem willing to do this, ex- trial of Henrietta Cornier, for having murdered a cept in politics; indeed, making the same excep- child, from an insane impulse, excited so much attention, they are usually given to praise, rather than 'tion in France, that many females, by sympathy or

imitation, or by the mere influence of the imagina- | much it is capable of doing for the cause of truth, tion, became severely agitated by the desire or the when we consider its all-pervading influence; theredread of committing similar outrages. I have no fore should we use our best endeavors, to keep the doubt that such a state of feeling as this, has often led periodical press as pure as possible. to suicide. As to the words "fear or dread," which The worst form which newspapers take, is not the doctor uses to express himself, they are per- a legitimate one: I allude to that of being strictly fectly just; and there are many situations, perhaps personal in their contents. For here, in the first differing with different individuals, in which we place, you make a use of them, which is not by cannot distinguish this fear from the desire: thus, any means, their proper one; for that is, to conI have heard many persons say, that on board of vey news of importance with much more facility a steamboat, they have felt the desire of throwing and certainty, than could be the case if it were themselves over; and the desire of casting them- conveyed orally; but when they speak in a perselves from a high place, is common to many. Mrs. sonal manner, of things going on in a community, Trollope, in her Travels in Belgium, mentions an to that community; no end, but one of malevoinstance of a young and nervous female, who was lence, is answered by such minuteness; nothing ascending a celebrated high tower: as she went but bad results ensue. Moreover, besides other up, she told those with her of the increasing influ- and such evident evils, that it is needless for me ence of this desire over her, but would not consent to point them out, one of their greatest advantages to descend; finally, she could resist no longer, is thus turned into the immediately opposite evil: threw herself madly down, and perished. Per- this evil is gossipping, and the advantage, its prehaps the feeling which impels a bird to throw itself vention. For newspapers have the effect of, in some into the jaws of a serpent, is of this nature. There measure, diminishing the evils of gossipping, by are instances of madness, on record, which I think furnishing engaging subjects of conversation; which may be traced to the exaltation of such a feeling, to supply the place of remarks about our neighbors; so great a height, that self-control has no longer any and which, as being about things with which we influence over them. When, therefore, we see have no immediate connection, have none of the the bad effects of editors publishing such accounts, tendency to evil, accompanying such remarks. in other respects; may we not also give our ver- Gentlemen talk less scandal than ladies, by the subdict against them, on the grounds, that they first stitution of politics; and amongst ladies, scandal imprint deeply such things on the mind; then give has oftentimes been substituted by talk of Queen rise to the fear lest the individual should perpetrate Victoria. In this respect, newspapers are better such an act; and finally, by thus increasing the than books; for, in the first place, many persons deep gloom hanging over him, convert this fear read very little, or their tastes are very different into an irresistible desire? from those of others; so that talk about books, of whatever kind, is almost sure to have some of the party not au fait; besides, many persons will not talk of books, for fear of appearing blue. Bot newspapers furnish those topics, which are in some measure, common to all persons, whatever be their tastes or habits; for instance, all have heard of Queen Victoria: such topics as these, will sometimes even supply the place of that ever-occurring one, the weather. Another social advantage flowing from them, is, that to many persons they furnish as a subject of peculiar interest, that of general politics: nothing, is more calculated to excite interest, than the future destiny of the world; and in newspapers it is, that we daily find a further detail of its development. To the old particularly, there is no subject more suitable, in giving something in which they can take interest and pleasure, If this was made an object of deeper thought and research, our politicians would be far less narrowminded in their opinions; and the true nature of every political party in this country, would be mach more clearly seen.

But though blameable for such failings as these, yet on the whole, their moral tendency is decidedly good; and they have been slandered in this respect; for there is no class of publications, so fer as morality is concerned, that is at all comparable with them this is particularly the case, as regards infidelity. I do not know more than one or two newspapers, meeting with much success, which can be justly charged with immorality; and then merely in certain points; and these few could not prevent their downfall, were it not for their superiority in other respects, especially in that most popular quality, wit; and also their partial impartiality in politics: nothing truly humorous or witty, can be put down by the voice of morality, however contrary its tenets may be to her. Any one who regards the immense mass of printed matter, which comes out in this form, in the United States, must be conscious of the truth of the above remarks! In fact, virtue, I believe, has no greater friend than this class of writings. In vain does vice veil itself in the garb of philosophy, poetry, or romance; touched by the spear of this mighty champion, it By the immediate publicity which is imparted comes forth unveiled, in all its dark colors: all by them, to every thing that occurs, and by the such sophistries are detected by its practical good searching scrutiny which they continually exer We may estimate its great power, and how cise; an evil, which has ever infested all courta

sense.

