Dane County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 5 of those read), 1880 (part 2 of 2)

It was a neatly printed six-column weekly, edited with ability, and bore at its mast-head the names of Polk and Dallas. In its democracy, at this time, it was emphatically in favor of free trade, a hard-money currency, etc.

December 22, 1846, H. A. Tenney, who had been connected with the Jeffersonian, at Galena 111., purchased an interest in the Argus establishment and became a joint editor with Mr. Smith - S. Mills & Co. continuing as publishers.

February 15, 1847, the Argus was enlarged to a seven-column paper, and, at the same time, the name of Mr. Mills disappeared, and the name of the publishing firm was Tenney, Smith & Holt. During the Second Constitutional Convention in 1847-48, and the last Territorial session of the Legislature, in 1848, the Argus was issued tri- weekly as well as weekly.

August 21, 1849, David T. Dickson purchased an interest in the establishment, and the firm name was changed to Tenney, Smith, Hole & Co. This arrangement continued till the spring of 1851. In April of that year. Smith, Holt & Dickson disposed of their interest in the Argus to S. D. Carpenter and H. A. Tenney, who became joint editors and proprietors of the paper.

For several years, the Argus had been the leading paper in the State of that branch of the Democratic party familiarly called " Old Hunkers," the Democrat at Madison leading the other branch known as "Tadpoles." The ^r^ws was a lively and ably conducted paper. It carried its party through many hard-fought political contests with marked ability and success. The division of the Democratic party above alluded to was occasioned by a diflFerence of opinion respecting several of the provisions of the first Constitution, and the discussion during the canvass for and against the adoption of that instrument. The Argus and its followers, the " Hunkers," opposed its adoption, aided by a large portion of the old Whi'g party ; and the " Tadpoles " supported it. The division thus created was continued within the ranks of the party for several years, but not so strong as to lose the power in the State - except in a single term of Governor (Farw ell) - until after the organization of the Republican party. The paper survived until the middle of June, 1852.

The Wisconsin Democrat. - This paper was established January 11, 1846, by Beriah Brown, editor and publisher. It commenced as a six-column paper, Democratic in politics, and was published weekly.

January 16, 1847, the Democrat was enlarged to a seven-column sheet. It was subsequently reduced to a five-column paper, then increased to six columns, and was consolidated with the Argus, June 15, 1852. The new paper took the name of Argus and Democrat, by Brown & Carpenter. The Democrat was published daily during the sessions ot 1851-52.

The paper was a radical Democratic sheet, evincing at times marked ability. Mr. Brown was the leading editor of what was called the " Tadpole " branch of his party during its lifetime. The existence of the paper terminated in June, 1852.

Argus and Democrat. - June 15, 1852, Mr. Tenney retired from the Argus, and the two Democratic papers of Madison, the Argus and the Democrat, were merged in one, and Beriah and S. D. Carpenter became joint editors and proprietors of the consolidated paper, which retained the names of both of the old ones and appeared as the Argus and Democrat. A daily was permanently established at this time. It was a five-column sheet, neatly printed, ihe Argus was issued daily during the previous session of the Legislature. . ^P"^ '^' 1853, Mr Carpenter retired from the establishment, leaving the sole management with Beriah Brown. » a s

July 24, 1854, the daily was enlarged to a six-column paper, and Elias A. Calkins became associated with Mr. Brown in the editorial management of the Argus and Democrat. y. -p Pj^ ^*^' Brown disposed of the establishment, and B. A. Calkins and James fi- mudfit became the editors and proprietors.

January 3, 1859, Beriah Brown again became connected with the paper , the publishing firm was changed to George Webb & Co., and Brown and Calkins were the editors.

In the summer of 1859, the Argus and Democrat was discontinued, and the printing materials of the office were purchased by the Patriot and State Journal offices,

April 2, 1860, E. A. Calkins and M. Cullaton bought a new office and ostensibly revived the publication of the Argus and Democrat. A daily and weekly were established. The daily was a six-column sheet. The name of the firm was E. A. Calkins & Co.

Early in 1861, Mr Calkins sold out his interest to John Y. Smith, and Smith & CjiUaton continued the publication. At this date, H. K. Smith became an associate editor. Up to this time, the paper had been Democratic in politics. Mr. Smith devoted his energies to the currency question mainly, rather leaning toward the Republican organization. generally.

