Palladium Of Virginia And The Pacific Monitor

LEWISBURG.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15, 1823.

TO THE PUBLIC.

In publishing this paper, we are about to make an experiment, the issue of which is problematical, and will depend entirely on the encouragement held out to us by our fellow citizens, in this, and the adjacent counties.

It will appear obvious to every person, the least acquainted with what is usually termed a Country News Paper, that little or no foreign aid can be expected in support of a paper of this class; and of this character, we must rank the PALLADIUM. Were we to say, we are fully prepared for the publication of our paper, we should overleap the bounds of truth; for although in possession of a Press and the necessary apparatus, and amply supplied with matter to fill our paper weekly, yet, we still are deficient in that which constitutes the chief desideratum to a News Paper establishment, namely: a numerous and respectable list of patrons; this we hope to obtain in the progress of our labours. So far as we have advanced in obtaining subscriptions, our expectations have been fully gratified.

To those who by an early co-operation, have contributed to a commencement of our publications, we tender our sincere acknowledgments for their zeal and friendship. From those who have not yet had an opportunity of lending a helping hand to the work, or who have felt a lukewarm disposition to see it prosper, we hope yet to derive a due degree of support and assistance.

The introduction of a Press in a district of country where none had previously existed, is attended with much difficulty, and like the ingress of a stranger into society, is viewed with great jealousy and circumspection; there are various and contradictory opinions of its usefulness and disadvantages to be reconciled, before it can yield the benefits intended: that it is useful none will deny: that there are disadvantages attached to it we acknowledge. In the conduct of the one under our charge, we shall endeavour so to direct its actions, as to make it useful. Many individuals are indisposed to encourage and promote the existence of a Press, because they imagine, it will become the vehicle of personal abuse and party rancour—Others because, they suppose it can afford no real aid substantial benefits, but, on the contrary, creates a waste of time and an expenditure of money without remuneration; we will repel the arguments of the first class of opponents, by pledging ourselves, to close our columns against every thing savouring of personal abuse; and as to party rancour, we would merely observe that, we see no cause, and know of no necessity, for an open expression of party feeling—“we are all republicans, we are all federalists." if our national and state governments are constitutionally administered. In answer to those of the second class of opponents, we will only say, let time, and a fair trial of our paper decide the weight of their objections; but in the mean time, we crave their assistance in bringing our efforts to the proper criterion. If we fail in the attempt to make our paper useful, after having received sufficient aid to test its usefulness, we shall be the losers; and to such a result, we are not willing to subject ourselves.

Our columns shall ever be free for the examination of public measures: and, we shall never shrink from the task of arraigning before the tribunal of public opinion, such public servants as have made themselves obnoxious to the just censure of an enlightened people. We shall consider ourselves at liberty to canvass the acts, and to investigate the official conduct of all such from the highest to the lowest in office whenever we have indubitable proof of a breach of political faith. A full, free and fair discussion of our national and state politics, will tend to improve the understandings of the people, and they will learn to know, upon what basis their political rights are founded—In this discussion they are invited to participate through the medium of this Press.

To keep a jealous and watchful eye over the administration of public affairs; to prevent impending danger, by a timely notice of approaching political calamity; and to detect and bring to light political intrigue and abuse of power, will be our chief care. These are unalienable and invaluable privileges of all free citizens of a republic, formed as that under which we live; as such citizens, we have nothing to dread from the arbitrary will of a despotic monarch—are free from the trammels of a censorship; (which degenerates Europe,) and not incumbered with a load of hireling productions, pressed upon us by mercenary writers, and generating a political incubus. This declaration of the principles upon which our paper will be conducted, we think sufficient, at least so far as regards a confession of our political faith.

Our columns shall also be open for the publication of original, or well selected matter, on religious, moral and miscellaneous subjects of a general character; always under the control and inspection of the Editor, who will consider himself entitled, and exercise the right, to decide upon their propriety for publication. Such foreign and domestic news, as will be interesting to his readers, and such general or particular subjects, as will be amusing or instructive, will be carefully selected for his paper.

He respectfully invites the aid and attention of his fellow citizens, and his patrons, who are inclined to promote his undertaking, to contribute to either of the above subjects.

With every disposition to do them justice, he now submits to the candour and good sense of his patrons, the first number of his paper.

Subscribers to the Palladium, who do not receive their papers, are requested to call at our Office for them.

Persons holding Subscription Papers for the Palladium of Virginia, will please retain them in possession, but send us immediately, the names of those already subscribed.

We put off the publication of our paper till now, wishing to have the advantage of some smaller Type, and good Ink which we expected to have received long before this; and as they have not yet come to hand, we hope our patrons will overlook the present appearance of the Palladium, as it shall not be so, long.

As an attempt will be made to establish a Society in Lewisburg, auxiliary to the American Colonization society; which has for its object, the establishment of a Colony of Free people of Colour on the coast of Africa, we have selected the following from the Family Visitor for the information of our readers.