Buchanan County bulletin and guardian., 1867-02-05
Newspaper" Puffs " and what They are
Worth.

While thinking much ourselves on
this subject, we came across the fol-
lowing from the STATE Press, Of
Iowa City:
we often hear people complain
Of the amount which they give 70
public enterprises aud in private char
tiles in the course Of year. We
have always thought that newspaper
men were the gratest martrys to this
sort Of thing and to test it we looked
up the charity column Of our books
the other day and found that
during this year we have done
mentioning" Advertising and "putf.
ing !" in which the public was more or
less interested, and by which others
We're benefited, 10 the amount Of
s4oO."
We have no record to show the
amount Of such advertising done in
the MIRROR. but verify believe that,
Tor 1866. it would not figure at less
than 5000. We do not wish to be
understood that had we signified TO
the public that EVERYTHING must be
paid for. the additional amount of
advertising would have been handed
in: but as it Vas to be done gratlit-
ously, it was so furnished, or we re-
quested to prepaer and insert it. Per
haps in the former case, one third OF
the amount would have been the bet
ter by nice little sum to printers.
For these notices, On the part Of
churches, societies, etc.. we are some
times offered payment-bu:, general
ly, they are demanded as rightfully
due, and in many cases, individuals
suppose they are actually confering a
favor on us. by furnishing, as they
term it, something to fill up" Our
temper always fails there.
Now, gentlemen, let US look al the
matter fairly, and come to an under
standing. Our newspaper is public
institution We desire that it shall be
public benefit; and notices con-
cerning churches, societies. and other
institutions from which the public.
NOT individuals, are supposed to de-
rive benefit, our columns are open to,
without price, as they have ever been
we Of course, to decide upon what
shall 90 in. Further, when an adver-
tisement is inserted, coming to a sum
warranting such mention, we are will
ing to call the public attention to it
without additional charge; and still
further, at recurrance of the different
business seasons, we are willing TO
again mention the trade Of our larg-
est advertisers. Anything beyond
should be well paid for.
We trade to the extent of a print
er's parse, with many different men.
Suppose we should say to each one.
half dozen times year-Throw in
this coat, or vest, or hat, or pair of
shoes, this dress pattern, this shirt.
paper of sugar, a pound Of tea. or
this. that, or the other valuable article.
Would we get it? Certainly not, and
we would be rightfully looked upon as
beggars or leeches. Cannot tie par
allel be seen:
Or again, better illustration.
People may say-O, the paper is
printed any way once weak ; ii costs
just so much labor, and so much
white paper; and they can afford to
give US putf-it costs them nothing.
Now look at the other side of the
question: A railroad train, or a
steamboat, or hack, makes its trips
just SO often anyway; it costs so
much for labor, &c; and they can
carry another passenger, or dozen
for nothing. just rs well as not. The
business view Of the case is that the
train, the steamboat, or the hack, is
DOING SOMETHING for the passenger.
and is entitled to pay for it. If they
make money, it is their good fortune:
if they lose, it is not the passengers
fault. Is there not another parallel
here?
Our paper is public vehicle. We
desire to carry full loads, to seat pass
engers comfortably. and to GO through
safely on time. But to do this, those
who ride must pay-excursionists
half price. and occasional friends
whom WE invite, free.-Lyons MIR
or.