January 4, 1862, the daily was discontinued. The weekly was continued till June 10, 1862, when it went out without announcing, its own demise. The revived Argus and Democrat. had an existence not marked with very brilliant success pecuniarily, though it was a spirited paper of two years and three weeks. The material of the office was rented to Roberts & Co. a few months, on which they executed the State printing till the following January. Afterward the large power press was sold to the State Journal office, and the balance of the material to W. J. Park & Co., who had become the State printers.

The Northwestern Journal of Education, Science and General Literature. - This was the title of a monthly publication established in Madison on the 1st of March, 1850. The first number contained fifty-six pages of closely printed matter, in octavo form, and was filled with ably-written articles on the various subjects indicated by the title of the periodical. The work was too great an undertaking for so small a place as Madison then was, and required too great an outlay of capital to keep it running. In the third number, the editor, 0. M. Conover, announced that the publication had failed to receive that support he had hoped, or that was necessary to continue its issue ; and this, the third, was the last number printed.

Free School Journal and Teachers' Advocate. - This journal was commenced in Madison, on the 1st day of July, 1850, J. L Enos, editor and publisher. It was a monthly publication, containing thirty-two pages, and, as its title indicates, devoted exclusively to educational matter. It was discontinued after about six months.

The Old Oaken Bucket. - This temperance paper, which was the organ of the order of the Sons of Temperance in the State, was at one time published for a few months in Mtdison, where it was finally discontinued ; it was published in the year 1850 or 1851. Dr John W. 'Hunt was the publisher during the time. The paper was neatly printed, and was an able advocate of the cause of Temperance. .

"2>e Norske's Ven" - The Northman' s Friend. - The first paper established in Dane County, printed in a foreign language, was one bearing the above title,, in the Norwegian language, by Ole Torgerson. The first number appeared in July, 1850. It was neatly printed, and edited with care and ability. In politics it was Whig. The support was limited, and after a few months it was discontinued for want of sufficient encouragement. This was the secon paper in the Norwegian language established in the State. it i, ,1

Wisconsin Patriot. - The first number of this paper was issued in Madison on the 17th day of June, 1854, J. T. Marston and H. A. Tenney, editors and proprietors. It was a neatly printed seven-column weekly, and supported the regular Democracy with force and ability.

October 14, 1854, Mr. Tenney disposed of his interest to S. D. Carpenter, and shortly after Mr. Marston also disposed of his interest and withdrew from the establishment.

July 28, 1856, the daily was enlarged to a seven-column paper, and S. H. Carpenter retited from the establishment, having disposed of his interest to Rolla A. Law. S. D. Carpenter and R. A. Law were announced as editors, and Rolla A. Law as publisher.

April 16, 1858, Mr. Martin withdrew from the establishment, Mr. Carpenter leasing the office for two years. About this time the name of James Ross appeared as the local editor.

April 4, 1859, George Hyer purchased an interest in the office, and the paper was continued by Carpenter & Hyer as joint publishers. About this time, Beriah Brown became associated with the Patriot as editor, but continued in this connection only a few months, when he retired from the position, leaving Carpenter & Hyer in full control. The paper continued in the same hands without change - except that S. D. Carpenter retired from the editorial department of the paper during the political campaign of 1861, leaving Mr. Hyer sole editor - till the spring of 1864, April, probably - when the partnership of Carpenter & Hyer was dissolved, and the office was leased to Peter Stout, J. B. Hyer and W. W. Bird, who continued the publication of the Daily and Weekly Patriot. In the meantime the weekly had been changed to an eight-page paper, and the daily had been reduced in size to a six-column sheet. Soon after the new arrangement, A. B. Braley assumed the editorial management of the Patriot, and continued in this position till the close of the Presidential campaign of 1864. The Patriot gave a vigorous support to Gen. McClellan for the Presidency. At the close of the campaign, Mr. Braley withdrew from the editorial charge of the paper.

November 14, 1 864, the publication of the Patriot was suspended. In the last issue, on that day, the editor announced its discontinuance as follows : " Circumstances beyond our control render it out of the question to further continue the publication of our" daily. The sudden and enormous rise in paper, fuel, materials, labor, and all the necessaries of life, has forced upon ns this most disagreeable necessity."

"-^«f Nonke Amerikaner " - The Norwegian American. - This paper was established in ^" 1854, by Elias Stangeland, and was continued to be published by him till May, 1857, when it was discontinued. It was Democratic in politics, and was edited with Bpmt and ability. Its circulation was small, and the office did not pay expenses.

fhe Madison Capitol. - A weekly paper bearing the above title, was established in Madison, m the winter of 1855, J. Nolan, editor, and L. Poland & Co., publishers. It was a semi-religious and literary journal, giving some attention to news items, but calculated specially for the improvement of morals. It was published but a short time when it was merged with - . , *^ American. - A weekly paper bearing this title made its appearance in Madison, & 0 ^^M°^ a^ ^^^^^^ ^y ^" association of Americans, and published by J. A. Somerby ^0. Mr. Somerby was the local editor. It was an advocate of the American or Know-

Nothing organization. After a few weeks the Capitol and True American became united into one paper, and continued under the name of True American. The support to the paper was small, and its publication was discontinued in the fall of 1855. At one time, Dr. A. C. Byers was connected with the establishment. Mr. Somerby withdrew from the concern a few weeks before its discontinuance, or, perhaps more properly, before it was merged with the American in Milwaukee, which was the finale of the True American.

The Wisconsin Farmer. - Early in the year 1855, Mark Miller and S. P. Lathrop, who had been publishing for some years the Wisconsin and Iowa Farmer and Northwestern Cultivator, at Janesville, removed the office of that monthly to Madison, where they continued the publication till about the close of the year 1855, when D. J. Powers and E. W. Skinner purchased the interest of Mr. Miller. It was enlarged in January, 1856, and the words " and Iowa " dropped from the title. It contained forty-eight pages of closely printed matter in each number, devoted to agriculture, horticulture, mechanic arts and education. It was edited with spirit and ability, and obtained, in 1857, a circulation of 10,000 copies. In January, 1857, J. W. Hoyt became connected with the editorial management of the Farmer. During the year 1857, the Farmer was published by Messrs. Powers k Skinner, assisted in the editorial department by Dr. Hoyt. '

January 1, 1858, Mr. Skinner retired from the Farmer, and Powers & Hoyt became joint editors and publishers. This arrangement continued through the years 1858 and 1859. At the commencement of the year 1860, the publishing firm was D. J. Powers & Co., Dr. Hoyt remaining in the editorial department. (The " Co.," at this time, was Atwood & Rublee, of the State Journal.)

In February, 1861, D. J. Powers & Co. disposed of all interest in the Farmer and the publishing firm became J. W. Hoyt & Co., being J. W.. Hoyt and Albert Wood. This arrangement continued through the year 1861, when Mr. Wood disposed of all interest in the Fanner, and Hoyt & Campbell became the publishers (J. W. Hoyt and 0. M. Campbell).

The paper was merged into the Western Farmer on the 2d of January, 1868, W. B. Davis, editor and publisher. It continued several years, but finally was forced to succumb.

The Western Fireside. - This was the title of a neatly printed seven-column weekly paper, established in Madison on the 31st day of January, 1857. S. H. Carpenter, editor and proprietor. It was devoted to literary and miscellaneous reading and news, taking no part in politics. The Fireside was a good family paper, ably edited ; but its support was not sufficient to continue its publication.

January 8, 1858, the Fireside was discontinued for the want of material aid with which to run it ; and shortly after the printing materials on which it was printed were purchased by the proprietors of the State Journal.

Nordstjernen [The North Star). - This paper was started in Madison on the 1st of June, 1857, by the " Scandinavian Democratic Press Association," and was continued till December of the same year, when it was suspended until the fall of 1858. The establishment was rented in August, 1858, to H. Borschenius, Esq. , who revived the publication of the paper and continued it for a year or two, when it was discontinued. It was a Democratic paper, and had a fair circulation.

The JEmigranten. - This paper was established at Inmansville, Rock County, in 1852, by the " Scandinavian Press Association." It was at first Democratic in politics, but subsequently became a strong Republican paper. In the fall of 1857, the Emigranten office was removed to Madison ; the paper is now published in La Crossp.

Students' Mucellany. - During the year 1857, the students of the University of Wisconsin, Dublished a monthly bearing the above title. It was edited by the students, and filled with original commanications from the members of the University, It contained thirty-two pages of matter and evinced considerable ability. It was continued about one year, when the project

Wisoonsin Journdl of Education. - In January, 1858, this monthly publication was removed from Racine, where it had been issued for one year, to Madison. It contained forty pages of matter, devoted wholly to the cause of education; was neatly printed, and proved a valuable periodical to teachers and all others connected with the education of children. It was ostensibly published under the direction of the Wisconsin Teachers' Association, but really by A. J. Craig, who had the whole management of the Journal, both as editor and publisher.

June, 1860, Mr. Craig withdrew from the conduct of the Journal, and was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Pradt. Mr. Pradt, who, before his removal to this State, had been a County Superintendent of Schools, also the Principal of an academy in Peiyisylvania, took charge of the Journal at the commencement of Vol. V, July, 1860, and issued the next five volumes, when he removed from the State for two years, and the publication was suspended. The patronage of the State had been withdrawn a year before. A publication bearing the same name was issued one year at Mineral Point, by H. G. Peck, in 1865-66, but was not recognized as the organ of the State Teachers' Association, or of the State Superintendent.

In 1870, the State Teachers' Association, by resolution, requested the resumption of the publication, at the hands of the State Superintendent and his assistant, and the first number of a new series appeared accordingly in January, 1871 ; the editors, under the resolution, being Supt. Samuel Fallows, and Asst. Supt. J. B. Pradt. The tenth volume of this new series ends with 1880. Supt. Fallows and Asst. Supt. Pradt issued the first three volumes of this series. Supt. Searing was connected with the issue of the next four volumes, and Supt. Whitford will have finished a connection with the issue of the last four at the close of the year 1880. Mr. Pradt has continued his connection with the publication, as Assistant Superintendent, during all this time.

The first volume of the old series was issued in Racine. The subsequent volumes have been issued in Madison. It is printed by David Atwood, at the State Journal ofiice, and its circulation is about 2,100. <

The Higher Law. - Such was the imposing title of a paper, the first number of which was issued in Madison, on the 1st day of January, 1861, by Herbert Reed, editor and proprietor. It was an eight-page paper, large in size and elegantly printed. It was the best specimen of a paper, so far as looks are concerned, that was ever printed in Madison. It wa,s devoted to literary, religious, temperance, agricultural, scientific and news matter, together with a great variety of other subjects. The Band of Hope received a due share of attention in the columns of the Higher Law. E. B. Quiner had charge of some of the editorial departments. After a brief struggle with this vain world of three months, the Higher Law was discontinued on the 4th day of April, 1861.

In the fall of 1865, C. Lohman established a German weekly paper, entitled the Madison Zeitmg, which was discontinued shortly after the election of that year. It was Democratic in politics.

October 5, 1865, the Wisconsin democrat was established in Madison, by George Hyer Md D. W. Fernandez. It commenced with a daily and weekly edition, the former a six-column paper, and the latter contained eight columns to the page. The Democrat advocated the principles of the old Democratic party, and was a spirited paper, possessing a very neat typographical the offices of the Capitol and the Democrat were consolidated, and on the 17th of April, 1866 the first number of a new paper, entitled the Wisconsin Union, was issued, both the old papers being discontinued. The Union took position as a " Johnson " organ. In December, Mr. Calkins withdrew from the business part of the firm, but remained as a joint editor, with Hyer & Fernandez. The Union was published daily and weekly, the former seven columns, and the latter eight. It ended by the selling of the whole stock to G. E. Gordon, who changed the name to the Madison Democrat.

The Home Diary, by V. J. Welch, was started July 21, 1865 - a racy paper - and is still issued " semi-occasionally as occasion may require."

During the year 1866, S. W. Martin, of Madison, issued monthly a small paper entitled the Soldiers' Record. It contained much information in reference to the soldiers from this State in the late war that was valuable for preservation. It had a precarious existence of several years, and " went out " without any ado.

" It is with no assumed diffidence and hesitation that the editor, who is also publisher and proprietor, of the Madison Democrat, appears before this community in an editorial capacity. The cause thereof is two-fold."

