Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-09-05
SUPPORT YOUR PRESS.

4
article under the above caption, puts
forth the following just observations
respecting the obligation of tho com.
muni,y to support the press, which wa
deem worthy Reconsideration, even in
this latitude.
There are many very good people
who are not aware OF the value Of a
credible and well conducted journal, to
a country, independent OF its political
influence. That no family can afford
to do without newspaper, simply as
a matter OF economy, in view Of its
thousand valuable items OF practical
information and its importance as an
aid TO the education OF children, is un.
doubted. But this is not all. The
value of land and property generally,
in county or village, Is enhanced by
the neighborhood Of u good sized, good
looking, well filled journal. A county
or village so privileged is constantly in
the public eye, abroad and at home.
Ii is subluc, of enquiry and CONVEX
sation. It's productions and facilities
are chronicIed and go the rounds Of
the newspapers. Its advantages strike
the eye OF an enquirer in any part Of
tho Union. Its citizens may obtain
any article thc3 need, by simply look
ing into the newspaper to SEQ where il
is sold. This soon attracts trade from
abrond, and creates quicker demand
for all products. In a hundred ways
advantages accrue to its merchants,
mechanics, professional men and far
mers: and we do not hesitate to affirm
that il every merchant, manufacturer,
and professional man were obliged TO
advertise to the amount Of ten TO iii.y
dollars por anDum, according to his
business, 50 as amply to support the
hes, kind of paper, il would be to the
benefit of all and to each.
Not only is society more desirable,
but property is actually more valuable,
in proportion as intelligence is more
thoroughly diiIused and the means Of
constant and certain dissemination in
future, arc provided. II is The interest,
then, ofevery properly holder and bus
mess man to MD actively the creation
and maintenance Of such facilities. In
so doing he is increasing the amount
Of his trade or the value OF his posses
sons.
Blu, some say, az would support a
good paper. Ours is good for nothing"
The more shame to yourselves. This
is matter Of public concern. IL the
conductor ofyour county Journal is un-
worthy or dissipatcd, or unqualified,
invite better one TO come among you,
and make i; his interest to do so. Do
not try to sustain one Of whose char
acter you are ashamed, or who is NOR
ally incompetent. But nine out Of ten
Of our inferior journals nre SO simply
because they are not half supported.
Their editors cannot procure new ma
terials for want ofmoney. They cam
not print large papers with only three
or four hundred subscribers; and two
or three mengre columns of paying nd
vcrtisements. They cannot have suito-
BILE journals and periodicals from which
10 make up their matter, for with mn
ny of the best the difference must DO
paid. They cannot inform themselves
fully on the mulliiarous subjects which
demand their attention, and write as
they should, because they must work
like slaves over their types and press.
These things we know, and we speak
fcelingly Of them. Ifthose who COM
plain that their neighborhood paper is
inferior or embarrassing, would just
set to work and procure three or four
hundred advance subscriptions, and
thirty or forty yearly advertisers, We
will guarantee an immediate and salts
factory improvement.
We say TO every Wing, take such
distan. journals as you prefer according
to your means, but support your moro
immediate journal as duty you owe
to Society and to Freedom. Take it
yourself and use your influence every
where in its behalf. Extend Its circu-
lation, and procure it more lucrative
patronage whenever il IS in your power.
Sow the seeds Of correct information
every where, and the harvest Of sound
principles and patriotic exertions will
nobly reward your Iabors.