The newspaper that obstructs the law on a trivial pretext, for money's sake, is a dangerous enemy to the public weal.That awful power, the public opinion of a nation, is created in America by a horde of ignorant, self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditching and shoemaking and fetched up in journalism on their way to the poorhouse.

Summary

This quote criticizes newspapers that manipulate or interfere with the law for their own financial gain, implying that they pose a significant threat to the well-being of society. It further suggests that the power of public opinion in America is influenced by individuals lacking knowledge and self-awareness who settled on careers in journalism as a last resort, contributing to the degradation of journalism as a whole. The quote emphasizes the importance of responsible and unbiased reporting in maintaining a healthy public discourse and societal progress.

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