The Columbian fountain., 1846-06-25
TO OUR NORTHERN FRIENDS.

VIII piouduly PidCc VIC Hoon'"i NV '"J
hands where it has never been before, we de.
sire for their sake TO say few words concern.
ing our object and plan in conducting this
journal.
In the first place then we would inform those
who may not be acquainted with the circum-
stances which led us to engage in the publca-
ton Of this paper, that we have no aim to max
ing fortune at it, as this would be impossible
while we continue our present low terms,
which we intend, Of course, TO do AT the
same time we would desire to receive such
support as will enatie us to proceed withou,
such loss as would injure us. Indeed we can
not believe that the friends Of the Temperance
cause in this country will permit US to suffer,
while mite from each Of them will perpetu-
ate the existence OF such paper as the Foun-
tain in the Metropolis of this Republic.
The object, therefore, the grand and absorb
ing desire of our heart, is to do good. We be-
lieve that the daily issue Of paper, such as
we are using every effort TO make this, will be
highly advantageous to the cause we advocate
A wide influence is exerted upon the morals
and intelligence Of our country by those who
live in, and others who visit our city, and we
indulge the humble hope, by the circulation Of
this sheet, that we may be able to put into the
hands Of the people an auxiliary in their ef-
forts to do good.
The Fountain is mainly devoted to the cause
of Temperance, that is Of temperance in gen
eral, and particularly as to the use Of ardent
spirits. We contend that the proper place for
the little alcoholic liquor that is really needed
is on the shelf of the Apo,hecary that while
respectable taverns are necessary in every
place, the sale OF ardent spirits in them, is
wrong in every sense Of the word, and ought
to be discontinued; and that no licenses should
be granted for their sale. We believe in crea-
ting by persuasion. and argument, revolution
in public sentiment, which will call for the i'm
mediate suspension of the traffic which, more
perhaps than all other sins, has proved curse
and a blight to our beloved land. We speak
the truth in love, and publish all suitable com
munications bearing upon the great moral re-
form question.
Another object we have in view is to difiuse
useful knowledge, and advocate in all things
the morality inculcated in the word of God
We hold no alliance with any particular hu-,
man system, but firmly believe in the power
OF the gospel Of Jesus Christ, if obeyed, to ac-
complish all that is desirable Tor man in this
world, or that which is to come, and in this
sense, profess to be a religious paper.
To preserve consistency we endeavor TO ex
clude from our columns every item giving the
least countenance to vice in any OF its num-
erous forms and will not insert even an ad-
vertisement calling on the public to paronize
any kind of evil. Infallible we do not pretend
to be, but if we err, we err not willingly, in
the respect named or if we find an error in
our course, or we are proved to be in error by
others, we frankly acknowledge the same and
strive to do better in future.
AT the same time that we hold to no partc-
ular party, we profess TO be the true friends Of
all partes-that is, we endeavor TO find ou,
the good that is in each, and heartily recon-
mended it.
In respect TO news, we try to make our prin-
ciples apply, as well as in every other depart.
ment OF the paper, giving such items as we
believe will not only keep the people well in
formed of what is going on in, and around our
own city, and throughout the world, but which
will also produce the proper kind of impress
sion. Nothing is printed intentionally in our
columns that would offend the ear Of the pous
portion Of the community.
We publish daily list Of the arrivals in our
city at the principal Hotels, and weekly, the
texts Of the different Ministers OF the Gospel.
portion of our columns is devoted every
day TO Congress and city news, and other mat
ters Of interests to the general reader are pre-
scented.
Occasional articles are given which nigh
produce smile, perhaps hearty laugh but
Others are presented which ought to cause
tears. Like our brethren Of the press general
", we tell who was lately married in our city.
and eat their cake quite cheerfully when it is
sent us and drop tear Of sympathy for the
bereaved when il becomes our painful duty to
record the death Of their loved friends or rela-
tisyca