and legislative bodies, is in some measure reme- | case with magazines: what a vast amount of matdied: I refer to secret political intrigue. Indeed, ter yearly comes out in this form, which necessanot only do the newspapers immediately divulge rily, as it were, vanishes into nothingness; and any such thing to the people; but they are con- particularly does this happen to political pieces. tinually pretending them to exist, without any For this reason, a person of much mind, does grounds for such ideas. Whatever of this kind wrong, when he devotes himself to such composioccurs is soon known, and the people can judge the tions. Some things not even expect to last longer iniquity of their representative. In this way, the than a day, as for instance, toasts; every year, whole conduct of all the officers of government, is after the fourth of July, these come forth in mycontinually subject to their examination: and thus, riads, like the summer insects, born and dying in as in a democratic country, their position depends on the same hour. Not more than one in the million, their conduct, they have a great incentive to con- lasts longer than their coming forth; except when duct themselves rightly. Altogether in this view, they are useful as political capital; for there is nodemocracy very much needs an active press; for thing which is not turned to serve this purpose; unless the people, often far distant from the seat and which thus becomes famous for awhile. of government, know exactly what their represen- few pretty ideas are thus occasionally lost; but tatives are about, it is difficult for them to judge of most toasts are generally the same, setting aside their conduct. It is true that here, as in other the date, on each returning celebration; consistthings, the papers on opposite sides serve to lead into error, by their prejudice and political falsities; but still, the great democracy is generally sure to sift the chaff from the wheat; to reward the good, and punish the bad: and a representative if misrepresented, can come out, as they often do, in a eard, giving a counter-statement.

Some

ing of metaphors about stars and clouds, and shrines; of scripture quotations, or mere truisms, praising or abusing distinguished men; illustrating nothing but the intense desire which most persons have, to be conspicuous for a time, and to see themselves in print. Even this little pleasure is alas! often foiled; for of all mistakes, none can equal in The United States have often been accused of number, those made by the papers, in spelling possessing comparatively few writers, but con- names: many a poor fellow has thus been deprived sidered with respect to the periodical literature, of his due glory, not only as to a toast, but even a there is no country excelling us. Consider the fourth of July oration. This may be owing, in immense number of speeches, political editorials, the first place, to reports of such proceedings, &c. ; indeed, in this light, there are comparatively being, in many cases, penned by one disguised few men, who have not written some little article in liquor;" and secondly, there being no rules for during their lives; without placing advertisements spelling the names of persons; and no guessing at in the category: in inserting even these latter, a name, as at a word, from the context. Few there exists perhaps, something of the same feel- things more strongly show the similarity of mind, ing that leads many to attempt some higher grade in the larger portion of society, than the sameof composition: viz. seeing their names in print. ness in these productions; and though, in general, Most persons too, are, at some period during their so little originality exists, yet the mental labor, lives, afflicted with the cacoethes scribendi; and which many such authors have taken, is of a conliterature of this kind, serves as a proper vent for siderable degree of intensity. this great is the number of those who begin and In most of the contents of newspapers, when end their literary career in this way; many are we consider the efforts daily made by writers in those whose pieces are never copied. There are them, insertors of communications, and editors & number too, whose productions are rejected; and themselves; the whole amount of mental labor, thus are their literary hopes nipped in the bud. however mediocre the result, is very large. ForAs a field for first efforts, they perhaps furnish a ever and forever, throughout this vast land, rush very useful purpose; but it ofttimes happens that the rivers to the ocean, interpenetrating, intersecthe efforts of the writer end here. This sort ing all parts; almost as constant, and as universal, of reading, as I have before mentioned, suits the is the spread of periodical literature; borne by land. people of the United States, because they have and by water, by the swift, smoke-breathing steamittle time to study; so in the same way, it fur- boat and rail-car, or the slower stage-coach; as ishes a fine field for writers in this country; for, constant, as though they were impelled by some n general, they have not that time to think and law of nature; scattered every where, as if by an effect deeply on their compositions, which Euro-all-pervading, universal wind. "Day after day, day eans have; and hence, they are calculated to be after day," the editors are continually at work: of the light and sketchy nature, which is the cha- literary exclusively, political, religions, of all sects acteristic style of newspapers. But perhaps they and creeds, coming out, one after the other in o harm to real talent, by causing persons who quick succession; works without end, for they but ossess it, to fritter away their minds in produc- adumbrate change, which is eternal and all-influenions which last but a day. This is certainly the cing. The labor of the periodical press as such is

very peculiar; they have to keep up a continual faults, and dwell only on his virtues: so it is with warfare upon only five or six great topics; upon newspapers; they studiously exclude any bad quality which, so much is said, by so many different per- of a partisan, and mention only the good done by sons, that it is difficult to say any thing new or in-him-treating their opponents in the opposite way. teresting, on the subject: and yet, day after day, It may be said that these things are known and and week after week, we see the chief newspapers understood, and that therefore, no harm is done; coming out with an equal amount of matter, and but, as I have before said, there are persons who equally well written. When looking over the forget this, and trust implicitly to their particular closely printed columns of one of these, I often paper; in the late struggle for the Presidential wonder, how the editor can possibly contrive to chair, I have often heard of individuals, who, when fill them up, year after year, with such ease and offered any argument founded either on theory or accuracy. I have no doubt however, that they notorious facts; would scarcely hear it, unless it are very glad when some great political event oc- could be pointed out in their paper. Judging from curs, on account of the quantity that may be said the late election, their political influence is, howby them, on the subject; and perhaps, even their ever, less than I had supposed; for the change in chagrin at some political change unfavorable to the press was less than that amongst the people. It themselves, is, in some measure counterbalanced, is a very happy thing, for they richly deserve such by this corresponding pleasure. I have ofterthought a condition, for their many false accounts; parthat if all the talent which was employed in politi- ticularly their unfounded abuse of distinguished cal papers, for the express purpose of deceiving the men; and the false issues which they made with people, had been devoted to something better, how regard to almost every subject. It is singular that much good would thence accrue to the nation. I there should not have been started some newsaccuse them of attempting to mislead the people, paper of exalted character, which would earnestly because, if we examine the subject, we shall find endeavor to find the true state of the case, with that they really do this: however true they may be in some things, however they may believe themselves to be in the right; yet when they continually attempt, as they are ever accustomed to do, to make it appear that in every political event which occurs, their party are always in the right, and very worthy and patriotic; and those opposed to them, exactly the contrary; then, I say, that they assert to be true, what they know to be false. Things have now arrived at such a pitch, that no one who thinks at all impartially on political subjects, can put any faith, with respect to many warfare, which at first, might have been only genethings, in newspapers; and thus is their purpose ral, becomes as it were, a personal thing; and and use, so far as respects these things, at least prejudice has thus tenfold weight. The best way so far as they can do any good; almost altogether then of approximating to the truth, under these cirsubverted. What they would try to make us be- cumstances, (to one interested in the subject,) is lieve is the most absurd thing imaginable; it is, to take a paper on each side of the question. that by adopting the tenets of the party to which Despite their faults, every man, who would know they belong, although there is nothing in these what is going on in the great world, would do well tenets at all connected with morals, an individual to take newspapers; naught is calculated to be becomes perfectly honorable, and is wholly sincere more interesting, for in this category lie all things. and patriotic and that those adopting the con- Men of all classes, of all sorts of occupations and trary belief, are, in all respects, just the opposite. habits, find great use in them: the man of busiAnd notwithstanding this, there are many suffi- ness is, of course, evidently benefitted; the man ciently stupid, to pin their political principles on of ingenuity meets with many useful hints; the those of certain newspapers. In the late political emigrant learns what he could not get elsewhere; campaign, so contradictory were the accounts of for such accounts relate, in general, to the dead battles, to which thousands must have been witnesses, that any one was almost led to doubt entirely, the records of history; and as to arriving at a just idea of the character of Mr. Van Buren or Gen. Harrison, from these, there was no possible way.

regard to every political event, and give it to the people: instead of assisting the press, where political subjects are concerned, in enlightening the people; it is the duty of the patriotic, to guard against its deceptions. That few such papers have been started, proves how difficult it is for any man to keep himself from slipping into the tumultuous vortex whirling perpetually around him: perhaps too, in the same way, many editors believe things of their adversaries, which a moderately calm man would not think of believing; for gradually, the

past; these to the actual, living, stirring present; the scientific and literary man, for here they are informed of every new thing of importance, in their particular branch-in fine, all classes find something suitable to them.

As to their use and influence in the family circle, The causes of such absurd faults might be easily they differ much from other publications: a book traced; one thing is very evident, we every day may suit one person in a family, but not the others; see individuals, in defending a friend, overlook his but these have something to suit every member