Carroll Free Press

Selections.—The readable character of a paper, in general, depends as much on the judgment and taste of the editor in making his selections, as upon any other thing. His fitness for the post he occupies is to be estimated as much by his talent in this department as any other. It requires a knowledge of human nature to judge what readers ought to read and what they will read, and what, out of the vast material found in exchanges, should be selected for the improvement of his paper and the pleasure and profit of his readers. Some editors have the presumption and vanity to imagine their readers would rather be confined to the perusal of original articles from their pens, than to be indulged with articles that emanate from other pens and have been inserted in other papers. It is quite possible that their views would undergo a material alteration, and their pride be somewhat mortified, could they possess themselves of the judgment of their readers. The editor of a paper must at times perform the office of gleaner, and pick up a little "Here and there" in the world of exchanges to enrich his columns with intelligence that will be appreciated, and to give it the rich variety of thought and sentiment, without which his paper would be pronounced dull and prosy. The proper use of the scissors is a knowledge indispensable to the editor. What to select and how much to use require no little judgment and experience.