Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1871-03-04
The Local Newspaper.

HENRY T. DARLINGTON, of the Bucks
County (Pa.) MtelAgeecer, the local or
county newspaper has grown to be one
o. the most characteristic and most
important Of American institutions.
No other one is so extensively and uni4
versally diffused through every part
of the continent, and in no other is
there SO much that is homogeneous in
its development. Whetherit appears
in the form Of q four column daily, or
a nine-column weekly, its principal
features and objects are almost the
same. Its sphere, as a distinctivelv
local Journal, is the expression and
encouragement of the interests that
may belong to the particular commu-
nifty in which it circulates; and as
those interests may. chance. to be lin
tied or expanded in their nature, the
tone and purposes of the local news
paper are quite sure to, bear toward
them reciprocal relation. We may
assume that the first object of the
publisher of a local paper, as it is that
Of every sensible business man, is to
provide maintenance for himself
and family, not by any means despis-
ing the incidental profits that may re-
suit from his efforts. But the true
functions of the journalist do not end
here, for his paper must always occu-
Ply. to some extent, the position Of a
public mouthpiece, from which he
cannot, without churlishness towards
the community, and more or less in
jury to his own welfare, entirely ex-
clude the popular voice. On the other
hand, the newspaper which permits
itself to be the mere "organ" through
which individuals or cliques may ad-
vance their personal or political inter-
ests, is undeserving of popular conf
dence, and is not often pecuniarly sue
cessful. independence and self-res-
pect may characterize the infant
weekly of the backwoods or the prai-
rie, as fifty as the same qualities are
sustained in the blanket sheet of the
metropolis. An adherence to them in
every situation will be found among
the surest means of obtaining per-
manent foothold. The skillful and
successful editor will understand the
art Of adapting his thoughts and their
to the general tone of the
in which he il placed,
without mourning any sacrifice of per-
sonal independence or dignity. When
he marks out course which he be-
lieves to be reasonable and right, and
pursues it with honesty and energy,
he not only accomplishcs a great step
in establishing his personal rcputa-
ton, but is almost sure to be met with
a substantial response from the con-
stituency which Ire addresses.
The merits of a country newspaper,
as of nearly everything else in the
world, may be measured by its sue
cess. In addressing ourselves to the
citizens of Mechanicstown, and all
that section of Frederick county north
Of Fishing creek to the Pennsylvania
line-the upper districts of the Red
Land and Mountain region, We intend
to go on in the work of Improvement
and development We humbly con-
ceive that this vast area has not had
full justice done to it as grain grow
ing, fruit growing and mineral and
lumber region. TO act as an engineer
in the pathway of science and enter.
prise, to develope the hidden resour-
ces of section of country full of his
torical lore and Astounding with prac-
teal questions of infinite value to the
antiquarian, the man of business, the
merchant, mechanic and farmer, are
points which cannot be overlooked.
The CLARION will direct its energies
to givy vitality to and draw out u
fund Of local knowledge Of the wants,
purposes and utilitarian designs and
ends of the people residing within
these limits, and make it a household
treasure of recorded facts. Emmitts-
burg, Creagerstown, Lewistown, Sa-
billasville, Wolfsville, Rocky Ridge,
Graceham, Utica, Woodsboro, Pipe
creek, Germantown, Smithfeld, and
the adjacent vicinities will come within
the scope of our design.
Success in the newspaper. world
cannot be won without earnest, faith
full work. In no other occupation is
unceasing industry more necessary,
and in none will idleness or neglect
work more certain disaster. Having
put our hands to the pillow, we shall
press on and unfold our aims and OBJ
iects as We progress: and steer our
little craft by the principles of JUS
tice, enterprise and common sense.
We ask our friends to aid us in the
undertaking to which we are now
committed, and in which our all is
embarked. Support us and We will
support you and advance your mate
rial interests. ,,.
ToucH1NG.-A little newsboy at
tempting to Jump from city car, the
other day, fell under the car, and was
fearfully mangled. As soon as he
could speak, he called piteously for
his mother, and a messenger was sent
at once to bring her to him. When
arrived, she hung over the, dying boy
in an agony of grief - =.
Mother" he. whispered with a
painful effort, II sold four newspapers
-and--the money is in my pocket