The Gazette

TO THE

Inhabitants of Maine.

From the earliest establishment of periodical publications, it has been a custom, with the Editors, on issuing their first number, to address their patrons. In obedience to this precedent, I shall offer a few words to those who may become the readers of this GAZETTE. But on a subject that has been so often descanted on, ingeniously treated, by the ablest writers, as the usefulness of these publications, can I presume to say any thing new?

In every part of the world, where reading has found its way, and penetrated the shades of ignorance—where learning is encouraged, and science fostered, these publications are esteemed the most powerful instruments for disseminating knowledge among all classes of men. And shall they not be encouraged by the wealthy, the enlightened citizens of Maine?

We are to attribute to them the rapidity with which all distant transactions are brought before us—That the public and private concerns of our own, and every other nation, are at once made known to us—and the politics of our country, are freely and fairly discussed. They are the medium through which we learn the discoveries in the arts and sciences. Proficiencies in agriculture are collected from every quarter, and laid before the farmer.

The busy mechanic may find in them summary view of the world, with which to indulge his leisure moments. The mariner hears from his absent brothers, scattered over the globe—and the merchant is informed of the prices, the rise and fall of every article of traffic.—The literati, of every profession, through them, can devote their talents to the amusement and profit of themselves, and the community.

—In fine, so many, and so great, are the advantages to be derived from these publications, that they have justly received the patronage of the greatest, and best men.

As a young man, anxious to establish myself a member of society, in a calling that will be beneficial to myself and others, I confidently solicit the patronage of all liberal men.—I boast not of abilities; but in return, will pledge the exercise of those faculties given me in common with others.

But it is necessary to publish my conditions, in order that you may judge, whether or not, I shall merit your support.—Permit me then, to ask your attention to what follows:

I propose to publish a paper weekly, on a sheet of this size and quality, and on a type of which this is a specimen; at the moderate price of ONE DOLLAR FIFTY CENTS a year, exclusive of postage. No objection to receiving the Fifty Cents, on delivery of the first number.

Due measure will be taken to collect the carriage and most important information of every kind.—Original and selected essays political and speculative, will be anxiously sought for.

PIECES of THE GAZETTE, shall ever be hostile to the enemies of order and government and to the defamers of our laws and country.

Its politics to be FEDERAL—that is, such as will accord with the feelings of every AMERICAN, solicitous of his country's welfare.

THE Editor. will hold himself personally responsible for whatever THE GAZETTE shall contain.

These are my proposals. Should they be sanctioned by your names; or a sufficient number of them to furnish a support, my pride will be, to become

Your devoted servant.

E. A. JENKS.