Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 1

[122] sunlight of our fame. It is not virtuous in its practices—or the Sabbath would be respected by its officers and representatives.

I look upon the station of an editor as a proud and responsible one. It should never be filled by a political adventurer or a loose moralist. It is not beneath the dignity of the highest and most gifted man among us. For many years, indeed, its reputation has been sullied by the conduct, character, and principles of many who have aspired to fill it; but a new race of editors, with better qualifications and nobler views, are entering the ranks. The rapid growth of public intelligence demands a corresponding improvement of the press. An idle or lethargic conductor of a newspaper is a dead weight upon community. Men of industry are wanted, who will sustain every moral enterprise, and diffuse a healthful influence far and wide, and fearlessly maintain the truth.

The first number of this paper was issued without a subscriber or the previous circulation of any prospectus. It has now completed six months of its existence. Its patronage is very respectable, and accessions to the subscription list are made weekly. Whatever may have been its faults or merits, no pains will hereafter be spared to make it worthy of a wide circulation. I recommend its industrious and enterprising proprietor to the substantial encouragement of a generous people.¹

My task is done. In all my efforts, I have sought the approbation of the wise and good. Whether it has been won or lost, my conscience is satisfied.

Wm. Lloyd Garrison.

The last act of the retiring editor was to commend to his readers the speech made by Henry Clay at a dinner given him in Washington on the termination of his service as Secretary of State, in which he had reflected severely on the incoming President. ‘Henry Clay,’ he declared, ‘at this moment stands on a higher eminence than he ever before occupied. His attitude is sublime— his front undaunted—his spirit unsubdued. It is impossible to read his noble speech without mingled emotions of pride, indignation, reverence, and delight.’ And he thereupon proceeded to nominate him as a candidate