The Russellville Democrat., 1875-07-01

WESTERN THOUGHT AND LIFE. 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
 reilecting 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 Tar 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 Oi commerce, the farmers markets railroad aud water transportation and the teeming products of mine: and mountains, together with tho constantly changing aspects of DO 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 O rings, cliques, corruptiOnists anC demagogues, bummers, dead-beats and political cormorants feed ant fatten upon the toll and sweat O honest men. Consumers Outnumbel producers, and the law of supply and demand is unbalanced. Grea extravaganza in the style of living is offset by the desperate struggle for bread and the severest contrasts in life are made appalling by th' alarming increase of crime and thu moral degeneracy of society.
 But this journal will not essay thu task of reformation, as we are no particularly anxious just now fol the glory of martyrdOm. We d' propose, however, to handle al questions of public interest honestl. 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 car expose corruption, help men to better understanding of vital ques tions, elevate the tone of Westeri thought and life, contribute to tn, value of personal character, the pro lection of public and private virtue the purity and sanctity of social an, domestic life, the restoration of Ofll cial fidelity, wise legislation, jus administration, a healthful publi opinion, quickened public consci ence, and the awakening of the peO pie to q livelier interest in publi affairs. If anyi of these things cal be done, life and labor will not b in vain.
 Peculation and perfidy in pubic 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 force and value of personal character. an' the general giving way of the mora safeguards of social and dOmesti life, all call loudly for reform.
 It is impossible to reflect in thi announcement the scope and desigl of first-class, independent literar, monthly; nor is it necessary, sine the caste of this form of journalism has long since been given. But w design making it the equal in ever, respect of the very best Eastern mag azines. No pains, labor or eXpens will be spared to make it cOmpas the whole range of magazine litera ture, addressed, in the most attract i've form, to the statesman, the schOl ar, the student, the literateur, tn ladies, the home circle, and all class es of readers. illustrations will b introduced as early as suitable ar engagements can be made, and man of the ablest writers of the cOuntr have been secured as contributors.
 This prospectus is not feeler t ascertain the extent of public encOur agement before publication, but it the announcement of forthcoming monthly periodical, which has q! ready q sufficient financial basis t make it permanent and success ful enterprise, such as the countr needs, and the people who are inter ested in the discussion of vital issue will patronize. Each number vii contain not less than eighty pages double column, and the first issu will be out about the middle of April
 With this foreshadowing, and witt hearty "good will to men"-an, women, too,--we make our bold ven ture, invoking kindly criticism an fraternal courtesy.
 Price 30 cents q number; $3,25 year, postage prepaid. Subscril tion must be paid in advance, or O receipt of first number.
 Address all communications fO the editor to WM. NJ. LEFTwICH 1915 Garrison Avenue. And Busi ness Correspondence to WARE & Co Times building, cor. Fifth an Chestnut Sts. St. Louis, Mo.