"First. - Although many of his predecessors in the Madison Democratic chair-editorial have been able writers, and none were below mediocrity, yet the experience of several months past has had a depressing, if not an exasperating, effect upon the Democracy, and rendered the position of the undersigned one of anxiety and embarrassment. In view of the pending Presidential contest, one of the most, important, if not the most important, political campaigns ever entered upon in the United States, much will be expected and required of the editor of a Democratic paper at the Wisconsin capital, much more indeed, we fear, than will be realized. Yet, from the fact that two or three months had elapsed since the last Democratic paper in this city went down beneath the waves of unsuccessful experiment, and no one had ventured to fill the vacancy thus created - a vacancy which has been painfully felt far and wide - we determined to commence the publication of a Democratic paper at Madison. This resolve we did not make with precipitation, or unadvisedly. We were willing, and so expressed on repeated occasions, should abler and more desirable parties wish to assume the responsibility of the enterprise, to give way and not interfere with them. But, none such appearing, and there being a manifest and pressing necessity that a Democratic paper should be issued here, we hesitated no longer. Therefore we purchased of the proprietors and mortgagees of the late Union office, all the materials of that establishment, and have added considerably thereto. The Democrat is placed at the outset on a firm financial foundation ; and if the Democracy of this city and county alone but half do their duty toward a party organ, we hope to give them as good a paper as is published in the State, and yet be able to balance our books at the close of the year without too much of a deficiency on the credit side.

" Second. - Another cause of hesitation on our part to initiate this enterprise was the fact that the organ of the Republicans of Madison was represented to be of great relative merit, and its trio of editors - particularly the one chief of the State Central Committee - of superior intellectual and disputatious ability. To combat, single-handed, against triple odds, might seem presumptuous in any one, soever widely and favorably known, and, of course, so much the more presuming in him who makes no pretensions to either political celebrity or anything but the most ordinary literary abilities. Yet the Philistines of radicalism had so long vaunted the resistless might and strength of their champion - their intellectual Goliath of Gath - that when no fitter opponent seemed willing to take the field we, like the stripling of Israel, stepped mto the arena. And there we hope to do battle, at least until the ides of November next, with such measure of courtesy as our opponents may determine. To be sure, our antagonists are in brass (and greenbacks) - from head to foot. They own ' the official State paper,' and all the vast patronage which such a designation presupposes ; they control ' the official paper ot l^ane

Countv,' and all its attendant lucre. Is it a wonder, then, that, like the giant of old, they challenge the opposing Democracy to single combat ? To the skeptical looker-on, the Jesuit of the contest may appear only too certain. But, clothed in the panoply of truth, and armed with the arguments of the Democracy, we shall sling stone after stone at the brazen head of the heavenand-earth-defying monster of radicalism; and, despite his vaunts and his corruption and his tyranny, we hope to assist in sinking deep into his forehead the pebble that shall utterly destroy him and cause a shout of gladness to arise from all the honest people of the land.

" Thus much we have said in regard to our hopes and fears, our heretofore hesitation and doubts. Henceforward, having enlisted for the war, we shall look not back along the political course. 'Onward and upward,' onward with truth, and upward with Democracy - shall be our

" It is our desire and intention, so far as in us lies, and the patronage which may be afforded us may warrant, to render the Democrat as good a newspaper as any reasonable man can expect. In the matter of local and telegraphic news, we shall not be a laggard in the race, while in other respects every effort will be made to render the Democrat deserving of wide-spread patronage."

On the 7th of April, 1871, J. B. Parkinson, A. C. Parkinson, George Raymer and R. M. Bashford bought of Mr. Gordon the Democrat. The Parkinsons and Bashford sold out to George Raymer and L. M. Fay, on the 7th of April, 1876, the latter parties disposing of a third interest to H. W. iHoyt, June 7, 1877. On the 7th of July, 1879, A. C. Parkinson purchased a quarter and equal interest in the paper, so that now the partners are George Raymer, L. M. Fay, H. W. Hoyt and A. 0. Parkinson. The Democrat is published as a morning daily and as a weekly, and is a wide-awake and ably edited newspaper, with a large and increasing circulation.

The Billed Magazin, a Norwegian periodical, was started October 3, 1868, in Madison, and, after a lingering illness, died for the want of proper support.

The Wisconsin Botschafter. - The first number of the Madison, Botsohafter appeared on the 4th of May, 1869, as a journal, purposely in the interest of the Saenger Festival of the Nordwestlichen Saengerbund, which came off in Madison, in the month of June following. The size of the paper was ll|^xl5, and it was issued and printed for nine weeks at the office of the Pioneer, in Sauk. Price, 50 cents. Circulation, 300. As there were so many experiments made before in pubhshing German papers in Madison, for which the German population had paid heavily, and aa none of the papers lived longer than a few years, on account of bad management and for other reasons, the idea of enlarging this little paper and publishing it permanently occurred to the publishers, Messrs. C. and R. Porsch. They undertook the hard job, and by the 31st of July, 1869, the first number of the Wisconsin Botschafter, R. Porsch and A. Sitzmann, proprietors, and C. Porsch, editor, appeared as a seven-column sheet. The owners had to exert themselves to the utmost to keep the paper alive. But it lived and prospered in spite of the tidal wave they had to face. In 1872, this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Porsch took possession of the business. Then the Botschafter was enlarged, in 1872, to an eight-column sheet. Its subscribers having reached nearly 800, and the advertising patronage being a good and paying one, too. In the campaign of 1872, the paper, until then neutral in politics, supported the Republican ticket.

in 1873, the Botschafter supported the Reform party, and has done so ever since. In January, 1879, the paper was enlarged again, and this time to a six-column quarto.

The University Press was started in June, 1870, by G. W. Raymer and James W. Bashford, as a monthly periodical, devoted to the cause of education generally, and to the University of Wisconsin in particular. It still lives as a semi-monthly, and is a well-conducted sheet.

Bm Norske Immigrant issued its first number in January, 1871, Edward f Larssen, editor. was Republican in politics, and had a short existence.

in 1874, M. Wesenberg published in Madison, Den Liberal DemoJcrat, a Norwegian paper, Democratic in politics. It survived about a year, when it was merged into the Nordvesten, also a Norwegian periodical ; but the existence of this paper was brief.

The Daily Star, by E, B. Bolens, was born March 19, 1877 ; died in November of the same year. The weekly, which came into existence in June, 1877, lived longer - its decease Aiigust 3, 1878.

Wisconsin Staats Zeitung, a German weekly, edited and published by H. Kleinpell and C. G. Schmidt, began its honorable career December 4, 1878. It is independent in politics,'' and an ably conducted periodical. Its salutatory was as follows : " To the Readers - By this, the first issue of the Wisconsin Staats Zeitung, we introduce to Wisconsin's capital - the beautiful ' City of the Lakes ' - a new German weekly. To many, considering the present business afiairs of the country, this, our enterprise, may appear somewhat risky, and we do not deny the difiiculties of such an enterprise, but, having been for some time encouraged to it by so large a number of citizens of Madison, we at last gained full confidence in the overcoming of the obstacle, and to-day submit to the reading people, the Wisconsin Staats Zeitung, with Ulrich von Hutten's motto: 'I have dared.' The liberal manner in which the citizens and business men of Madison are encouraging and assisting us is amply shown by the appearing of the numerous advertisements in the very first issue of our paper. The tendency of the Staats Zeitung will be an independent one. That is, it will always combat corruption, blunders and evils in political and social life. Shch an independence in the press of the country, has, of late, gained ground, and is not only being received with favor by the people, but is also finding a correspondingly liberal support. This independence of the press is to be considered as a highly beneficial reform, and the further it is extended the better it will be for the people. Assisting in the promotion of such reform as much as it is in our power, and as far as our influence goes, shall be the mission of the Wisconsin Staats Zeitung."

The Stoughton Independent. - The first newspaper enterprise in the village of Stoughton was a six-column folio of the above name, published by Henry J. Walker. In his leader, the editor remarked : " As our name imports, we intend to maintain an independent position on all subjects. Bound by no party ties or prejudices, nor to any particular dogma, we shall fearlessly and truthfully utter our opinions, regardless of censure, trusting that the cause of truth and justice, and the development of intelligence, for whose advancement we shall contend, will be a sufficient warrant of our intentions." In another article, headed " Our Intentions," he still further remarks : " We believe that the voice of the press has been prostituted to the basest ends in serving political wire-pullers, and it is a rarity to see or read a thoroughly independent paper. This, of necessity, has benumbec[ its power, circumscribed its infiuence, and paralyzed its moral tendencies. The disease suggests its own remedy. Let the press take up a high and lofty position, let it no more serve partisan ends, let it rise above the position of a tool, let it cease to pander to the avarice of office-seekers, and candidly, truthfully and fearlessly express its honest convictions, unbiased by terror, bribes or ambition. This is a vital necessity, for in this country, where the newspaper is the only page scanned by thousands who take in their intellectual food from these repositories, it behooves every one to be careful their minds are not poisoned, instead of fed, by the vulgarity and indecency so commonly published by partisan sheets nowadays." But the independence of the paper was not appreciated. Its first number issued September 22, 1857 ; its last, December 29, of the same year.

The Wisconsin Signal. - On the death of the Independent, a new paper was printed, bearing the above name, its first issue appearing January 14, 1858, but numbered 16, it beginning where the Independent left ofi". W. A. Giles was the editor and proprietor of this last candidate for public favor. Says the editor, in his first issue : " The Independent is dead and buried, and the Signal comes forth, notwithstanding the hard fate of its worthy predecessor, flushed with hope confident that, as the friend of enterprise, the advocate of freedom, virtue and truth, the nurse of learning and literature, it will find many friends to defend its course and welcome it to your family circle." The paper, like its predecessor, was a six-column folio, and started out with a reasonable amount of advertising and with a pledged subscription list of 1,000 copies ; but the pledges made by interested parties were never fulfilled. Therefore death followed, the last number appearing June 10, 1858. .

Stoughton Reporter. - The third newspaper enterprise in this village was the publication of the Stoughton Reporter, by Powell & Hoxie. Volume I, No. 1, made its appearance February 23 1863. It was a seven-column folio, patent inside, and edited by L. W. Powell. No regular "salutatory" appeared, but in its prospectus was outlined the course its publishers would adopt and the principles that should be advocated. Say the publishers : " We commence the publication of a weekly paper in this village, and will advocate the principles of free government - sustain the administration of the same in all just and equitable measures ; not the organ of any clique or faction, but earnestly and zealously defending the rights of the people - denouncing all unjust -usurpation of power, guarding jealously principles and institutions established by our fathers, consecrated by their blood, and bequeathed as a heritage to us. Its columns will be free to the discussion of every public question involving the morals and interests of community and country or the progress of civilization and liberty. We shall endeavor to expose the character, pernicious tendency and evil effect of undue party spirit and prejudice, and seek to unite the people on all questions of public interest, and unite their eff'orts in all just and constitutional measures adopted by the National Administration in the suppression of this most wicked, unjustifiable and infernal rebellion of slaveholding aristocracy against tho immutable and eternal principles of pure democracy and free government." , On the 7th day of October, 1863, Powell & Hoxie were succeeded by Allen & Powell. The latter sold to C. D. Wells. The paper was continued by Allen & Wells for about one year, when Wells disposed of his interest to Frank Allen, who continued the publication until 1872, when he sold to A. C. Croft, who published the same until 1875, when the paper was discontinued.

The Stoughton Signal. - This, paper was established in the fall of 1873 by Frank Allen. It was a six-column quarto, in politics Democratic, and was a good local and family newspaper. It was continued until January, 1876, when the material of the ofiSce was sold to Kling & Currier, who established the Stoughton Courier.

The Stoughton Courier. - This paper was established in 1876, its first issue appearing February 2, with Kling & Currier, publishers ; George W. Currier, editor. In the editor's " greeting " he says : " We commence with this number the first volume of a new paper, to which we have given the name of The Stoughton Courier. Our columns will be filled with a good selection of general reading, State news, and especially of local items of interest from this village and the surrounding country. We intend to devote our paper to the welfare of this town, and shall endeavor to do our part_ toward building up what is now one of the liveliest and most thriving towns in the Northwest.' While our sheet will be devoted to the interests of the Republican P^f'j) we shall not allow anything in its columns that ought to offend members of any party. Official unfaithfulness in all parties will be exposed whenever found." This partnership was continued until May 1, 1877, when C. E. Parish purchased Mr. Kling's interest and the publication of the Courier was continued under the firm name of Currier & Parish, editors and publishers. No change was made in the political tone of the paper, it continuing to advocate the principles of the Republican party. On the 1st day of May, 1878, Mr. Currier disposed of IS interest to C. E. Parish, who has since continued its publication. Mr. Parish is a ready and pleasing writer, and publishes an interesting political and local paper.

