Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-08-26
For the SPECTATOR.
The LOcaI Press.

There are some advantages which have |
20 long and uniformly been enjoyed that |
We are apt to consider them "a matter of |
,ourse," as the sunlight from day to day. |
The weekly, or daily paper. as the case |
may be, is expected at the usual period
with eager desire, and failure to receive
1T produces a provoking disappointment,
and sometimes perplexity and even less in
business. Its receipt excites expectant de-
light, which is not willingly postponed to
receive any other visitor.
The paper Is the embodiment and expires
sion of the mind of society, of business and
of the State on current events, without an
acquaintance with which no one can do
himself Justice in either arena The press,
next to christianity, is the great power to
mould and direct the affairs of men. A
corrupt print is the bane of society and
should be excluded with vigilance from
every family and home. 1t is the monster
demon of the age.
The clean sheet-the local "family news
paper" sparkling with gems from the
purest and most cultivated minds, freight
ed with the prodcuts of the most advanced
thinkers, experimenters and discoveries ia q
priceless treasure to every family.
But our object was not 60 much to write
of the influence Of the press as to urge the
necessity of dong justice to the publishers
of our papers in such times of financial de-
preston as are at present upon US. Every
branch of business has felt the tension.
Relief will first be heralded by the press,
the result of inspiration of confidence in the
adequacy of resources and permsnency Of
business and security to capital of investors.
The publisher in the conduct of his bust
ness has his capital diffnsed over q large
territory in many small bills, which at best,
are ditficult.o of collection and attended with
much Inconvenience and expense. The I'M
teligent reader will at once observe the
great propriety and necessity of every one
served BY the press to respond promptly to
the demands Of just and honorable rend!z
ton of the equivalent. The smallness of
the bill is the apology to the conscience for
delayed payment, but it should always be
borne In mind that it is all the easier paid
| by the individual, that it ia the number OF
rods which form the strong bundle. The
publishers fund is composed of these items
and are as necessary to him as the large
sums are to those who have their capital
less scattered.
This is written without suggestion. or
knowledge Of any publisher with view OF
bringing home to all the necessity OF sus-
tanning this great lnstrumentallGy IOr Pro-
noting the general welfare.
1t ig seldom that community ia 80 high
ly favored as ours, BY long established,
heightened, pure, patriotic and able press,
loyal and DEVOTED to the locality. its people
and their best interests. Augusta and her
capital city have long enjoyed honorable
distinction in the State for their intelligence
and patriotism. 1t is hoped that this will
not be charged to fulsome eulogy, for 1t is
the honest conviction produced by accumu-
lated testimony.
Permit an appeal to stand by our local
press, our faithful conductors and others
in maintaining true principles promoting
morality, intelligence and prosperity.
Especially is it incumbent on the copper
atiops which have induced young men to
engages in publications st the new towns,
to give them a generous support; which
they are 60 vigorously working to restore
industry and induce capital to invest,
There is community Of permanent inter
est in all, which promotes good society,
peace; safety snd happiness, and there should
be kept brightly burning in the heart OF
every patriot lively sense of the common
brotherhood, in the support of all the great
instrumentalities which constitute the bull
warks of our liberties. Support the local
press.
HONESTY.