Year: 1862

Wo have at various times made remarks
in regard to local newspapers as representa-
tives of the towns where published, and tho
effect they would have upon the public mind
abroad, whore circulated. The La Crosse
Democrat has since come to hand with an ar
tcls upon the subject, which we append as
it shows we are not alone in our way Of
thinking:


COUNTY PAPERS.


We have before us copy Of tho Taylor's
Falls Reporter, published in tie Saint Croix
Valley in this State, but from its advertising
columns we are unable TO gather the least
idea Of the size or amount of business done
there. We find i'll it notice of one dry
goods store; lime kiln; watch maker -
cabinet shop; tin shop; mlliner stpro and
one or two lawyer cards. From the home
patronage Of the paper we should say that
Taylor's Falls contained about hundred in
habitants. People have mistaken idea of
local newspapers. When the business men
OF place realize as they should that the To-
cRl paper benefits place according to its
circulation out Of it, they will have learned
valuable lesson. The village paper should
be mirror of the place--should give thoss
abroad an idea of what is done and who is
doing it in the town where published. If
the paper should show a hundred men or
firms engaged in business, people would at
once say that village was prosperous. If on
the contrary it be compelled to fill up with
love stories in large type, or with prosptc-
fuses OF the New York papers, the reader
at distance naturally thinks the town y
deadholc wherein abide seedy gamblcrs and
played-out real estate spectators. If bust.
ness men i'll Il village would take of each is
sue of their weekly paper dozen copies and
send them to different trends in the East, tho
investment would pay, if the paper had
IIvc business look to it. If not, the fewer
sent, the better for all concerned. We love
to see paper filled with live advertisements
and local news. There are few such papers
in Wisconsin, and no matter how much we
may dIier with them in politics, the items Of
local intelligence are always eagerly sought
for.


The village paper is n weekly messenger,
going forth into the world, proclaiming to
thousands never seen or thought of by tho
editor the resources and business of the place
where published, as well MS the energy of tho
inhabitants. Patronage extended to local
papers is never thrown away. If the paper
Is TIRE one, readers at distant see il in tho
reflection of the place, and in time the dis.
lant village becomes familiar through tho To-
cal proSs and 1T last tired of his locality in
the far off cast, the reader starts for new
home among those he knows by reputation,


neat looking paper well filed with home
advertisements and local items indicate live
town and thrifty people, us certain as clean
dishes, clean house and clean faced children
indicate the neat wife and mother; OF as chill.
dron with shirt tails flying little clothes half
fastened, dirty faces and unkempt hair; and
Greasy knives, and forks and plates and room
filled with dirt is evidence of the slattern.
Business men owe to the place mot to them
selves, TO patroniZe the local paper Let tho
editor know that his labors are appreciated
and he will labor hard to retain that good
opinion, the benefit Of all concerned.