This paper demonstrates a rift between the politicians and the printers of frontier Alabama. While the laws regarding government contracts for printing were clear, often the printers could not fulfil them. Obstacles that the printers faced in completing government printing contracts included drought, war, and human error.
While the politicians desired to keep the printers content, they were nonetheless interested in maintaining their own control over awarding the contracts. Although the laws were exacting and repercussions clear, if the printers asked for amendments that would keep them in compliance, they were granted. Even when faced with administrative insolvency the politicians chose not to send the most lucrative printing contracts out to bid. However, the printers were not so eager to get the contracts their desire to get them was played out in their editorial columns.
Eventually, as restrictions on the printing became more stringent, and the contracts less lucrative, the printers began to lose interest in obtaining the appointment at all.
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