‘Prospectus”

Date

1-28-1812

Newspaper

Lexington American Statesman

Page and Column

Page 1, Column 1

Newspaper Location

Lexington, Kentucky

Serial Number

221

Abstract

Prospectus for the Bardstown Repository issued in January 1812. Source of one of the best primary accounts of February 7, 1812 earthquake at New Madrid

Transcript

PROSPECTUS. JAMES M. ALLISTER, SUBMITS TO THE PUBLIC, THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL FOR PUBLISHING AT BARDSTOWN, K. A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER, 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, develop the ideas which he may have formed on the indefinite variety of topics, which are usually comprised within the range of a Newspaper, 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 beneficial 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, exert more coercion or controul over the independence of individuals, than that salutary purpose indispensibly 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 practicability, 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 fulfil 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 policy. 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 shall 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 colours, and arranged in such order as to assist the reader in estimating the probably 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 of 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 incidentality arise, with sincerity and impartiality. Finally, the most assidious 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 of a competent subscription can be procured, will commence on the 1st of January, 1812. CONDITIONS. 1. Subscription Price Three dollars per annum, or Two Dollars & Fifty Cents if paid in advance. 2. Advertisements shall be published three weeks for One Dollar a square, and for each continuance Twenty-five Cents--advertisements out of a square in the same proposition. 3. Subscriptions will be received at the office of the Kentucky Gazette.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS