Illinois newspaper directory. History of the Illinois press association

Iiusms \ i wMwi'i k Dime iors. and Historyto 'see that the Republic t.ikes no detriment,' and to be the great conservator of herliberties. But time would fail us, friends, to fully develop thoughts like these, and toset forth our great mission in such terms as it deserves — a mission second in its influenceonly to the Christian church — hence we turn to subjects more pertinent to the occasionwhich has brought us together; such, for instance, .is the IMPORTANCE OF OURORGANIZATION."It is now thirteen years since we met at Peoria and took the initiatory steps toform the Illinois Press Association. Many who attended that meeting are here withus today; but nearly as many, we regret to say, have 'gone to that undiscovered countryfrom whose bourne no traveler e'er returns.' The fact was then developed, that nunseditors, even those who enjoyed good reputations in their respective neighborhoods asprinters, entertained very crude ideas as to the general business principles and thepractical workings of our art throughout the State; hence that meeting partook largelyof the nature of an 'experience meeting,' a sort of 'Methodist lovefeast,' whereby greatbenefit was derived. At that meeting also a graded scale of rates for advertising andother business was agreed upon; and, we think we do not over-estimate the importanceof the work there put in motion, when we say it resulted in building up and firmlyestablishing many weak papers upon a solid foundation, and gave new energy as well.is ideas to the thoughtful editor. Since then, our influence has been greatly strengthened,and our organization has been placed upon a sure and permanent basis; and, howeverindifferent a few of our friends may appear to organized effort and co-operative action,in matters of interest to the profession, the fact is none the less clear that we have'lengthened our cords and strengthened our stakes.' At that time, also, many of ourleading country journals were issued from offices unworthy of the craft, had but smallcirculation, and not a few very indifferent support. We have since begun to reap thefruit of honest toil in more liberal and just proportions. Better appointments and bettermachinery surround us in our offices, and the circulation of our journals has doubledand trebled. We have learned LESSONS OF COURTESY and forbearance; and. if,as doctors differ, we do not all see eye to eye, we make fewer displays of bigoted intolerance,and strong personal hate. Having put aside, to a large extent, the old idea andpractice of acknowledging 'political leadership,' we have as it were entered upon anew era of thought and action — a field where men dare to do right. We discussprinciples more, men less, and have acquired sufficient grace to tolerate even politicalas well as religious differences. We recognize the great brotherhood of the press; and wecome together here today, if not all of one sentiment, at least one in purpose — topromote the best interests of the Art Preservative, and cultivate the acquaintance andfriendship of one another. We ask no man's shibboleth: but only, as he is a worthymember of the craft! That is the key which unlocks our sympathies, and secures theaffection of our hearts."If the diffusion of letters is at the present time without precedent in the world'shistory, it is because of the vast improvement in the ART OF PRINTI\'( .and themachinery by which its various offices are executed. These have kept even pace; and.while seemingly we have reached perfection in 'the Art Preservative of all Arts.' stillthe past admonishes us that we have not yet arrived at the goal. A few years sinceit was thought a great achievement to strike off a thousand copies per hour; now itis no novelty to see printing presses that will multiply that number by twenty, inthe same space of time. As evidence of this, witness the marvelous productions of thepress of St. Louis, Chicago, and many other commercial centers of far less note."Many editors now, by touching keys like those of the piano, produce 'copy' clearand legible as type — doing away with the slow process of the pen, and the production35