Notes from the 10 August 1831 edition:
The Alfred London Weekly Journal and Bridgwater and Somersetshire General Advertiser
Transcribed and edited by Tony Woolrich, 12/05/2021
Vol 1, No 1 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1831 Price 7d
Column 3
We commenced our connection with the Bridgwater Herald under a deep conviction of the responsibility consequent upon such an undertaking at any time; and more especially, at a time, when the elements of social order were so recklessly agitated by clamorous and unprincipled men. While some subsequent events have convinced us that we did not over estimate that responsibility, other events have induced us to believe, that our sphere of action might be materially enlarged; and believing this our sense of duty has impelled us to the attempt, notwithstanding the additional obligations and additional responsibility which such an attempt involves. The result of our determination is now respectfully submitted to our readers in the “Alfred Weekly Journal,” which supersedes the Herald from this day.
The advantages intended to be secured to the Patrons of the “Alfred” are superior, it is presumed to those which are offered by any contemporary; such arrangements having been made with a highly respectable part of the London Press, as will procure for the Subscribers to the “Alfred” a full, Sunday London Journal, in addition to the local matter of the week.
That portion of the London Paper usually appropriated to advertisements, of no earthly interest to the Country Reader, will be dedicated to Local Advertisements and Local Information. The latest London News of Saturday, with the Provincial News of the week, will be circulated early on Monday morning, and may be forwarded by the mails of that day to any part of the kingdom, when, be it remembered, there is no London post.
It is presumed these important advantages will procure for the, “Alfred” that extensive circulation which will make it a desirable medium for Advertisements. Such arrangements have been made as will ensure it being carried on with spirit and ability. Its politics, the true interests of the people will be faithfully and zealously advocated, with a view to the permanent establishment of good order, industry and tranquillity.
Literature, Science, University, and Ecclesiastical Intelligence will be carefully attended to; and in the selection of news, as well as in the original articles, the utmost care will be taken to render the Paper, in all respects, fit for general perusal in all families.
Having no other object to shew than the dissemination of those conservative principles, on which we believe the existence of the State depends, we are for no party of less magnitude than that of the people. The comfort, the freedom, the happiness, of the people at large, is the end and object of our political endeavours; and if we support, as we do with all our hearts, the monarchical and aristocratical institutions of the country, it is because we believe that with them the great body of the people are more powerful and more happy than they would be without them.
Order is Heaven’s first law, and this confest,
Some are, and must be, grander than the rest. [Alexander Pope]
And for the sake of this order, which we think essential to the welfare and dignity of a great social system, we support the institution of King, Lords, and Commons, with their several powers blending into one another, and forming an harmonious whole, from which the deliberations of the legistlature and the strength of the executive government emanate.
With the infamous despoilers of our Church we can have no sympathy; nor have we any language, but that of indignation and disgust, to express our detestation of their unprincipled rapacity. In avowing ourselves at once, the ardent, but humble advocates of order and of liberty, have only further to declare that the liberty we are lovers of cannot even exist without honour and security:– it is that holy social liberty which based upon instinctive sympathy, upon mutual forbearance, and upon immutable justice embraces the whole family of mankind.
Other Items from the 10 August 1831 edition:
Advert for the new London and Bridgwater shipping company. Four ships are to ply the trade every ten days. Mr Frederick Axford is described as the Bridgwater Agent. Mention of Bridgwater’s London Wharf. List of stopping points, agents etc.
Extensive details of the results of the Somerset Assizes.
For general introduction to the Bridgwater Alfred see here.