A Word to the Tract Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
It is not the object in sending out the trial volumes of the REVIEW and Reformer to promiscuously gather up names without knowing whether they will be read or not, or to get names without reference to the character of the receiver of the paper. In this manner, many papers would never be taken from the post-offices, and in some cases when they were even taken from the office, they would accomplish but little good. It would be well first to consider the character of the person to whom you wish to send it. Secondly, you should not propose to send it without giving any notice to the receivers; but should first converse with them about it, or write them, showing them the paper, and suggesting that you propose to send it to them six months on trial, which will give them ample time to learn something of its character for themselves, and then they can act their own pleasure about subscribing for it. If there is not interest enough to pay the postage, we cannot expect very much will be accomplished by their receiving it; at least, there are enough that would willingly pay the postage, and let them be first served. It may not be best, when sending it to your own friends, to always wait for an answer before sending it; for if they do not wish it, it can be sent to another person; but all should be first notified. Thirdly, it is not always best to send the REVIEW and Reformer to the same individual. There may be individual cases where it is justifiable; but it is not generally so. It would be proper to send them both to public reading rooms and places for general reading. Fourthly, respectable people, those whom we have reason to believe are possessed of moral worth, and also respectable reading rooms, should be sought out and furnished.