Stop My Paper: A Ledger Anecdote
“STOP MY PAPER.”—Illustrating the fearful consequences of this highly retributive measure, the Philadelphia Post tells the following upon the Ledger of that city. This fearful threat reminds us of a story about Mr. Swain years ago when he was proprietor of the Ledger. By his course in regard to some public matter he had offended a number of readers, one of whom met him on Chestnut Street, and thus accosted him: “Mr. Swain, I have stopped the Ledger.” “I have stopped the Ledger,” was the stern reply. “Great heavens!” said Mr. Swain, “my dear sir, that won’t do. Come with me to the office. This must be looked into.” And taking the man with him he entered the office, at Third and Chestnut Streets. There they found the clerks busy at their desks; then ascended to the editorial rooms and composing rooms, where all was as usual; finally they descended to the press rooms, where the engineers were at work. “I thought you told me you had stopped the Ledger,” said Mr. Swain. “So I have,” said the offended subscriber. “I don’t see the stoppage; the Ledger seems to be going on.” “Oh! I mean to say—that is, that I—ah—had stopped taking it.” “Is that all?” exclaimed Mr. Swain. “Why, my dear sir, you don’t know how you alarmed me. As for your individual subscription, I care very little. Good day, sir, and never make such rash assertions again.”