Black Earth Advertiser. - " Poets are born, not made," has passed into a proverb. The same can be said of the true newspaper man. The junior member of the firm of Burnett & Son had no opportunity of acquiring instruction in the printer's art, but early in the year 1868, purchased a small amateur press, with a few amateur fonts of type, at a total expense of |45, and at once commenced to acquire a practical knowledge of the art without the aid of a teacher. His first attempt was on a small card for the firm of Burnett & Son, booksellers and stationers. .On the 1st of March, 1868, was issued the first number of the Monthly Budget, a two-column folio, 9xl0| inches. This was designed specially as an advertising sheet for the firm, and contained no labored salutatory or advertisement of any other house. In April, the paper was enlarged to a three-column folio, 12x18 inches, appearing as the Monthly Advertiser and, Produce Reporter, Burnett & Son, publishers ; G. Burnett, editor. In his salutatory, the editor says: "We have concluded to change the name of the paper to the Advertiser, as it is more appropriate to the style of paper we intend to publish. We propose publishing a small monthly paper devoted to the interests of Black Earth. We do not intend it as a literary paper, but chiefly market reports and advertisements (if we can get them)." A liberal advertising patronage was extended this little sheet, which made its regular appearance each month. In September of the same year a farther enlargement was made to a four-column folio, 14x20. No farther change was made until March, 1870, when it was enlarged to a six-column folio, 22x30, and appeared as a semi-monthly under the name of the Black Earth Advertiser. The business management of the paper was still controlled by Burnett & Son, but H. R. Farnum was associated as co-editor. In announcing the change made, its editors remarked that they should aim to make their interests and those of the community in which it was printed a common one. "We nail your colors to our flagstaff," it said, "and march hopefully forward." On the 16th of June, 1870, the paper was again enlarged to a seven-column folio, 24x36, which explained, better than words, that the paper was successful. On the 4th day of August, 1870, the last issue of the semi-monthly appeared, but being followed the succeeding week by the first number of the weekly, and again enlarged to an eight-column folio, 26x40, making it one of the largest and handsomest papers in the county. Its enlargement and appearance as a weekly seemed to be taken as a matter of course, no high-flown announcement appearing in its first issue. On the 29th of December, 1870, H. R. Farnum bid adieu to the readers of the Advertiser, and Clarence Burnett again had individual control of its editorial columns., and yet remains in that position.'

The growth of the office is as remarkable as that of the paper. Beginning with an 8x10 amateur press, the next move was for a 13xl9-inch amateur ; then a half-medium universal jobber. A Washington hand press, 28x42, was added when the semi-monthly appeared, which served until the increase of work was such that a power press was absolutely demanded, which improvement was made. A Baxter engine was added in 1873, which serves to drive the power and universal press.

In February, 1874, the first number of the Sickle, of Mazomanie appeared, the work being done at this office. This paper was continued for eighteen months, when its publishers obtained a press of their own, doing their work in their own town. The Dane County Bepubliean, a campaign Republican paper, was printed here during the campaign of 1872. The next enterprise was the publication of the True Hope, a monthly literary and temperance magazine. This was continued for one year. The Arena Star appeared June 26, 1876, the work being done at this office. Next came the Prairie du Sac News, October 20, 1876 ; then the Spring Green Dollar Times, November 27, 1877, followed by the Temperance Watchman, in 1878. All thesewere printed by Burnett & Son, in addition to which a large run of job work has always been enjoyed by the firm. From a small amateur concern has grown up an office that would be an honor to any place twenty times as large as Black Earth. . ,

In 1860, Henry Walker began the publication, in Mazomanie, of a weekly paper, under the name of Walker s Weekly. It was not very well received by the community, and lived "u* six weeks. In 1866, Brainard & Boardman commenced the publication of a five-column folio, callea the Mazomanian, neutral in politics. It lived but six months.

The SkUe was established in Mazomanie in February, 1874. The paper was a unique affair, being a small, three-column folio, and well deserves to be filed away for future generations to read. It was published by the Sickle Company, and floated the names of three young men at the head of its columns as responsible editors - S. E. Bronson, M. F. Saterlee and H. W. Bessac. The Siehle still lives, published by D. W. Bronson & Son, is Republican in politics and is issued weekly.

The Sun Prairie Ledger was started in the village of Sun Prairie, in December, 1868, and was published by H. S. Bhrman. It had a brief existence.

The Qountryman issued its first number in Sun Prairie, December 6, 1877, edited by C. G. and C. S. Orosse. It is still thriving - a weekly, and is Independent in politics. It is ably edited.