language is a mute but eloquent interpreter of the heart's aspirations and though he may have "music in the soul," his lips are for ever sealed to its utterance. Long may a kind Providence put it into the hearts of Legislators to smooth the rugged pathway of its stricken children.
The following are communicated by my Foreman and Pressman:
By T. S. Burrell—Franklin: The noble example of patience, virtue and industry in every relation of life, from the humble apprentice to the world-renowned Statesman and Philosopher; though great at his mould or his case yet he was humble as the favored associates, of Kings and Queens. His life will never cease to be an inspiring example to mankind while there is a type to record his virtue, or a candle to illuminate his graphic page.
By J. Allen—Franklin and Prof. Morse: The former brought the Lightning from heaven, and played with the "mysterious agent" as a familiar friend; the latter chained it to "the car of improvement," and the strange story of his achievement thrills along the "nerves of the country," and challenges the hesitating admiration and wonder of the world. May no rude hand interrupt the mysterious intercommunication of spirit by severing the links which unite the congenial souls of the two.
Respectfully ,&c,
Levi S. Backus.
To P. Canfield, Geo. Dawson, and others, Committee.
From James M. Scofield, Esq. of the New London Democrat Office.
New London, Conn. Dec. 22, 1846.
Gentlemen:—I acknowledge with gratitude, the invitation you have so courteously extended to me, to be present at the Festival to he held in your city on the approaching anniversary of the "Birth Day of the immortal Franklin."
That name, the Printer's talisman and American pride, has in it a power to stir up high thought, and noble resolve in the soul; and to nerve to vigorous action even the humblest of Earth's children, promising success in all they undertake.—Industry smiles wherever it is uttered, feeling that it indicates what her votaries may accomplish. Patriotism rejoices in it as pointing to her truest reliance. Republicanism sees in it the appellate of her best representative in the simplicity of his life. Science walks more proudly as she hears it uttered, remembering that the only "ribbons of royalty" with which he deigned to sport, were the ribbon lightnings of heaven; and that these he used not to decorate his person, but for the world's good; and Humanity points to that name, and utters her most willing speech, "that indicates a man!"
It is fitting, therefore, that his brother craftsmen should honor his memory by noticing the day of his nativity in an appropriate festal gathering, and my only regret in reference to it is, that my numerous calls of business duty will not allow me to be present with you in person; though be assured my heart will be there.
Please accept the following as a sentiment:
Franklin—Our Art—Our Country—Light and Liberty: Words calculated to inspire thoughts in the Printer's mind, of which his whole life should be a vivid impression.
And believe me,
Yours, very respectfully,
Jas. M. Scofield.
| Messrs. P. Canfield | Committee. | |
| and others, |
From H. C. Frisbee, Esq., Founder of the Fredonia Censor.
Fredonia, Nov. 30, 1846.
P. Canfield, Esq. Chairman Committee:
Sir:—Your notes, of the 9th and 16th instant, in which you solicit information in relation to the history of the Press in Chautauque County, and also an invitation to your next Celebration, came duly to hand. I would most cheerfully comply with your request, were it in my power to do justice to the subject; but sir, I should as soon think of writing a biography of the "Flying Dutchman" as giving a "full and authentic" history of the Press in Chautauque County. Why, sir, the hebdomadals that have been are numerous enough; but they have come and gone like Banquo's ghosts, and I can have only an indistinct recollection of Gazettes, the Republicans, the Phoenix, the Couriers, the Inquirers, the Times, the Eagles, the Whigs, the Beacons, et cetera, et cetera, that have at different periods arisen to shed their intellectual rays as yearlings or perhaps monthlings, and then have gone to the shades of endless night. But, sir, as I believe that I am the oldest "Boss," in these "diggins," I may be able to give you a specimen or two of the interesting manner in which newspaper establishments are started and conducted in new countries.
The Chautauque Gazette was the first paper established in Chautauque County, commencing with the year 1817. The means for effecting this were subscribed by individuals in sums of from five to thirty dollars with the expectation of their being refunded; but owing to the difficulty of sustaining even one press in the county at that early day, they were subsequently mostly relinquished. This paper was conducted about five years, by James Hull, when it was discontinued for a year or two and then again resumed by him; but after two or three years' fitful existence, it ceased to be.
The second paper hatched in the county was the "Chautauque Eagle," upon the heights of Mayville in 1819; but in a year or two its fate could be found recorded in the good old New England Primer:
"The eagle's flight
Is out of sight."
Next in order comes the protege of your humble servant. The "Fredonia Censor" was established in March, 1821. At its commencement the proprietor had scarcely entered upon his 21st year. With a hired establishment—the materials of which would now be looked upon as a perfect burlesque, the press having been manufactured hy a blacksmith and carpenter in one of the new towns in Ohio, and the types, which were few in quantity, mostly worn down to the "third nick,"
