commemorating the Birth-day Anniversary of our ever-to-be-revered Patron Saint, the illustrious Franklin. But duties here, connected with my profession, that none but Printers and Editors can ever fully understand and appreciate, will deprive me of the much wished-for pleasure of joining you on that festive occasion.
I trust you will have a happy and joyous meeting. The Birth-day of Franklin is a day that ought to be remembered and commemorated to the end of time! The brilliant fame, the glowing example, the undying name, of Franklin the Printer, have been to me "as the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night," in guiding and cheering me along the checkered path-way of my professional career, from the days of my boy-hood to maturer manhood.
Franklin !—It is a name that will be canonized and perpetuated so long as the Art of Printing shall be known! The Spirit of Freedom! It will be felt and cherished while there is a Printer's heart to beat, or a bosom left to throb with generous emotion! The Fame of Franklin !—It will last as long as Liberty shall be known on earth, or the Lightnings shall flash through the Heavens ! I would rather have such a name, such a character to bequeath to my posterity—the mantle of such a spirit to let fall upon the shoulders of my cherished sons; than all the fame and glory of a Caesar or a Napoleon; than all the wealth of a Rothschild, a Girard, or an Astor.
But my feelings are carrying me away with the enthusiasm of my theme—and I must close this hastily written apology, by assuring you and the printers of Western New York who shall congregate together at Rochester on Monday next, that I am with you in spirit and feeling, although at the same time engaged on a distant "Globe."
As a sentiment, allow me to offer:
Ben. Franklin: The industrious Printer, the fearless Editor, the sagacious Statesman, the skilful Diplomatist, the pure and unflinching Patriot, the common-sense Philosopher, the honest Man. What he was, may every Printer strive to become.
Wishing success and happiness to you all, I subscribe myself
Your Friend and Fellow-Craftsman,
T. Hart Hyatt.
Messrs. P. Canfield, and others, Committee.
From J.N.T. Tucker, Esq., of Syracuse.
Syracuse, Jan. 15, 1847.
Mr. President, and Gentlemen:—I can scarce conceive of an event, which would be more gratifying to my feelings, or in which I should feel more highly honored, than in making one of your joyous number on the grand occasion which has assembled you. But, I am, unfortunately, out of sorts, and my form is not capable of being raised from the bed where the presswork of disease has badly squabbled it. The most I can do, therefore, is to put my head and a ☞ on an extra sheet, and send you a few lines of proof, that though absent in body, yet I am with you in the spirit of your festal scenes, and as an humble member of the profession, greet you.
Were I to be present with you and permitted to speak, I can now think of no topic more important than, "the character and influence of the Press of the U States."
Protected, as our Press is, by the genius of our Government and by its laws, we are placed in a position, where we may soon learn, if we have not already learned, the matchless and measureless influence of the Press.
Our Press is Free, so far as our laws are concerned. It should be continued so forever. But one course can prevent its continuance—that will be the voluntary subsidency of it, by its managers.—No laws can ever be passed in this country, restricting the freedom of the Press, while the proprietors and managers thereof, maintain their present and now increasing intelligence and freedom.
But, let the force of money—the love of party—the love of sect or any other selfish consideration take the place of an enlightened, independent Press and its "glory is departed" and will be "given to another" power.
It is a fact, which may well fill the mind of every member of the honored profession with just pride, that, at the present day, there is no class of men, in the individual or collective capacity whose influence in shaping the character of our country—practically considered, is equal to ours. And this truth extends as well to moral and religions as to civil character. Let the press maintain a high, dignified, independent, unbribed, pure ground, in relation to political doctrines and measures, and the people will initiate and emulate it. So with regard to morality and social order. The maxim of an ancient writer, "Like Priest like People," is not so true, at the present day, as, "Like Press like People.
If this truth is admitted, it will require but a casual glance at the manifold interests of mankind to inspire the philanthropic heart of our enlightened conductors of the Press with high and sacred ambition to be, what Providence basso wisely ordered attainable.
And, great as has been the devotion of many of the most ably conducted and popular presses, to the exclusive interests of the political parties which have supported them, yet, it is among the most gratifying signs of the times, that these presses are beginning to exhibit the most commendable independence, and to publish facts in the history of their country, as well when they reflect dishonor as when they confer honor upon their affiliations. Let this course become more general—let it prevail every where—let the motto, at least in practice, with every press, be: "Without Concealment—Without Compromise"—and let the spirit which inspires all, the general good, and there is no country in the known world where the honor of a connexion with the Press can equal that of our own.
Here—not titles—not wealth—not empty honors distinguished men. The republican doctrine of our happy Republic, is Worth makes the man—Talent and Virtue distinguish him. When these enter into the qualifications of the managers of the Press, we may expect to see, us we now daily see, science and the arts—knowledge and virtue—adorning as well the cottage of the poor as the mansions of the rich. Dotted all over as our
