The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1862-08-13
McGREGOR, IOWA, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 49, 1862


FAtr0n1ge OF Local FaperS.
We have at various times made remarks
in regard to local newspapers as represen-
tatives Of the towns where published, and
the effect they would have upon the public
mind abroad, where circulated. The La
Crosse Democrat has since come to hand
with an article upon the subject, which we
append, as it shows that We are not alone
in our way cf thinking:
COUNTY PAPERS.
We have before US a copy of the Tay-
lor's Falls Reporter, published in the Saint
Croix Valley in this State, but from its ad
vertising columns We are unable to gather
the least idea Of the size or amount Of bus
mess done there. We find in it notice Of
one dry goods store; lime kiln; watch
maker; cabinet shop; tin shop; milliner
store and one or two lawyer cards. From
the home patronage OF the paper We should
say that Taylor's Palls curtainevf abost =
hundred inhabitants. People have mis-
taken idea Of local newspapers. When
the business men of place realize as they
should that the local paper benefits plac.
according to its circulation out Of it, they
v i'll have learned valuable lesson. The
village paper should be a mirror Of the
place-should give those abroad an indea
Of what is done and who is doing it in the
town where Published. If the paper should
show hundred men or firms engaged in
business. people would at once say that
village was prosperous. If on the contra
ry it be compelled to fill up with love sto
rics in larg: type, or with prospectuses of
the New York papers, the reader, at dis.
tance naturally thinks the town a sort Of
deadhole wherein abide secdy gamblers and
played out real estate ecllators. If bus.
mess men in village would take Of each
issue Of their weekly paper, dozen copies
and send then. to different friends in the
East, the investment would pay, if the pa.
per had live, business look to it. If not,
the fewer sent, the better for all concerned.
We love to see paper filled with live ad-
vertisements and local news. There are
few such papers in Wisconsin, and no mat
tsr how much We may diff:r with them in
politics, the items Of local intelligence are
always eagerly sought for
The village paper is a weekly messenger,
going forth into the world, proclaminx to
uSVSi oSCu VI VI Uy TIC
editor, the resources and business of the
place where published, as well as the eg.er.
gy Of the inhabitants. Patronage extended
to local papers is never thrown away. If
the paper is liUe one, readers at dis
tance see it in the reflection Of the place,
and in time the distant village becomes
familiar through the local press and at last
tired Of his locality in the far off east, the
reader starts for new home among those
he knows by reputation.
A neat looking paper we'll filled with
home advertisements and local items indi-
Cate live town and thrifty people, as GER
tain as clean dishes, clean house and clean
faced children indicate the neat wife and
mother; or as children with shirt tails fly.
ing; little clothes half fastened, dirty faces
and unkept hair; and greasy knives, forks
and plates and room filed with dirt is evil
dence Of the slattern. Business men owe
to the place If not to themselves, to patron.
ize the local paper. Let the editor know
that his labors are appreciated, and he will
labor hard to retain that good opinion, to
the benefit Of all concerned.