Jenks' Portland Gazette. Maine Advertiser

For this Gazette.

THE REFORM.--NO. V.

AS the intention of my papers is to contribute my mite for the improvement of society, I shall occasionally introduce, without particular apology, every diversity of subject which seems calculated for promoting this purpose. I trust that the careful reader, wherever his attention may be directed, will discover a general disposition to usefulness, superior to the mere "itch" of writing. Much more shall it be my endeavour to avoid all arrogance in proposing new modes of conduct, and all useless severity in censuring such as are established by the authority of custom.

Newspapers are one of the most powerful engines of public influence; which, according as it is well or ill employed, is capable of the greatest benefit, or the greatest mischief.

With this sentiment on my mind, you will bear with me while I attempt to point out, with an honest plainness, what appears to be the duty of editors, of correspondents, and of readers. First then let us consider the duty of editors. Whoever employs himself in collecting materials for a weekly print undertakes a task of great responsibility. Tho the situation he holds depends upon his own choice, yet it is not on this account less important. As soon as he enters it, a crowd of obligations break upon him, for the discharge of which he is amenable at the bar of conscience, of opinion, and of God. Let him see to it that he do not submit himself to the sway of mere selfishness-- that he do not measure the satisfactions of office, by the numbering of his subscriptions, and consequently of his pence. The sublimest pleasure is to do good; and this lies amply within the reach of men, whose business leads them to spread their mind abroad, either directly, or through the communications of their friends.

The materials of newspapers is various, and requires a scrupulous exactness in its selection. Custom has sketched the general plan, from which none venture to depart, at most to any great distance. It is best they should not; for some kind of system is necessary in every work of consequence. But notwithstanding the uniformity which is preserved on a large scale, there is sufficient room for variation, according to the judgment, taste, and principles of the publisher. That political wrangling occupies too great a space in that page which is every day presented to the popular gaze, few will deny. Calm discussion on subjects of public importance is always proper and useful; but when this degenerates to party clamour, the worst consequences are to be expected.

Why all this confusion of passion and words, as if the fate of our country and the universe depended entirely upon ourselves? Man, with all his presumption, is no more than the cypher upon a chariot wheel; while he thinks to move the great machinery of things by his own strength, he is himself carried along with irresistible force. The point of necessary revolution in government is known by marks peculiar to itself, until this arrive, and may heaven grant the period to be most distant, let us cultivate a reasonable acquiescence in existing authority, and defer all noise and strife for those unwelcome occasions, when, as they cannot be prevented, they may possibly be turned to some good account. In the mean time, if difference of opinions, if a kind of opposition must exist, let reason, let sound judgment and conscience mingle their influence in the controversy, and prevent those unnatural heats which only serve to obstruct the progress of truth.

Let the place therefore often allotted to political jargon, be occupied by such subjects as are calculated to arrest the attention of all, without exciting the jealousy of any. Numerous are the sources of miscellaneous instruction and entertainment. These should be resorted to with frequency, but, at the same time, with the greatest caution. They are a fountain of mixed water, the properties of which should be carefully distinguished; that while the sweet is offered with copious abundance, the bitter may be wholly avoided. One drop of poison, falling into the crystal stream of truth, may destroy its ecstasy; but, if the infusion be continued, it will lose its nature, and become destructive. Taste has no small concern in such productions as are intended for public use. The benefits of learning will never be disputed; and correctness surely is one of her inseparable companions. A single uncouth performance throws a shade over the whole scene. There seems to be no adequate apology for presenting any thing from the press, that is grossly deficient with respect either to grammatical or logical accuracy. It is certain that want of variety, on subjects of the highest use, can never be pleaded here; for we hardly open a volume without finding passages at least, which do honour to the genius and refinement of the age, and would therefore amply grace the column of a weekly gazette.

It must also be acknowledged that the impressions which are every where issued for the amusement and information of the day, often furnish such sketches of genius, such specimens of just composition as cannot be too extensively circulated. In Magazines and Newspapers it is not uncommon to find the highest proofs of cultivated understanding. But an editor perhaps is averse to quotation, and had rather depend upon the spontaneous and original offerings of his friends. There is something pleasant to be sure in this resource, and it cannot be too greatly encouraged upon proper principles; yet there is no peculiarity in the mere circumstance of receiving such favours, that can compensate the want of real worth, however certain it may be that they are well intended. None can have any reason to complain that their pen is not made public, where it fails of an easy and natural currency, from the want of intrinsic worth. The deficiencies in original supplies which are occasioned by a just attention to the rules of criticism, may be made up, to the greatest advantage, by the help of appropriate extracts. But in order to form a happy estimate of works either in manuscript or print, it is necessary that a person should be always endeavoring to improve his ear, and his judgment, by reading, by observation, by constant and various experiments.

The superintendent of a press has a natural intimacy with books. Brought up amidst the art and the means of conveying knowledge through society, should he not have some share in the blessings which he so industriously disseminates? Letters, literally speaking, are the element in which he is placed; should he then be ignorant of the word, when used in a figurative sense? There are some examples of eminent improvement and usefulness in this class of men, and their advantages seem to justify the expectation of an increasing number.

I shall continue this subject, if indulged, as opportunity shall allow. At present, it is suspended, lest the patience, even of the candid, should be wearied.

P.
Portland, March, 1803.