The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-02


killed on Monday night, in consequence Of the
running off the track. Another fireman was dread
fully scaldcd and four cars were smashed to pieces
One million of dollars have been subscribed by the
city of Savannah for the contemplated railroad be-
tween that place and Pensacola, Florida.
To-day's inside pages contain description Of an
other Grand Fete in Hayt Details of the late and
important news from Mexico Reports of Tuesday
and Wednesdays sport over the Union and Centre
vile Courses Kemble Jackson won the purse and
stake CT four thousand dollars) Proceedings Of the
Board of Assistant Aldermen Financial, CONNER
cial Judicial, Theatrical and Miscellaneous Inteli-
gence, &c.
The Anatomy of au Advertising sheet.
There are some people, we are told, who
fancy they have read newspaper through
when they have glanced over the telegraphic
news, SKINNED the general intelligence and
perused leader or two. If So we can only
say that we are sorry for them. They lose. in
the advertising sheet, an unrivalled fund Of in
struction and amusement. Fairly balanced, it
is doubtful whether that portion of q paper
which is technically termed =" reading matter"
presents as full and interesting a reflection of
less attractive columns of advertisements. In
the former, it is true, the public obtain the
opinions of men who can seldom afford to
practise systematic deception; while the lat
ter are the private property OF individuals
who have hired them to further their own
views, and cannot be expected to exhibit disin-
terested impartality. When Mr.. Jones or
Mr.. Brown tells us in neat paragraph
at ten cents q line, that tremendous bar
gains" are to be had at his place of bust
ness. corner of Moon street aud Pega-
sus lane, we may believe him or not, as
we please; but when an editorial article in a
leading journal advocates the adoption of one
route to California in place of another, reason
able men will generally conclude that it is in
fact the most eligible. To gain this editorial
endorsation. indeed, is the constant aim Of
shrewd advertisers. Some will visit that in
scrutable parsonage the Editor, in his sanctum.
and civilly request that public attention be
drawn editorially to my little advertisement
in your valuable paper" and will retire utterly
puzzled and disguised on being told that the
favor he asks cannot be granted or purchased.
Others content themselves with hiring square
in the special notices. and penning an adver-
tisement in which the editorial ''we' is boldly
usurped, and the advertiser alluded to in the
third person, as special benefactor Of man
kind
We will not undertake to say what measure
of success may attend these smart little prac-
tees; but reverting to our former proposition,
we should be glad to see any journal whose
editorial, original and selected matter presented
as perfect picture Of society as some twenty
or twenty-five columns of advertisements. Let
US suppose. for instance. that CONFUSION OF
nature were to destroy all the existing works
of civilzation-that an Eruption of new Goths
and Vandals were to sweep US all from the face
Of the globe. and build up. in long years OF toll.
q new era-that when enlightenment had again
reganed its present height. copy of modern
newspaper were to fall into the hands of an anti
quarry, who should therefrom attempt to deduce
a theory Of our social and material condition.
TO which portion of the paper would his obiga-
tions he the greatest? We anticipate the unani-
nous reply of our readers in favor of the
columns of wants and notices."
A single column, for instance, places him
quite an courant Of our means Of communicate
ing with our neighbors and our advancement in
navigation. Here he sees steamers for Great
Britain twice and three times week, for
France, Germany California, the West Indies,
Australia, and all the large ports on the Allan
tic. besides host Of sailing vessels to Gil parts
Of the world. Halfa dozen railroads testify to
the general use Of the locomotive and the rapi
dity of our land travelling. Notices of q few
city and country hotels show that travellers are
numerous, and by no means niggardly in their
expenses. Advertisements of sums Of money
to lend covering several millions in the aggre-
gate establish the commercial and financial ac-
tivity Of the place. A call fer political rally
proves that We lived under a free constitution,
and a few notices for tenders for corporation
contracts, would 60 far, we fear. to indicate
that close check on our municipal officers was
necessary. Bills Of half dozen theatres
several concerts, museums, and places of
would be toierably fair evidence
both Of the refined taste and the liberal expen-
diture Of our citizens. Advertisements OF
pianos and other instruments would show that
music was generally cultivated; and those of
teachers Of painting and of every known Ian
guage, that classical accomplishments were by no
means disregarded. Law would speak for itself
in few stony-heartcd notices; and medicine
would be ably represented by the plausible pro
fessions Of men covered with academical
honors, and who nevertheless generously gave
4.
nothing, from one to two. Some little surprise
might perhaps be created by flaming announce |