Originally published in Bradshaw's Manchester Journal (Bradshaw & Blacklock) vol.1 #1 (01 May 1841).
In this age of Periodical Literature there are but few publications which do not profess to supply some deficiency, or to communicate information upon some subject previously unknown. We have no wish to depart from so useful a rule, and therefore we at once submit the chief grounds on which the Manchester Journal rests its claims to the notice of the reading Public.
They are, briefly, the two following:—
The absence of any publication combining the popular characteristics of our standard periodicals with notices of subjects of local interest calculated to induce attention to the numberless interesting objects in antiquities, legends, arts, sciences, and manufactures with which this district abounds; and
The extensive circulation in the Provinces of worthless publications, weekly issuing from the most degraded portions of the Metropolitan Press, which address themselves to the grosser passions of our nature, and are fitted only to deprave and ruin.
By supplying the deficiency referred to, on the one hand, we hope to assist in counteracting the evil alluded to, on the other. In the accomplishment of these objects we propose to give occasional papers upon subjects of general interest,—descriptions of public buildings, institutions, and places in and around Manchester,—and notices of local antiquities, improvements, and inventions, without excluding, however, those of more distant localities and countries.
Attaching the highest importance to the Educational institutions of our country, a proportionate attention will be devoted to them, whilst the equally interesting topic of home training,—physical, intellectual, and moral,—will form a prominent feature of the Journal.
Nor will the juvenile members of the community be overlooked, as a definite portion of our columns will be set apart to familiar explanations of the Engraving accompanying each Number, and to appropriate reading for the young.
The external appearance also of the work, we trust, will be of such a character as to render it acceptable to the opulent; whilst, by the lowness of the price, it will be placed within the reach of all classes, in the earnest hope that it may become at once the instrument of communicating, to those who move in other spheres, correct information as to the actual condition, wants, and feelings of the Operative, and be the means of inducing such habits of foresight and reflection, in this important portion of the community, as may tend to elevate their character and multiply their substantial comforts.
In conclusion, we refer to the contents of the present Number as an earnest of our future exertions, confidently anticipating the countenance and support of all who approve of the objects and spirit of our undertaking.