worse, that in its own enterprises, and in furtherance of its own pecuniary interests, it should claim permission to violate habitually a great principle of which it is the constant advocate, and which underlies our whole political system,—the principle of equal rights to all and special privileges to none? If, however, from the grandeur and beneficence of its mission, the press is to be excepted from the operation of this wholesome democratic doctrine, and is to be subsidized to the extent of its postages by the government, then undeniably such subsidy should be contributed from the common treasury, instead of being imposed, as at present, on the oppressed revenues of the post-office department, which, under all circumstances, should be maintained inviolate. “Into the same category, but for more cogent reasons, must fall that class of weekly newspapers which the statute of 1852 requires shall be delivered free of postage to all subscribers residing within the limits of the county in which they are published. This requisition is less sound on the score of principle than even the discrimination in favor of the press. There may be something in the characteristics of the latter—ennobled as it is as the organ of the intellect and heart of millions of freemen—which might induce many to grant to it special and distinguishing immunities; but why a citizen who chances to reside on one side of a county line shall be exempted from a postage on his newspaper, which his neighbor on the other side of that line is obliged to pay on the same paper, surpasses my comprehension.” _LETTER ADDRESSES._[54] To Nathaniel K. Latting this letter I write, With the hope that the contents his mind may delight. If it don’t make him good, it can’t do him evil, For it comes from a friend, and not from the d—l. In Mount Vernon village, New York State, He works for his daddy, both early and late. To Miss J. E. Peck this letter is sent, To be read by herself it only is meant. In “Sandy Hook,” Conn., she leads a gay life, Where Yankees make nutmegs and hams with a knife. P. M., this letter cannot wait, To Burlington County send it straight. To Jos. Wright this message give, Who in Medford, New Jersey, himself doth live; At least he did six months ago, And still does if the _draft_ or the _small-pox_ has not laid him low. If he is alive he will read this letter, And if he is dead so much the better. Over the plain and over the level, Carry this letter like the Devil; Let it not stop for flood or fire, Until it reaches Bill Crawl, Esquire. To Lexington, Sanilac Co., Oh, swiftly, swiftly let me go, To cheer the heart, or cloud the brow, Of Mrs. Anna M. Monro. Mich. Mr. James Smith, Fort Wayne, Antwerp, Ohio, in care of William Herring, Cayuaga Co., N.Y.