VOLUME ONE, THE CORTLAND STANDARD, JUNE 29,
1867
The Cortland Standard.
It is
eminently proper in this, our first issue, that we should state frankly to the
people of Cortland County, the reasons that have induced the establishment of a
new paper in Cortland. In giving the
reasons, as in establishing the
paper, we desire it
distinctly understood that we seek no
quarrel, and wish to raise no controversy, with our neighbors.
There has
been a general
expression among the better class throughout the County, that there should be published at the
shire town, a paper which should more exactly meet the views and reflect the
sentiments of the people of the County. A paper, which, while it shall possess
enough life to interest, shall yet contain nothing of questionable morality. Something
that will be emphatically a family paper, and at the same time be
outspoken and manly upon all the political and moral questions of the day.
We live
at a time when civilization and moral reforms are making rapid strides in the
right direction, and the people need newspapers and reading matter that shall
be in advance rather than behind the masses. It is the proper province of a
newspaper to lead, rather than be led by public sentiment.
The war
has passed, and reconstruction confronts us. Difficult financial questions will
soon arise. The fundamental law of the land, as well the constitution of the State
as the Federal constitution, is undergoing a radical change to meet the
necessities of our advanced civilization. The STANDARD will discuss fearlessly
these changes, by whatever men or party proposed; to the end that its readers shall
understand the true policy to be pursued.
That
great curse—American slavery—heretofore like a dark cloud resting upon our
country, is being removed. At the North, none, except a few old fossils, regret
its departure. Republicanism, which drove this demon from the land, is marching
on to new conquests.
Intemperance,
that, during the war, slew more men than the sword, still stalks through our
streets at noonday. The ominous tramp of the moral reform army, is even now
being heard, in preparation for another gallant fight. Homes made desolate;
hearts made heavy; States all rent with the devastations of Intemperance, are
to-day recruiting the noble army. The people need leaders and directors for
this public sentiment, in every county in the country, and it will be the
earnest effort of the STANDARD to direct this renewed awakening of the public
conscience.
It is
earnestly hoped and confidently expected, that this course will be appreciated
by the intelligent people of the county, and that they will give that
encouragement and support which can alone make the enterprise a success.
To Our Friends.
Since, in
answer to the general demand that this county should possess a newspaper equal
at least in size, appearance, and ability, to those of other and neighboring
counties, it was announced that such an enterprise was about to be inaugurated
in Cortland, many anxious enquiries have been made as to the time we expected
to issue. Having been delayed much longer than we anticipated, a brief
statement of the causes is due those whose counsel and encouragement have from
the first been with us.
In
another column is an item recounting the labor of making a newspaper;
and with that we happen to be acquainted; but it is easy compared with the
amount of work necessary to the starting
of one.
Besides
the thousand and one obstacles to be overcome in getting together the apparatus
and paraphernalia of a newspaper establishment and into working order,
we have been disappointed, in the office help that we expected; owing to the
fact that a press had to be manufactured for us, we have been compelled to take
our forms to the Republican office, in Homer, which has the only press
in the county large enough to print them, and even there only at great
disadvantage—making it a laborious and
dreaded job; and, too, we have had to contend with serious illness in our
family. But encouraged by the advice, sympathy and assistance of many friends
throughout the county, we have steadily persevered, finally triumphed, and the
result is before you.
We are not
fully satisfied, however, with its appearance, and much interesting reading
matter which we intended to publish is unavoidably left out; but, as it is, we
ask comparison with any other county paper published in Central New York. Although imperfect, it is an
earnest of what we can do. Improvements will suggest themselves; and, as it is
our aim to make this, in every respect the
standard county paper, we shall not wait until compelled by fear
of losing our position to make them. Whatever we find to be necessary to keep
pace with or lead, the spirit of the times, that we shall do. At heart a
Republican, we shall keep in full practice our motto--"Let all the ends
thou aim’st at, be thy Country's, thy God's and Truth's!"
Again
assuring our friends that we appreciate their many kindnesses, we give them our
heartiest GREETING!
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