The Star
Friday, April 3, 1874
I have entered into an arrangement with Mr. G. McPherson by which he takes charge of the editorial department of the STAR. All communications, of whatever character, should be addressed to him. W. J. Hemby
Salutatory
In assuming charge of the editorial department of the Oklahoma Star, and thus formally entering the lists of journalism, my mind inadvertently recurs to the truthful assertion of Pope, that “foot step in where Angels fear to tread”.
I am fully impressed with the fact of my inability to sustain myself with any considerable degree of credit, in a position where much abler pens than mine have so frequently failed: And that I may not be rated as a Charlatan or accused of occupying a false position, will here state that I make no pretentions to scholarship or experience in the field in which I have enlisted; and earnestly ask my readers and confreres to patiently bear with any errors and imperfections in language or editorial etiquette and criticize only my sentiments and opinions.
My aim and object will be to conduct the STAR in what I conceive to be the interest of the Indian Territory as a whole, and the local interests of the Choctaws and Chickasaws especially, without subserving the ends of any particular party or faction.
My position and opinions relative to the one great question which so deeply concerns all the people of the territory, individually and collectively, are too well known for reiteration here, as they have been frequently promulgated through the columns of this paper and the defunct Vindicator, over the signature of “Blanco”.
The interests of myself and the people among whom I have made my permanent home are identical; and while I may be mistaken as to the best course to pursue in securing those interests, it is not reasonable to suppose that I would knowingly, and willfully advocate a policy that would be injurious to them and my children. So far as I am individually concerned it makes but little difference whether there be any change of programme in this country or not; for in a few years at most a little spot of ground, six feet due east or west will be all that I require. But no man should be so selfish as to look only to his own personal wants and requirements; and he who does so, deserves what he is sure to find- a soon forgotten grave, and will go down to it, “Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.” Hence the reason of my advocating the policy I do- not that I expect it to be of any special benefit to myself, but that it will be to my country, and my children.
I sincerely believe that our material salvation as a people depends- first, upon the allotment of lands; and secondly upon an entire change in our relationship to the U. S. Government. Therefore, the little abilities I may possess will be exerted to this end.
The motto of the STAR will be- “Progress and a Higher Civilization”. And while its columns will be rigidly closed against everything of a personal or acrimonious nature, they will ever be open to a hearing from those who entertain views in opposition to mine; and a cordial invitation is extended to all who may in a proper spirit, desire to discuss any subject that may be of general interest.
So, dear readers- again begging your kind indulgence and generous aid- I make my debut upon the great stage of American Journalism. Granville McPherson