A glance at the remaining alternative outcomings of the war must be
reserved for another article.
THE ENGLISH PRESS.
[The article with this title is written by Mr. NICHOLAS
ROWE, of London. Mr. ROWE is a lineal descendant of
the celebrated NICHOLAS ROWE, the author of the tragedy of
_Jane Shore_ and other well-known poems. The author, like his
famous ancestor, is a man of talents and a friend of freedom. His
account of the old English Press is one of the most perfect ever
given. He intends to bring the subject down to the present period,
and will become a regular contributor to our Magazine.--ED.
CONTINENTAL.]
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of the English
press. It has raised itself to such a pitch of importance that it
has been not inaptly termed the fourth estate of the realm. But the
power which it wields is so enormous and so widespread that it
would be nearer the truth to concede to it the dignity of the first
estate. All classes see so clearly their interest in supporting it,
that the press has become, in effect, a general arbitrator, a court
of last appeal, to which kings, lords, and commons in turn address
themselves for support whenever the overwhelming force of public
opinion is to be conciliated or enlisted. It is in morals what a
multitude is in physics, and it may, without exaggeration, be said
that for all purposes of progress and of good the press of England
has in reality become something more than a single estate of the
realm, since it combines in itself, and exceeds the authority of
all.
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