Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1850-08-10
Oar Third Volume.

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We last week made some remarks respect
ing the close of our second volume, and an ex-
preston of our feelings consequent upon it.
1t may not be inappropriate to make a few re-
marks relative to the commencement Of our
third volume.
The advent of a new volume naturally gives
rise to many conflicting feelings in the mind of
an editor-if he has ~prospered he looks with
confidence to the future; if embarrassments
and perplexities have attended his path, sad
ness and gloomy forebodings, will inevitably
influence his spirits, whatever may be the
energy exhibited in his paper. But whether
prosperous or otherwise, conducting q country
newspaper is a harrassing employment, and he
who is successful, is a rarity but seldom heard
of. The great difficulty is the universal credit
system which custom has established in the
business affairs of country newspapers. 1t is
not surprising then, that if merchants and 9th
ers fail through such a course, that the printer
should, when every thing he does is upon a Gre
dit. He handles no cash but that which is COL
tected, varying in sums Of one dollar up to fifty,
and all of that obtained at a large discount.
If he is determined not to fail Gas many pub
fishers have, with a larger amount Of good
debts due them than the amount they owe,) he
must possess qualities Of an extraordinary cha
r~acter; he should naturally be amiable, accom-
modating and generous, snd, Whist rarely accom-
panies such a disposition, he must likewise be
firm; he must have the ability and the %inclina-
tionsto work-nor out of doors in electioneer-
ing for patronage and popularity-not in pour
ing over the papers TO extract the latest news
OF keep up with the politics Of the day-not in
sitting at the desk and connecting editorials
not in setting his own type-or pulling his
own press-or putting up his W maiis-or
acting as his own clerk-but he must perform
all of these yocations, if not at once, at least
through the week. But. far beyond these sep
arate duties and qualities which pertain to the
p~ublisher, if he desires to make q living in the
country, he must understand and act up to the
rule Of righl, not only ID regard to his in
~terests, but in reference to the interests Of 9th
ers; to this rule he must rigidly adhere; he
must exact his dues, regardless of feelings OF
persons, and he must pay his W punctually
through the SAME principle, When all Of these
functions are centred in one man, and he a
country printer, he may possibly make a few
dimes above his expenses, and a few enemies
toboot.
But we did not intend to essay in this man.
ner. Our newyolume brings with it the hope
that we can increase its circulation, and the de-
termination to add to its usefulness; and we
will hese take occasion to request our friends
in the country to push ahead the Sentinel. We
know that there are many persons who would
gladly subscribe, if the subject was only men
toned. If our paper has ever been worthy Of
commentator, We are determined that it shall
not 60 backward while we have health, or it has
a alocality and a NAME" In the next political
campaign we shall engage the editorial services
Of = 'gentleman Of superior ability, which must
greatly enhance the value of our sheet. We
are aware Of orr own inefieieucy in this res
pect, and cannot too early remedy the evil
Hoping that our friends will overlook what
past foibles we may have exhibited, and join
hands with us for smother year, we will bid
alden to the past, and look forward with buoy
ant spirits to the future.