The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-01-21

rough execution of those rules of maritime
law which have been framed for the purpose
of defeating this natural perversity of Jack,
and forcing him to abide by his agreement.
The principle implied in the course of the
British authorities at Hong Kong would, if it
were established, enable every American sea-
man sailing to China to obtain his discharge on
arrival at any port there, and would inevitably
put stop to our trade with that part of the
world. It is hardly to be supposed that the
British government will openly avow that they
have this object in view. The sooner, there
fore, and the more theoretically representa-
tions are made to the Court at St. James,
and q specific answer obtained, the better it
will be for both countries.
Literary swindlers-Caution to the Public.
We have frequently cautioned hotelkeep.
ers, traders, railway managers, steamboat
agents. directors of theatres and other victims,
against certain literary guerillas, who obtain
favors on the pretence that they are attached
to the New YORK HERALD. The wide popular
ity Of this Journal and the fact that there is
no place in the civilized world where it has
not been heard of, makes it more generally
used as a cloak under which the rascals shell
ter themselves. While it is in some sort
compliment to the HERALD that even preten-
der to it's name is treated like prince thou
sand miles from Nassau street, yetwe consider
it reflection upon our honor that we should
be an innocent party to such swindling by not
taking some decisive measures to prevent it.
We have frequently been called upon by the
victims of these scoundrels, and desire once
more to expose them, and to make some practi-
cal suggestions by attending to which they
may be marked and their operations defeated
The free list system, which was first intended
as special compliment on particular occa-
sions, has grown to be tremendous nuisance
Some editors seem to think it an inalienable
right to sponge every body, and rave about
their privileges if any one is found indepen-
dent enough to refuse to be preyed upon.
This outside pressure from some quarters has
made many timid people afraid to refuse ia
vors to individuals whom they suspected to be
swindlers, and while this journal has steadily
discountenanced the SYSTEM its influence has
been so great that many persons have sheltered
themselves under it's name, and risked expo
sure for the sake of the benefits which might
accrue in case their supposed claim was al
lowed.
These cAecaliers dindustrie are very ingenious
in picking other peoples pockets One of them
lately took advantage of great popular ex-
element to get free passage to California,
by representing that he was reporter for this
journal. Another-one of the most dis
tinguished Of the tribe-wrote new watering
place into celebrity; and on pretence that he
was obliged to pay large sums for the inser-
ton of the letters in the HERALD and Courier
when they were printed in both papers as news
matter--swindled the persons interested out of
six hundred dollars. Another buys sugar plums
and segars or smuggles himself into place of
public amusement. A person calling himself
Carman imposed upon several merchants by
pretending that he was assistant editor" of
another journal of this city--that he intended
to write biographies of persons eminent in
trade, and desired a small loan to help him out
with his printing expenses. We cannot say
shallow devices.
We regret to say that there are some persons
connected with other journals who, aware Of
the superior standing Of the HERALD as news
paper, steal its name in order to gain informa-
ton intended exclusively for US. We regret it,
because it is sometimes an injury to us, and be-
cause such tricks tend to disgrace what should
be high and honorable vocation. We hope
that all our friends-and there are many Of
them in all parts of the country--will, in case
they have matter intended particularly for the
HERALD, be very careful to whom they give it.
Wemay also add word to keepers of public
houses and directors Of public conveyances.
We are informed that numerous oily rascals are
travelling about, getting everything free, on
the pretence that they are connected with
the HERALD. Now, we desire to tell the vic
Tins Of these elegant paupers, that they are
very foolish to extend civilities to any one
on any such pretences. Our correspondents,
reporters and writer's, always pay their bills,
and are generally unknown. Very frequently
the nature Of their mission is such that secresy
is absolutely necessary. So, Messeurs hotel
keepers, railway superintendent steamboat
captains if any person attempts to eat,
drink, travel or sleep at your charge, on pre-
tence that he is Of us, quote this article--tell
him he is mistaken-that the HERALD does not
advertise free, or give away its impressions
consequently its representatives must pay like
other people. Remember, that if ever these per-
sons were what they purport to be they would
have no power to serve you. We do not insert ad-
vertisements in our editorial or news columns
at any price. To do SO would be to swindle our
readers and to injure our advertisers. We have
labored earnestly to destroy the whole !" dead
head" system. We have set the example prac-
tically, and we hope the day will come when
editors of newspapers will have as much pride
and independence as persons in other vocatons.