The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-02-25
NETWORK HERALD.
Mr.. BENEFITS LETTERS FROM EUROPE.
PARIS, January %. lS47.

The newspaper press in Paris is one of the
most remarkable engines in France In govern
ment, religion, morals, modes, philosophy, ltera-
ture, and commerce, il is more or less potent
element, exercising an influence not only over
Paris and France, but over the whole surround
ing continent There are over fifteen daily news
papers published in Paris, each possessing dis
tinct character and circulation OF it, own, but all
forming general similiude in management and
design, somewhat different from the press OF Lon
don, and perhaps more resembling the journals
of New York The circulation of all the daily
Paris journals is probably over 10000 sheets per
day-that of London about one half OF that num-
Der. Before the July revolution, journalism was
restricted and expensive, though perhaps equal
ly powerful as a moral and political weapon.
As far as | can ascertain, the circulation OF the
Paris newspapers before 1880, did not exceed
so 600 sheets per day, the price OF each journal
being about SI5 per annum, more or less. Since
that time remarkable movement and develope-
ment took place in the newspapers, very nearly
about the same time, and Of the same character,
which began in New York in 1882, when start
ed of the first cheap papers commenced
there The cheap syssom was then adopted in
Paris-more variety introduced--and the re-
suit has been, vast increase OF newspapers, both
the circulation OF many of then. AT this moment,
the Steele is supposed to have a circulation of
$4,000 per day-price 40 francs, or Ss, per an
nun. The Constitutional is believed to be the
next in circulation and is rated at fifteen or
twenty thousand per day These journals are
both decided advocates of the Oheans dynasty,
but opposed to the ministry of Guizot. Odlon
Barrot is said to be the aGatus Of the Siecle and
Theirs of the Consti.utionnel.
The whole daily newspaper press of Paris may,
however, be divided into three classes-frst,
those supporting the Orleans dynasty second,
the advocates of the exiled Bourbons; and third,
the republicans. One half, if not twothirds, of
the whole circulation belong to the Orleans dy-
nasty although the individual journals divide
the ministry. A fourth or more may belong 10
the legitimatists, Carlists-and the remainder
are the republicans. One of the daily journals
adheres to FourrieIism, or sort OF social demo-
cracy; but it has limited circulation, and more
limited influence.
The most profitable, popular, and widely cir
culating journals are those which occupy sort
of independent position, and found generally
n opposition 10 the ministry. The same feature
marks TIE press in London, and also in New
York. This is curious and remarkable fact in
the history Of modern journalism in every free
and civilized country. The income of the several
journals of Paris, varies much as their circula-
ton and influence Out of nearly sixteen or more
daily papers, not over three four yield large
and liberal revenues-the rest are barely sup
ported, and some of them sink capital supplied
by spectators, who have particular purposes to
effect have heard it estimated that those few
which profitable yield from $50 900 e. 25O, OOO)
to $S00O0 Q40O,000) per annun, over and above
expenses. | doubt if these estimates are not
very much overrated. One or two of the London
journals yield even much higher revenue, and
are managed on far more scientific plan ; but /
will speak of those when get to London.
Heretofore, the Parisan press exercised des-
potc power over public opinion and the depart
ments but this influence has been diminished of
late years, by the establishment of well conduct
ed papers in the large provincial towns The
provincial press has very much increased Of late
years but it is doubtful if the establishment of
the great railroad system, radatng from Paris to
every point on the frontier, may not restore TO Pa
rs and its journals its old Capitalization Of power in
higher and more aggravated form than ever yet
existed. In fact, journalism in Paris, and in
Europe, is In a state OF progress, or transition,
just as much as society, government, religion and
philosophy.
Again, the manner and mode by which the Pa.
isian press is conducted, is very different from
hat of London-but it has some features in COM
mon with that of New York. There are probably
over three hundred literary persons of all kinds
and every degree of talent and genius attached
10 the Paris press. They are generally composed
of young adventurers from the provinces. Theirs,
Guizot, and many other distinguished men, COM
menced their youthful career on the press, either
as contributors OF editorial articles, literary
views, theatrical notices, or feuetons the lite
rary portion OF the journal is called. Each journal
OF importance has an editor, one two sub-ed-
ors, besides several contributors, reporters and
critics, who furnish the diversified character of
the sheet. These literary gentlemen go into the
best society here, and / have seen some Of them
at Guizots sources, at the Tuieries, and in other
high walks of life. In this respect, the estimation
put upon literary merit is very different in Paris
TO what it is in London. In the latter metropolis
none but the professions-the army and navy
are considered fit to associate equal terms with
rank and power. Intellect and genius, if not SCI
off with epaulettes or throat-cutting instruments
are consigned to the outer regions of human So
ciety, where no gentlemen are found
The editorial literature of Paris is peculiar
feature in itself. II differs from the same kind o.
literature in London and New York, in several i'm
portant respects. The press IN Berlin, Vienna
and the other capitals of Europe, has no literary
no peculiar, character. These journals are the
mere blind and paid advocates of the several 90
vemments. Mind is not allowed to ripen-and
genius is banished as disurber the peace Not
80 in Paris or London-great freedom of thought
exists, but 1t is a freedom regulated by power and
influenced by wealth. The Paris newspapers
will, for months, luxuriate in wordy editorials, full
OF theory, fine sentiment, and well put language
They do not deal so much in practical writing, or
diversified articles, as the London or New York
press does. The Spanish marriages, and the ex-
tinction of Cracow, have occupied the newspa-
hnr Enr