Source: North Manchester Journal, May 20, 1897

The presses, machinery, gattling guns and other implements of war for starting a free silver paper in this place have arrived in town. Mr. Cox, the editor, says he expects to get out his first issue next week.

Source: North Manchester Leader, May 28, 1897

TO THE READER

It has been determined to publish in North Manchester a new paper, and the first copy of it is now before you. It will be a political journal and a general newspaper. To the best of its ability it will advocate the principles of the Democratic party, as set forth in the platform adopted by that party in the great national convention that nominated William J. Bryan for president of the United States. It will especially speak for the cause of bimetalism, which is, as the editor believes, the cause of the people. Believing that the gold standard is the curse of mankind, and that its continuance will result in the ultimate impoverishment and degradation of the masses and the concentration of all wealth in the hands of the few, this paper will do its utmost, within its field of operation, to arouse and strengthen the already great sentiment against it. Upon this great question the Democratic party has taken the side of the people, as it has upon other questions of vital importance. To its support have come thousands of patriotic men from other parties, who looked only to the welfare of the country and their own best interests. Unterrified by threats and unswayed by time-worn promises, more than six millions of voters gave their support to Mr. Bryan last November, and how many more would do so now if they had a chance the elections that have been held since that time conclusively show.

While the LEADER will be strictly democratic in its politics, it will give attention to those other things which may properly be the concern of a public journal. It will print the news, it will uphold whatever it thinks is for the good of the community, and it will at all times aim to be fair and honest in its dealings with the public. It will love its friends, but it will treat with courtesy all who honestly disagree with its views. It asks the hearty co-operation of all who are in accord with its opinions and hopes to merit the respect and personal good will of everybody.

Lastly, the LEADER desires to call attention to the fact that its columns are open to all proper advertisements, and business men are assured that value received may be expected by every interest that seeks the public through this channel.

Yours truly,
Leslie A. Cox, Editor & Proprietor

Source: North Manchester Journal, June 3, 1897

The free silver paper which the Democrats of this place have had in the incubator for some time made its appearance last week and is called The Leader. The newspaper field has been pretty comfortably crowded for some time, but, like an omnibus, there is always room for one more, but this is not the point. The Democrats were anxious to have a paper and if the first issue is a fair criterion to go by, the paper is all that can be desired. Its editor, Mr. Cox, is a very pleasant gentleman and no doubt will be as able to make as much of a success of it as anyone.

Source: North Manchester Journal, December 8, 1898

L. A. Cox, who established the North Manchester Leader and disposed of it suddenly when he found that he and his creditors were paying liberally for the privilege of publishing it, is now trying to buy one of the democratic papers at Elwood, and it is understood will soon close the deal. The newspaper field at Elwood is considerably crowded but this doesn't daunt Mr. Cox, whose nerve is phenomenal. [Wabash Plain Dealer]