bration of this kind, in Western New-York, where many of the Printers are Sons of New England; and I trust the time will come when this anniversary shall be regularly celebrated in the city of Franklin's Birth, and the scene of his first labors; for no where else on earth can it be done with more propriety than at the old American fount of Printing, of Science, and of sound principles.
On such occasions, it is customary to allude to one's own history and experience. My life, thus far, has been devoted to our profession. Five years an apprentice—one year a journeyman—and more than twenty-seven years in the business of editing and publishing a newspaper. Eleven years of my labors were passed in Connecticut, and the remainder in this Commonwealth, the home of my ancestors. Though not an old man, I happen to be one of the oldest in the profession now in service in Massachusetts.
During the time that many of us have been connected with the business, we have seen many of our patriarchal brethren pass away from among us,to their long home. Isaiah Thomas, Benjamin Russeell, George Goodwin, Jesse Buel, Zachariah Poulson, John Lang, and many other stars of the American fount, have set—leaving us their character and examples for our imitation and benefit. We have seen the business keep pace with the rapid improvement of the Arts in the country. Great and rapid improvements have been made in the facility and execution of our works, especially that of the Press. Newspapers have quadrupled in number, and their circulation has become like the leaves of the forest in autumn. While we are conscious that the Press has been instrumental of immense good, in the spread of general intelligence, and enlightening the public mind, it is to be regretted that its moral character has been too often stained by corrupt and unworthy hands.—It is a mighty engine, for weal or woe, and would that all those who direct it, had a higher sense of their responsibility. As the first production of the American Press was the Freeman's Oath, so should it labor unceasingly to protect and defend the Freeman's Rights—to elevate his mind and improve his morals.
I submit the following sentiment:
The Printing Press—May those who direct it, ever he faithful to the People's rights—to the principles of Virtue and Morality—to Truth—to Independence of action,—unaided by power, and uninfluenced by gain.
With my best wishes for your health and prosperity, accept assurances of sincere respect and regard.
Samuel Bowles.
From James R. Trumbull, of the Hampshire Gazette Office.
Northampton, Mass., Dec. 12, 1846.
Mr. Canfield and Gentlemen of the Committee:
Sirs—Yours of Nov. 9 was duly received. In reply, I forward the enclosed communication, which is at the disposal of your Committee.—Please forward an account of your celebration.
Respectfully yours,
Jas R. Trumbull
The Press.
" 'Twas the voice of the Press—on the startled ear breaking
In giant-born prowess, like Pallas of old;
'Twas the flash of intelligence gloriously waking
A glow on the cheek of the noble and bold;
And Tyranny minions o'erawed and affrighted,
Sought a lasting retreat in the cloister and cowl.
And the chains which bound nations in ages benighted
Were cast to the haunts of the bat and the owl."
With the day that gave birth to the invention of Printing, dawned the brightest era the world ever saw. It broke upon the midnight darkness of the fifteenth century, like morning from a densely clouded sky. Its course was onward, destined, like the sun, to irradiate in its progress the whole habitable globe; yet more silent than twilight's gathering tints. Year by year, it increased.—Three centuries have rolled away since its introduction, and now it is the mightiest agent for weal or wo in existence.
The discovery of this art ranks third among the greatest events the world's history records. Its superiority consists in the immense difference between mind and matter. He who gave to the iron steed its panting breath, or he who drew down Heaven's own lightening and guided it along the wiry track, claims no partnership in Fame's award with him who placed the printed page before the mind. The inventions of others, in their greatest perfection, act only upon the ontward, the mortal man; while that of Faust operates upon the divine, the immortal, the soul. To it belongs the task of elevating the noblest part of humanity,—the intellect,—that which raises man above the brute, and renders him but "little lower than the angels." So great are its advantages that it seems a drop from the overflowing cup of God's goodness, bedewing the earth, yet so tainted by sinful human nature, as to retain scarce an element of its original character. Never, since from chaos sprang this beautiful world, has there existed a power capable of such illimitable control over the passions of men. Like the irresistible music of the fabled Syrens, it lures the unsuspecting upon the quicksands and into the whirlpools of life, or, like the demi-gods of old, with brazen club uplifted, attacks vice in its strong holds, crushing with resistless force the monster's hydra heads.
Consecrated in its first efforts to the cause of morality and religion, the Press holds no second place among the great renovating agents of the world. One of the first books printed was from the manuscript of the amanuensis of the Holy Spirit. Commencing with the greatest of books—the Bible—it has spread throughout the civilized world, alike instrumental in extending both religion and vice. Scarcely had the invention found an existence, ere it became mainly efficacious in perfecting one of the most beneficial reforms the world ever witnessed.
Whilst this noble art was slowly spreading itself throughout Europe, a little barefooted boy was seeking his daily food, in a city of Germany, by singing from house to house. In subsequent years he entered the monastery. In the secret recesses of the Dominican cloister, was matured that mind, whose powerful workings borne abroad upon the pinions of the press, shook to its very
