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

>OF>~l> ~A.'" O. va W. wv VAIN
Of the most characteristic and mos,
important of American institutions
No other one is so extensively and uni
versally diffused through every part
Of the continent, and in no other is
there SO much that is homogeneous in
its development. Whether t 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 distinctively
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 a 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 a 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-
py, 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-
RE, as fifty as the same qualities are
in the blanket sheet of the
metropolis. An adherence to them in
every situation will be found among
the surest means Of obtaining a per-
foothold. The skillful and
editor will understand the
art of adapting his thoughts and their
expression to the general tone of the
community in which he is placed,
without mourning any sacrifice of per-
sonal independence or dignity. When
be marks out a course which he be-
lieves to be reasonable and right and
pursues it with honesty and energy,
he not only accompisheS great step
in establishing his personal rrputa-
ton, but is almost sure to be met with
l substantial response from the con-
,tituency which he addresses.
The merits of a country newspaper,
rs of nearly everything else in the
world, may be measured by its sue
rcss. In addressing ourselves to the
citizens of Mechanicstown, and all
hat section of Frederick county north
Of Fishing creek to the Pennsylvania
ine-the upper districts of the Red
Land and Mountain region, We intend
TO 60 ON in the work OF Improvement
md development. We humbly con-
;eive that this vast area has not had
full justice done to it as a 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-
tical questions of infinite value to the
antiquarian, the man of business, the
mechanic and farmer, are
points which cannot be overlooked.
The CLARION will direct it's energies
to givv vitality to and draw out a
fund Of local knowledge of the wants,
and utilitarian designs and
ends of the people residing within
these limits, and make it a household
treasure of recorded facts Elnmitts-
burg, Creagerstown, Lewistown, Sa-
Dillasville, Wolfsville, Rocky Ridge,
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
ful work. In no other occupation is
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
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 &
painful effort, II sold four newspapers
money is in my pocket.
With the hand of death upon his
brow, the last thought of the suffering
child was for the poor, Woodworking
mother, whose burdens he was striv-