The Sun.
London, England, 1838-11-07 00:00:00

GETTING TIP A NEWSPAPER.

So many articles have been written upon the peculiar
woes and troubles, cares and anxieties of Newspaper Edi-
tors, that the subject has became somewhat stale. For
that reason we have always as much as possible avoided
any allusion to the topics upon which so many Jeremiads
have been written. To-day, however, in the absence of
every thing like news, we are tempted to administer a little
reproof to some people, who expect that every article, in
every Paper, should suit every body.

What would a shoemaker, for instance, say to a customer,
who should find fault because every pair of boots in the
store would not fit his foot ; and, thereupon undertake to tell
him that he was no workman, but a bo.ch ? Or if he even
were more reasonable than this, and merely denounced all
boots that did not fit him'as good for nothing, and useless
to every body, would he not write himself down an ass
Yet such is precisely the conduct of those who measure a
newspaper by their own standard of taste, and expect it
uniformly to conform to that.

Now be it known to such sapient judges, that the endea-
vour of an experienced caterer for a Newspaper, is to avoid
pleasing them every day, If a shoemaker turned out all
his work upon one last, he would find his patrons in a mi-
nority of the boot-wearing public. The best evidence of
editorial skill is to present such a varied melange, from day
to day, as shall offer to all tastes, not too hypercritical, a
chance to find something for their peculiar gratification.
Other critics expect uniform correctness, and infallibility
in a Newspaper. They would have it that Editors should
be perfect in knowledge, upon all subjects, incapable of
error, and above the failings to which poor human nature is
liable. They expect comments upon all that is passing in
the world, and that rumours be published while they are
new—and that there must notwithstanding be no mistake
in any statement. There must be no omission of any cir-
cumstance—no delay to procure attested accounts—and
yet the story must be such as to leave no errors to be cor-
rected. A very little reflection would show such critics
that they are expecting a little more than they would like to
be compelled themselves to accomplish.
Having had some years experience in conducting a
Newspaper we have arrived at some philosophical conclu-
sions that enable us to keep the even tenor of our way
without any feelings of annoyance from impudent anony-
mous letters, impudent advice, impudent comments, suits at
law for libels, or any of the other disagreeables to which
the profession is subjected. We endeavour to tell the
truth in all matters of fact—to do justice to all individuals
and communities where comment is necessary—to expose
vice without fear or favour—to defend the right in all that
pertains to our province. That we effect all this, is not
pretended—as no claims are made to perfection,
One word at parting, and we have done. We have no
complaint to make of the bearing of the readers proper of
the Sun toward the Paper. Their approval is sufficiently
indicated by the circulation of the Paper, which exceeds
that ever enjoyed by any other periodical in the country.
Among thirty thousand purchasers of the Paper, it is but
reasonable to expect that every day's Paper will not suit
every purchaser. So, all we have to say is, if you do not
like to-day's Sun—wait for the next Paper.—NewYork Sun.