The Democratic Press

A Word to our Readers

This being the first number of the Press published in 1865, it will not, we think, be out of place to address a few words to our readers. On the 17th of October last, we commenced the publication of the Press. The reasons for our father having given up the paper, have been already published, and are well known to our readers. Since we commenced the publication of this paper, great changes have taken place. The re-election of ABRAHAM LINCOLN disheartened the bulk of the Democratic party, and the result has been the suspension of many Democratic newspapers; the last that has come to our notice being the Jeffersonian. Whether the Democracy were right in thus virtually killing their own organs, is a question which no honest Democrat can answer in the affirmative.

At a time like this: when the price of printing paper and material has advanced at such a fearful rate, as to render it impossible to publish a country paper, and obtain a living profit from it, the people ought to come forward, and exert themselves to procure increased support for their paper, and not fold their arms with cool indifference, and say-"If the paper don't pay, give it up. We guess we can get some one else to carry on a paper for us, when another important election is about to come off."

Farmers come to us and say- "Well, my taxes are very high this year; I think I'll stop my paper for a while," Yes, their taxes are high, but they forget the high price they get for their produce. Still, we respect these men far more than we do the sneaks and thieves who will allow their subscriptions to run on for three or four years, and then refuse to pay for their paper. These men we utterly loathe and despise.

To those friends who have supported us, we return our sincere thanks. Much remains yet to be done. All have some influence, and can, if they will, procure many new subscribers. Let this be done, and then there will be no room for complaint.