Concord Register

Concord Register.

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1824.

Encouraged by the patronage already afforded, and relying with a good degree of confidence on future aid and support from an enlightened and liberal community, the Editor of the Register this day commences his course of duty: He is aware that to secure, in any considerable degree, the confidence and encouragement of the public at large, it is necessary to furnish some better guarantee of his ability and fidelity than his own professions, or the recommendation of his friends. "By their fruits ye shall know them," is a maxim as correct in politics as in morals; and he is content that by this test his establishment should eventually either stand or fall.

The time has gone by, when a newspaper establishment could be warmed into being by the breath of party animosity, and fostered by feelings the most unhallowed and rancorous until it should attain to a colossal and dangerous power: and happy is it for the people, that such is the case. If a surer foundation for the success of his establishment was not laid in the better feelings of our nature—in the virtue, intelligence, and public spirit of our citizens—the Editor would at once abandon his present undertaking: and if, instead of the milk of human kindness, he must, in the discharge of his duty, habitually evince the gall and the wormwood—the bitter asperity of party zeal and intolerance—he is free to confess his unfitness for the task, and to acquiesce in that decision of the public, which should withhold from him future and withdraw from him present support.

For the principles and views which govern him in his present undertaking, the Editor would refer to the Proposals which he has issued, and which will be found on the first page of this day's paper.—While he avows his intention of discharging his editorial duties with a due degree of moderation and courtesy towards those who may differ from him on points of National or State policy, he would not be understood as manifesting an indifference to principles, or as intending to shrink from the support of such men and measures as he may deem conducive to the true interest of the community. He has yet to learn that policy which can identify itself with sectional interests and divisions, to the exclusion or detriment of the general welfare. With him, "salus Reipublicae suprema est lex"—the safety of the Republic is the supreme law;—and until he becomes a more docile and tractable pupil than at present, such will continue to be his rule of conduct.

The present is an interesting period in the history of our country, and one peculiarly favorable for the development of our intellectual and moral resources. While many of the nations of the old world are torn by civil dissensions, or at best enjoying but a temporary repose, which is often, like a sick man's lucid interval, the precursor of impending dissolution, we are enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity in an eminent degree. Unlike other nations, that have outlived their prime, and are verging to decay, we are a young and rapidly increasing nation, destined to form a more fixed and definite character than we have yet assumed: and by our example of a free government and free institutions, to exert a commanding influence in the world. How important then, that the means of general instruction should be universally extended in a cheap and practicable form. "In proportion (says Washington) as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened." The Editor of a public Journal may flatter himself that he is performing, although a humble, yet by no means an unimportant part in the accomplishment of so desirable an object. To reflecting minds, therefore, the multitude of newspapers already in circulation, affords no objection against the establishment of a new one, if it has the promise of being rightly conducted.

With a view to make his paper as interesting to the public, and as satisfactory to his patrons, as is practicable, the Editor would respectfully solicit communications upon any subject connected with the public good.

The Legislature of this State will meet in this town on Wednesday next.—A session of so much interest and importance as this will be, we believe seldom occurs. Will our Representatives to Congress continue to be chosen by a general ticket, or will they in future be chosen by districts? What mode will be adopted for the choice of Electors of President and Vice President?—Will there be a new arrangement of the Judiciary, by the establishment of a Court of Common Pleas—are questions frequently put and discussed among the people.—But, who will be our next Governor—is a question of more anxiety and more discussion now, than previous to the March meeting. Some contend, that as the Hon. David L. Morril had more votes than either of the other candidates, the Legislature will of course feel it imposed on them to give their votes for him; while others say, that although the people gave the greatest number of votes for Mr. Morril, they have not expressed a preference of him to the next highest candidate; and that all that can fairly be deduced from the returns, as they have been published, is this, that it is certain the people have not chosen Mr. Morril for Governor and it is not certain they would not choose that the present Governor should be continued in office, rather than give place to Mr. Morril. It has also been asserted, that if a choice by the people were now to be made, Mr. M. would have a large majority of all the votes. We know of no facts that warrant this assertion. We believe it is made in as much misapprehension of the wishes of the people, as when, the candidates being before them, it was asserted, that Mr. M. would have an overwhelming majority, and that Gov. W. would not have two thousand votes throughout the State.

We are willing to concede to Mr. Morril all the virtue, patriotism, and disinterestedness, his friends can possibly claim for him. But it does not follow from this concession, that he must be our next Governor. Neither Mr. M. nor his friends can complain that the people and government of this State have not bestowed upon him honours and emoluments proportionate to his services. Nor can Mr. M. or his friends say that he or the State would materially suffer by his retirement for a year, or even for a longer term. Gov. Woodbury, for many years, served his fellow citizens in a most arduous office, with great fidelity, and with honor to the State: and in an office which several gentlemen of eminent legal acquirements refused to accept, considering, as it is supposed, that its duties were not sufficiently compensated by the salary annexed to it. From this office Gov. W. was withdrawn by a very general wish of the people, and promoted to the Chief Magistracy of the State.

The first year of his executive duties soon closes; and unless some delinquency in the faithful discharge of these duties has been witnessed; unless a want of talents, of integrity, or love of country, has been discovered; unless negligence, or inattention to the interest of the State, has marked his administration; surely his well earned fame ought not to be sacrificed to a mere disputed error of judgment, when his industry, talents, and various distinguished attainments, add so highly to the reputation of the State.