THE MAYOR AND “THE PRESS.”

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2575, 8 July 1882, Page 2

THE MAYOR AND “THE PRESS.”

With all its faults up to the present, our venerable contemporary “ The Press ” has at least been respectable. Its leading articles may have been dull and somewhat wearisome, but it was the dullness and boredom of a highly respectable serious family ca Sunday evening. Wo regret, therefore, to have noticed in a recent article on the subject of the proposed purchase of the Exhibition, a most unwarrantable flippancy and nse of language in connection with the Mayor which cannot bo too strongly condemned. We may differ from the Mayor in the view he takes of this question, but that is no reason why a gentleman who has proved himself of such thoroughly sterling worth, and who has conducted himself in his high office in a way to win praise even from those opposed to him, should be spoken of in the way our contemporary baa done. Any one who knows the Mayor is aware that he has the courage of his opinions. He does not back and fill in order to enrry favor with all sorts and conditions of men. Doubtless many if placed in a similar position would act np to the advico of the Apostle Paul, and “be all things to all men.” But those who respect independence of spirit and manliness would not wish to eoe this in cur Chief Magistrate. Rather would we —andwe feel sure the Mayor himself shares this opinion—see him stand alono advocating an unpopular measure if it were his.honest conviction, than palter with his conscience for the sake of a few empty plaudits. We sincerely regret that our contemporary should have so far forgotten itself. It would have been bad enough from any other journal, but in this case it is indeed hard to bear. We have watched with paternal solicitude the career of oar elder relative, and marked with pardonable pride the way in which the honesty and gentlemanly feeling which should pervade journalism has been carried into practice. Therefore, it is that cur sorrow over this lapse from the right path is deep and sincere. Still wo are not without hope. Tbs apology of this morning is one step in the right direction. A fault owned is half atoned, and wo sincerely hope that, having seen the error of its ways, “ The Press ’ will not again offend in the same way.