Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-09-17
PROPOSALS
PROSPECUsS.


Il presenting to the citizens of Frcdericksbu
~ ana the circumlaccnt country, the plan and
cohoitions OF new paper, the proposed publisher
deems II necessary, in compliance with the common
inJ"heuons OF custom, and IN cxpanation of his
views, To be somewhat explicit in his ayowal of the
reasons which urge him to solicit their pa,rcnunc
ana the principles and conduct BY which ne hopes
to merit their favorable consideration.
IL would be useless, at this day, to expatiate on
the utility of newspapers They have ALWAYS
been considered, since their introduction Into civil;
iLed communities, useful auxiliarcs in the disse-
mnauon OF knowledge, and essential to the pros
Perity and permanency of free governments. A.
"ercans well know the value of these organs of the
puo'e VIII ana 1t mas ever been their Pride to che
fish and protect them. They know that in,eili-
gence is the life Of liberty THAT their institutions
receive visor and effect from tho general diffusion Of
information and that their glory and weifDre do
Penu upon just appreciation of humans RIGHTS
They spurn the dark doctrines of European despo
tisin, winch inculcate the mental tleluson and ip-
norance of the people.
1he time has arrived, when not only every civ
but almost every village, in our widely -bou,d., re-
pnonc, feels the propieiy of hating vician, SEN
'ihe ON the watch-tower OF independence, ready to
sound the tocsin OF alarm, when the enemies of free
dom, either openly covery assail it, So that ;f
the liberties of the country should ever be endan-
gered, 1t will not be through the absence of faithful
watchmen, nor from the embedding Influence of iy-
norancc.
l
termed the '-palladium of liberty To publish a
paper which shall be Justly entitled to this proud
apPelia'ion, will be tue primary and paramount
object oi the Editor. He is we'll aware Of the ar
duous Character of the duties Imposed the conflicts
winch the passions and prejudices of man create /,
and the liability to be influenced by these feelings
SO inherent III human natuIe. But he will sedu-
onsiy endcavor 10 guard against such influence
lie mas witnessed too many petve sions the pub
lie will BY presses pledged to the support of men
IrlR ri ~ - ,i,s
avoid these errors, by throwing his columns open 10
fair candid, and liberal discussion, on all subjects
which involve the public veal: confident that dis
cussion ELECTS light, and leads the mind TO corr. c,
conclusions Such is his idea of what constitutes
| truly FREE PRESS. All essays having This nb.
Ject in view, will receive cordial welcome; aud
while energetic and pointed censure of grievances
will be tolerated, scurrlity nd abuse will be avoid
ed as contamination. To sanction such a prostitu-
ton of the press, would be convert blessing in
to an evil.
In regard to the political principles of the Edi-
tor, II would be species of egotism To say much,
They remain, in part to be tested. But he NAV he
permitted TO remark, THAT they are, in the Legitimate
sense of the word, Republican. Born in a land of
freedom, and enjoying its blessings is but fair to
infer that every throb of his heart is in unison with
his couhtrys good; and that every attempt to sub
vert the principles by which ii has been advanced
TO happiness and honor, will be resisted at the
threshold.
Ii is his opinion that ready acouiesceuce in the
measures of the majority, when fairly enacted
Constitutes the FIRST duty of a good citizen When
our rulers, from natural love of power, transcend
the boundaries prescribed by the constitutions il is
one OF our pfoudcst privileges TO remostrate, and
| to he heard through the medium of the press. To
be heard successfully only requires that complaints
carry with them the modest and manly convictions
| of truth.
His course IN regard TO the prominent political
topic OF the day. shall be marked by the strict rules
r md IlSfIc RAT
main for its discussions and he has not the vanity
TO suppose that his private predections, however
earnestly urged, will change opinions deliberately
formed The candidates for the Presidency are
men whom the citizens of this country have honor
ed and delight 10 honor. Each of them have nu-
merous and respectable friends, and their several
claims should be heard and urged with that ca n
dour Temperance, and magma nimity, SO essential 10
add weight 10 argument and dignity TO the cause
discussed. Liberal and unrestlained vilif!cation
of opponent, but detract from the force
and b,iancy of the praise bestowed upon favou-
rite aud aleniates the affections of those who
ought rather to be soothed than irritated.
Presenting himself upon these broad principles,
he cannot doubt that the friendly support Of such
populous and respectable town and peig!iboIhood
will he chcerfully afforded him. Places possessing
fewer advantages and with n smaller population
than Fredericksburg, support two papers; and as
he diSclaims all selfish considc
it is hoped he will incur the imputa ton of wish
ing to circumvent the establishment now located in
it. But it would be reflection upon tl.c good
and liberaity Of the inabita nts, 10 entertain
for moment the idea that they would sanction
monopoly of any kind, especially that Of
opinion.
Viii, this brief dcvnlopement of his views ami
object, the Editor submits his pretcnscns patron
| age to the candid consideration of the public.
! CoNDITIoNs.-Tke Tirginia Free Press will be
published twice week at -Four Dollars per an
mum, payable in advance. 1t Will be printed with
a handsome new type, on large super royal sheet,
| delivered on the mornings of publication TO sub
scribers in town. and forwarded by the FIST mails to
distant subscrbers.-The publication will COM
mencc as 400 subscribers shall be obtained.
| .4ugusf, 1894.
| u Gentlemen who obtain subscriptions will be
pleased to make returns by the 10Th OF September.
| VIRGINIA.:
AT Rules, holden in the Clerks Office of the Supc-
rior court OF ciIancery for the Richmond district,