30

nish to provide the mercantile classes with the
latest news of the arrival of sailing vessels and the
offerings of importers. This information had former-
ly been distributed by the coffee-houses, which kept
such records on file for the use of their customers.
The men who adapted this information to daily journal-
ism served the merchants more effectively.¹¹

In submitting his paper to the public, Graham
stated that a number of gentlemen,

desirous to see this periodical publication
ushered into light, have given it as their
opinion that, if carried on with the vigor
proposed, and on the plan designed, it could
not fail of attracting public notice, and be
conductive to general utility, by disseminating
useful knowledge, the delicious -"The Feast of
Reason and the Flow of Soul."¹²

The "plan designed" seems to be embodied in
these "Conditions";

I. It shall be printed daily (Sundays excepted)
on a half sheet of royal paper - to be de-
livered to town subscribers early on the
morning of publication and forwarded to
country subscribers as they may direct.

II. The price to subscribers will be four dollars
por annum - to non-subscribers two pence
each.

III. Two dollars to be paid at the expiration of
three months, and the remaining two at the
end of the year.

IV. Every subscriber, beginning at the first
number, to be at liberty of discontinuing
at the expiration of the first month, and,
if the papers are returned, no money will
be required.

11 Mott, F.L. op. cit. p. 118.

12 Baltimore daily repository. October 24, 1791,