“Prospectus”

Date

1-30-1812

Newspaper

Georgetown Telegraph

Page and Column

Page 3, Column 3

Newspaper Location

Georgetown, Kentucky

Serial Number

220

Abstract

Prospectus for the Bardstown Repository issued in January 1812. Published January 28, 1812

Transcript

PROSPECTUS. JAMES M'ALISTER SUBMITS TO THE PUBLIC, THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL FOR PUBLISHING AT Bardstown, Ky. A WEEKLY NEWS-PAPER, To be entitled the BARDSTOWN REPOSITORY. WHEN an Editor announces his intention of circulating a paper for the use of any portion of the community, it seems requisite that those, on whose patronage, it must ultimately rely for its existence and continuance, should be explicitly apprized of his political sentiments and of the character which his paper will assume. This, however, it is evident, can be but partially accomplished. That any individual can, within the limits of a prospectus, develope the ideas which he may have formed on the indefinite variety of topics, which are usually comprised within the range of a News-paper, will not be expected. The Editor, therefore, can only, in general remark that in his estimation, the only legitimate purpose for which political communities can be formed, is to secure the members who compose them, from such infringements of their rights, and such impediments to their beneificial exertions, as may originate from the depravity or mistakes of individuals among themselves, or from the unjust aggressions of foreign nations. That the genuine function of government, is to preside over the general safety, and that it cannot, justly, exer: more coercion or controul over the independence of individuals, than that salutary purpose indispensably requires. That, as government is merely an expedient to preserve general tranquility, the members of that society for whose good it is intended, ought to concur as extensively as is consistent with practicality, not only in its original formation, and in all the changes which it may occasionally be deemed expedient to make in it; but in the selection of men of talents and integrity to administer it, in all its departments with efficacy and fidelity-That as public offices are functions to be executed for the welfare of the community, they ought to be conferred only on men competent to fulfill the purposes for which they were instituted; that hence, hereditary monarchies, hereditary aristocracies, and priviledged orders of all kinds, which frequently elevate to offices, men devoid of probity and of the qualifications which such offices demand, are incompatible with good order. This is a faint outline of the general views, which will characterize this paper. These views are, unavoidably, vague-whether they do, or do not indicate republican principles, must be determined by those, on whose option it depends whether the paper will ever exist, or how soon it shall be consigned to oblivion. In this paper, the news will be given as fully and as early, as the local opportunities of the place will admit. Occurrences, domestic and foreign, will as far as can be ascertained, be exhibited in their real colors, and arranged in such order as to assist the reader in estimating the probable consequences to which they may lead. Interesting political discussions will be selected from whatever source they can be drawn. Communications from enlightened individuals, literary essays, pieces poetry, and other things of a similar nature will be received with cordiality. Personal controversies of a local nature, which are uninteresting to the community at large, will be excluded. The Editor will occasionally give the results of his own judgment on subjects which may incidentally arise, with sincerity and impartiality. Finally, the most assiduous and unremitting exertions will be made to render the paper interesting and useful. It will be published weekly, every Thursday, with an elegant type, on a super-royal sheet, of a size equal to any in the state, and if a competent subscription can be procured, will commence on the first day of January, 1812.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS