Maumee City express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1838-184?, 1838-12-08
ON NEWSPAPER "PATRoNAGE."

Solomon Smith, Esq. the proprietor of the
Mobile Mercantile Advertiser, has recently
sold his paper to Messrs. Langdon and Harris.
In his valedictory, he says some true things in
an amusing style, as the following extract viii
show:-Nati0naL IateUigencer.
Speaking of patrons-I cannot CONCLUDE
without giving some of my ideas on the SUBJ
ect of patronage. The Americans are pat
ronizing people. If a person subscribes tor
newspaper or adyertises in 1t, he becomes
patron; if he puts up at a hotel he patronlzes
that house: if he purchases an article att store,
he gives the merchant his custom-if he visits
the playhouse on benefit night, he bestows on
such an actor dollar! This is all wrong
Let us change this patronizing air, aud ac-
knowledge, that if we take a newspaper, pur-
chase goods, lodge or dine at a hotel, go to the
play, we expect at least to get our moneys
worth. sIIalloo, old fellow! bawled out chap
to me, in South Carolina, ] gave you dollar
last nght-I like to patronize the theatre
The day before, I had loaned that patron fifty
dollars, to take him to Georgia, which he has
not paid inc to this day!
Of all trades, professions, or ca!lngs, Ihno~
Of nonc--I have followed great many--sso
poorly pad as publishers OF newspapers. Ma
nv patrons Of newspapers, otherwise worthy,
punclual men, think it not unrighteous to let
the publisher wait year after year for his dues
and at last, if he is compelled topay, he does
it with very bad grace. Mr.. Type must
have his money must he? Well, if he must, he
must. Give me receipt and, do you llearl
stop that paper-I have patronized that esta-
blishment six years; there is no such thing as
gratitude in the world Another VIII tell you
he never subscribed for paper the boy has
left it every morning, it is true, and as it was
left did read it occaslonally-but l never
ordered it,. There is another class of pat
rons who never subscribe at all, but are great
friends of the paper, and always read--ln tuct,
! this is the class who may be termed your con-
stant readers.' Here sam, go ovel the way,
with my compliments to Mr.. Tonklns, and ask
him for the loan Of his paper--und, Sam, tell
him as he never reads it before breakfast, I'll
thank him to let John bring 1t over every NOR
ning--it is an excellent paper--that editor re-
ally knows what he is about; / begin to think
of pqtronizing him myself There yet remains
to be mentioned one class more Of patrons
supporters, should say, for they are the sup
port and stay OF publishers. This class IS
composed of those who say-'1iere Mr.. Clerk
be so good as to place my name cn your
subscription list--and write opposite to IT., PAID
IN ADVANCE in looking over u list OF some
thousand yesterday, saw hundred or two
of this class. III had any GOLDEN TYPES, their
nnmcs should literally appear in letters OF GOLD.
There are now from twelve to fifteen thousand
collars Cue this office; and, am convinced, the
prnprietors would willingly sell all the debts
for fiv, ,hous md! 1t is thus with all nc"spo-
per offices--and why? because publishers are
rood hatured, and submit TO their own dcgrldl-
ton in the scale Of tradesmen. Let tins state
of things be amended reform it altogether
Adhere strictly to the terms of your papors--
for, take the word of an experienced man, you
had better keep your ink and paper than luF-
n,sh them and your paper for nothing. You
may get popularity, but you will get no pork
and cabbage for your dinner.
now take my leave as proprictor, of The
sAdyertiser.' forgive all, and ask forgive
ness ofall, (f any one has any think to forglve)
and corc ude by giving the advice | gave my
Cincinnati friends fifteen years ago, with a
slight amendment: LIVE HoNEsTLY--sERvE
Con, AND PAY FOR YOUR NEWSPAPERS