Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-08-10
Military Orders.


1t has occurred to us that it is matter of some
importance to the military authorities of the State,
and to the officers and soldiers of the army, if not
indeed to the public generally that all orders issued
by the several Departments should have general
publication. The habit of selecting one or two
papers, and frequently those of the smallest list OF
readers to give general circulation to an important
order, is not little ridiculous and places the gov
eminent in the awkward if not blameable predica-
ment of fostering niggardly selfish and partizan
spirit at time, when of all Others it should be most
free from it.
When no other but political partizan contest is
raging custom-a very bad one-has made it ne
cessary that each party should have its organ, and
the government its official paper; but we submit
it to candid men, is 1t proper, pending the present
war, when all selfish and party ends ard aims
should be ignored and forgotten that the govern
ment or its officials should keep up the old party
machinery, and that any one or two presses of the
State should be held and claimed to be its mouth
piece? We submit the question without feeling any
personal concern whatever about it Let men or
parties have their likes dslikes it matters not to
US. With the old woman we say, when she kissed
any party or administration, which could be forced
to kiss the that claims to give official milk at
present in North Carolina.
But all this is aside from our purpose when we
set out Our principal object to call attention to
sundry orders issued from the Office of the Aduant
General published in the last socalled official paper
which we think too important to be restricted in
their circulation, and therefore, we give them gratu
itously place on our second page
We regret that the authorities continue to pursue
a policy so narrow and unwise. In Virginia and
South Carolina all important public orders are d.
rccted to be published in every paper in those States
and the provso is always appended, that they be
published three times and their bills forwarded for
payment. But in North Carolina, still uncured of
her pennywise and pound foolish" policy, all such
documents of general public interest ordered to
be published once, now and then, three times in
one or two papers. Poor old State! so poor, or so
something elSe that she does not or cannot pay her
brave soldiers who have been in service two or three
months, many of whom are really in want-what
the poor printers of the State expect from her !?
They have worked harder, done more for the State
and far more to promote the spirit of patriotism
among our peopc-more for the war; than any other
branch Of industry and made less out of it. and yet
the State refuses them the little advertising patron
age it has.
But if the object of the State in pursuing this
policy is simply to avoid expense, we would kindly
make suggestion. Treat the entire press alike.
Furnish copies of all orders at the time to all
the city papers for gratuitous publication, with a
request that all the papers copy. We will go secu-
rity that it will be done promptly. When some of
the papers few weeks ago wished to know if the
State paid for its advertising, it was done in good
faith. They simply wished to know, if the State
expected to pay any or all If they found out that
the State only paid favorites, they would not pub
lsh, but if they did publish, it would be with the
understanding that they all shared alike
All that the Standard is concerned about is, that
it shall be able to furnish its readers without regard
to State patronage, the earliest and most important
information. Some of our North. Carolina papers
have suspended and others perhaps, would really be
assisted in the present pressure upon their
business if this State to adopt the liberal pol
icy of publishing its orders other States doing
in all the papers of the State, and paying for it.