The Gazette

Marietta Gazette, August 13, 1836

We appeal to the good feelings of our patrons and the public in relation to the imperfections of the present and of late numbers of the Gazette. We hope shortly to be freed from the embarrassments which have beset the press for some weeks and to go on our way as journalists in such manner as to give general satisfaction.

We ask the public to suspend their judgment in relation to any rumors which may have been afloat as to the course intended to be pursued. We do not propose any change - we intend to advocate the cause of the Whigs - to make our paper a repository of news and of articles conducive to instruction and improvement. The history of events - of interesting events - so far as may be, shall be placed before our readers; no injury shall knowingly be done, or justice withheld from, any man, or any class of men.

Rumors, it is understood, have gone abroad that this paper was to become the organ of Abolitionism. This is entirely incorrect. Even if we agreed altogether with the Abolitionists, which is by no means the case, we should deem it a departure from our engagements thus to change the character of the paper.

But in consequence of mobs and rumors of mobs and threatening of mobs, the printers of this paper have become too much alarmed to print, on their responsibility, even the history, as detailed today, of the late transactions at Cincinnati. They are now freed from that responsibility. There is surely something wrong in the moral atmosphere, when peaceable citizens - printers especially - dread to state things as they are. We feel confident, however, that no such fears need here be apprehended. We surely are not so far degenerated from the spirit of our ancestors as tamely to surrender the freedom of speech and of the press.

The Gazette will hereafter be published by C. & W. D. Emerson upon the principles of the Declaration of rights of the Constitution of Ohio:

"Sec. 1. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain national, inherent and unalienable rights; amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety." * * *

"Sec. 6. That the printing presses shall be open and free to every citizen who wishes to examine the proceedings of any branch of government, or the conduct of any public officer; and no law shall ever restrain the right thereof. Every citizen has an indisputable right to speak, write or print, upon any subject, as he thinks proper, being liable for the abuse of that liberty."

[This article refers to the Pro-Slavery Riots in Cincinnati in 1836, during which the office and press of "The Philanthropist," an Abolitionist newspaper, were attacked. More information is available at: http://utc.iath.virginia.edu/abolitn/mobhp.html]