POWER OF THE PRESS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1902, 26 July 1888, Page 2

POWER OF THE PRESS.

A SALVATIONIST REPORTER.

The Salvation Army has jast been celebrating its twenty-third anniversary, and I have no donbt BOtne of the local leaders have managed to squeeze m a prayer for the Star, for the godless reporters, and even for poor lost "Zimiel." It Is appropriate, therefore, that I should give here the following report cf a speech delivered by a reporter at a recent Salvation tea at Otahnhu In response to a prayer for his welfare, the man of notes spoke aa follows: — "Ladies and gentlemen, — True it is that there be no mothers 1 meetings, 1 'hours of prayer, 1 or 'Salvation tea parties' ever emanate from the holy preolnots of the Banotum. There may be, on the other aide, some Bulphurlo and Satanic words spoken daring the heat and worry of the day. But In spite of this I affirm that the ' Press * Is the leader and protector of the civil and religious liberties of the world. (Cheers.) From a thousand eanotnms we see belohlng forth the formidable chain shot of mighty guns, the powerful thundars of the fourth eatate, dealing out death to oppression, despotism, baokq.rn.lsm, and all other 'iums.' (Great applause.) Is the day of martyrdom past } (Yes.) Then thank 'The Presp.' Are the firea of Smithfield yet burning 1 (No.) Then let the Salvation Army, aa one man, arise and aing aoDga of jollification and shout their trlnmphant huzzis, for the mighty Trees' has done this. (Earthquakes of applause ) Preach the gospel if you like, speak peaoe to the righteous if you will, go out into the hedges and ditches seeking the loat, wake sinners from thel? sloth and babies from their slumber — nay, more, hammer away at your big drum — and none shall dare make you afraid, for I say the ' Presb' fthail protect your freedom and guard your rights of religious liberty, (Ohaars and orles of 'Lord save the Press.') No, dear friends, don't be over anxious about the Press : wear* safe. The world might go over, but the Press is the foundation of law and order ! Earthquakes may overthrow half the world, but 1 we' should be on the other half. A deluge may overwhelm the entire world and Its men, Its women, and Its little children may have to seek safety In great ships. Then the winds might rise, the oyolones btaw, and nearly every ship go down beneaih the yawning waves of the angry sea, but ' we' should be found safe m the ship that did not go down 1 Even at the laht day, when all mankind will have to give an acoount of wickedness done m the flaan, ' we' ehali be there ; so do not be over anxious on our account. We may not be built round enough to blow a trumpet, for we were born modest ; we may not have Btrength of nerve, nor the ability to work a prayer meeting ; but if you want good men, fearless men, to stand guard over the rights aud privileges of religious freedom, £ say again, dear b o hc-rs and slstara, the geutlemen of th 9 Pi' Bbs are the man!'! (Earthquake appUqse )-2ira|el In foe Au^la^a; Vst«,F>"