The Russellville Democrat., 1875-04-08

A JOURNAL OF
 WESTERN THOUGHT AND-uFE. Independent in politics and religion,
 exposing rings and corruption
 in all forms and places; dis
 cussing public men and
 measures without
 fear or favor, and
 reflecting the advanced
 thought of Western minds on
 all subjects of general interest.
 VIM. M. LEFTWICH, Editor.
 The West is fast becoming the cen tre of.wealth, enterprise, population and power. The living issues aris- ing from the relations of Capital and Labor, the manufacturer and the importer, the far mer and the merchant, the bond holder and the taxpayer, the poli- tician and the people that have agi- tated the Eastern and Middle States for fifty years or more, have been transferred to the Mississippi Val ley, and now challenge the wisest thought and freest discussion.
 Interests of no less moment be- cause peculiarly Western growing out of the rapidly developing re- sources of the country, the invest ment of capital, the establishment of manufacturies, the demands of commerce, the farmers markets, railroad aud water transportation, and the teeming products of mines and mountains, together with the constantly changing aspects of po- litical, social and moral problems, all demand the sharpest scrutiny, the boldest treatment, the wisest ad- justment.
 Besides we cannot claim absolute immunity from the influence of rings, cliques, corruptionists and demagogues, bummers, dead-beats, and political cormorants feed and fatten upon the toll and sweat of honest men. Consumers outnumber producers, and the law of supply and demand is unbalanced. Great extravaganza in the style of living is offset by the desperate struggle for bread' and the severest contrasts in life are made appalling by the alarming increase of crime and the moral degeneracy of society.
 Peculation and perfidy in public places, the loose ideas of official re- sponsibility, the want of public con- science and confidence, the indiffer- ence of the masses to public meas ures, the destruction of the forces and value of personal character. and the general giving way of the moral safeguards of social and domestic life, all call loudly for reform. But this journal will not essay the task of reformation, as we are not particularly anxious just now for the glory of martyrdom. We do propose, however, to handle all questions of public interest honestly and fearlessly, and no sect or section, party or power will be responsible for our convictions or utterances. We shall assume the role of inde- pendent journalism; and if we can expose corruption, help men to a better understanding of vital ques- tions, elevate the tone of Western thought and life, contribute to the value of personal character, the pro- lection of public and private virtue, the purity and sanctity of social and domestic life, the restoration of ofll- cial fidelity, wise legislation, just administration, healthful public opinion, q quickened public consci- ence, and the awakening of the peo- pie to a livelier interest in public affairs. If any of these things can be done, life and labor will not be in vain.
 It is impossible to reflect in this. announcement the scope and design of a first-class, independent literary monthly; nor is it necessary, since the caste of this form of journalism has long since been given. But we design making it the equal in every respect of the very best Eastern mag azines. No pains, labor or expense will be spared to make it compass the whole range of magazine litera- ture, addressed, in the most attract we form, to the statesman, the schol- ar, the student, the literateur, the ladies, the bone circle, and all class es of readers. Illustrations will be introduced as early as suitable ar
 
 engagements can be made, and many of the ablest writers of the country have been secured as contributors.
 This prospectus Is not feeler to ascertain the extent of public encour- agement before publication, but it Is the announcement of d Forthcoming monthly periodical, which has a!- ready q sufficient financial basis to make it a permanent and success ful enterprise, such as the country needs, and the people who are inter- ested in the discussion of vital issues will patronizc. Each number will contain not less than eighty pages, double column, and the first issue will be out about the middle of April.
 With this foreshadowing, and with hearty ''good will to men"--and women, too, we make our bold ven- ture, invoking kindly criticism and fraternal courtesy.
 Price 30 cents a number: $3, ,25 a year, postage prepaid. Subscrip- tion must be paid in advance, or on receipt of first number.
 Address all communications for the editor to VIM. NJ. LEprwIcH. l2l5 Garrison Avenue. And Busi-