Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-10-28
From G .dey's Lady's Book for November.


The CorYrsY PREss.--It is not probable
that many of our Contemporaries of the pres:
ent dav have had the same opportunities OF
Judging of the progress of the American press
that have fallen 10 our lot The 'Lady's Book
has Just entered unoH its twenty fourth year
In all that time we have never refused to ex'
change with any newspaper Of respectable
character, no matter how remote or obscure us
place of publication, no matter what might oe
its size or the compexion of its politics. Hence;
we have had the pleasure of observing The al
vances which number Of them have u'nde,
step b gtep fra @ aFsgsss 81 prosperous
commercial and manufacturing cities, no long
er obscure, and, thanks to our extended system
of railroads, no longer remo..
Of the early struggles and difficulties Of ma
ny newspapers which are at present in the full
tide of prosperity and popularity, We have, how
ever, as correct knowledge as we have Of the
fact that many are still laboring hard TO sustain
a respectable standing, until, after the lapse of
few years, they too shall find themselves hap
PLY surrounded by intelligent and industrious
communities, and in the midst of wealthy and
ma gni6cent cities. Such will no doubt be the
good fortune of all of them, whose conductors
adhere to the philosophy of perseverance,. for
assaredlv they are connected with the manifest
philosophy of pro.reSs.
How tTie it is, thea that when the history Of
The American press shall De fully written out,
1t will comprise a complete history of the sd-
vancemelt IN prosperity and intelligence, in
commerce and the arts, of she whole American
nation, NAV be readily Inferred from the facts
we have stated. Aud hence how important and
manifest Is the duty of those, whose communi.
ties have not yet attained to any higher dignity
than that of towns or villages to give gener-
Gus and cordial support to the patient and ad.
venturous printer, who has consented to cast his
lot and to 'bde his time" among them! 1t ia
from his talents, industry, and discrimination
that their embryo cities are to derive a great
portion of the spirit of enterprise which is even
tually to establish their regulations abroad and
their prosperity at home. 1t is from him that
their children are to receive much of that moral
and general instruction which will have a last
ing influence on their conduct through life. 1t
is upon his ability, honor integrity, and patriot
ism, in the management of his paper, that the
peace, harmony, and final success of the little
community almost entirely depend, Therefore,
as we may say without disparagement to any
one, an allie and upright editor is as important
an acquisition to rising village as an able
teacher, an upright judge, or an exemplary and
pious clergyman.
We are also happy to observe that the gener-
al indications of better times, presented hy
nearly eighteen hundred exchange papers nov
on our list, are more apparent than at any for
mer period within our recollection. There are
certain evidences of neatness and correctness
In their outward appearance, and spirit of
cheerfulness, candor, and mainly independence
IN their tone, which give assurance not only Of
success in their own affairs, but of the prosperi-
ty and good sense which pervade the communi-
ties with whose interests they are identified.
We have, besides, almost daily proposals from
new papers. springing up in various parts of he
country, for the benefits to be reciprocally de.
rived from an exchange with the 'Lady's Book
Most of these are handsome and ably conduct
ed papers, and although many Of them bear the
names Of places which were but recently in the
occupancy of slva.es in the midst of some
dense wilderness, vet it cannot be doubted that
civilization and industry have already caused
them to blossom like the rose" So nav It
continue to be with our countrvl In all she uu-
dertakeS to do, may she still look to an honest,
free, and independent press as her surest guide
to prosperity, and as the most reliable defender
of her rights, liberties, and national honor.
One of our contemporaries recently sugges-
ted that there is more real talent connected with
the press of one of our principle cities than can
be found in the United States Congress. But
we will 20 further, and say that We do believe
there is more talent and general information
displayed by the press of the United States,
taken collectively, than can be found in Con-
gresS and all the State Legislatures taken col
lecrvey