The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-23
Meeting OF the Reporters OF the New York
Press.

NeeunB Oh tme isePoTteTS OF the New York
Press.
In pursuance of an invitation to the reporters OF
the New York press, TO meet at Stonealls Hotel,
on the 18th inst, to adopt such measures as they
might on elaboration think proper. to uphold
the dignity of their profession. The reporters con-
vened at the above mentioned hotel on the evening
named. The meeting was called TO order at eight
o'clock. ]. C. Whitehead, M. D., was appointed
chairman, and 7. w. Melghan. Esq, Secretary
Dr. WHITEHEAD, on taking the chair, returned
thank in few brief remarks for the distinguished ho
nor conferred upon him He could he observed, have
wished they had appointed q more competent person
than himself some one less than he was at ell
any prominent or conspicuous situation. To the fact
Of bis being, he believed the senior reporter present.
it were the Doyen Of the it above
twenty i've years ago eince he CDR w first q
porter for the public press having been ct that period
reporter at the town courts in Dublin-thst he had
to attribute the undeserved distinction conferred
upon him. It would doubtless be expected of
him. and would be proper, that on taking the chair
at meeting OF this hind, composed Of gentlemen
BILE, and learned classes Of society, that he should
briefly explain, and state what he understood to
be the object and purpose Of this assemblags. 1t
was well known to every gentleman present that
character had been introduced upon the stage at
Buttons Theatre in this city, which, as q personia.
them before the world in light base and infamous
as 1t was unjust and untrue His view Of the cha
racter was that 1t was too contemplate to deserve
noticing Other gentlemen, however, belonging to
the press, and connected with various establishments
in this city thought differently and Of the OPT
MON, that inasmuch this character points colec
lively at the reporters Of the press purpors be
embodiment of them, and Is calculated to degrade
them in the public estimation, by representing them
generally Is base venal eordd and dishonora BILE set
Of men, come notice at least ought to be taken of It,
He, CDR. w. cheerfuly yielded up his own views to
therefore most cordially into co. cooperation with them
Such then, was the object Of this meeting to devise
and take such steps as may appear most calculated
stop the continuance Of public Islander and vile and
unjust aspersion, which 10 nightly made upon them
at grrton's Theatre Now he lDr.w.l had the honor
which stood deservedly high in public estimation-a
journal which ITSELF alone, employed. in the prepa-
as all the other journals Of the city put together
II, therefore, reporters in general had right to
complain, as they undoubtedly had, Of the matter
come with louder tone from those who oonstitu-
ted the largest body of them: While he lDr. W.
regretted for hi: own part that any notice what
ton and public accusation flor he thoughtit to BE- In
every possible respect totally unworthy of any noce
nipent in taking up this affair we're connected With
the Herald establishment, he must say that however
unworthy he thought the thing itself of any notice,
yet, in his view, the susceptibility manifested did
honor to the gentlemen who hid taken it up while,
at the same time their jealousy for the character and
honor of the profession in general deserved the tina INKS
that each estsbishme mt With which they were sevc
rally connected, was above such chsrges-not only
that they themselves were above such charges-but
that they also too noble, honorable, and pure in
respect to such matters, to be willing to submit
to the bare mputaton Of such of similar unworthy
practices He could not blame his friends therefore,
for their proud and high minded susceptibility and
be felt convinced that none but such are guilty
Of capable of. such practices and extortions
could venture oppose censure or throw obstacles
in the way Of this movement, now made by the re-
por:ers, for the purpose Of vndicating the cha.
arfa n ha hndu n1
and inf nous charge. In fact, whatever may be the
result of this movement, 1t IS calculated Of itself
purpose, to vindicate our common honor, and to
prove to the world that, in the matter of this
unjust aspersion upon al our characters, we are
sans pewr ct sans reproche. 1t will prove to the
world that tbs press, and reporters for the press
not the base wretches which Mr.. Burton's con.
temptbe figure on the stage has represe nted them to
be- 1t must vince the public that this character
of Mr. Barton'S and such similar Ones by whomso.
ever drawn and painted is but base and calumnous
fabrication 1t must effectuay prove this, for the
guilty would be the last to court the open day; they
run from the glare it would throw upon their deeds
and dhonor always hides its face from the light Of
public enquiry. instead OF coveting it, now do,
by this movement No reporter, he CDR w thou ght,
could join with the perpetrators Of this outrage to
screen them apologize them or extenuate such
vile, Infamous, and unfounded public charge with.
out being himself open to suspicien-destitute and
regardless of in personal respect
and failing in that esprit de corps and noble jealousy
for the honor of our profession, which ought, he
thought to animate every one of us. With these re.
marks with this view Of the case, and this conception
of the purpose and duty now before u.s. he would
clude by again thanking them for the honor done
him; and assuring the meeting that his humble eff.
forts would be directed to dscbargng the duties i'm
posed upon him, justly impartslly, and houorably to
the utmost of his defective ability
The first motion made was that Of D. r. Lee, who
proposed that the names Of individuals present
should be taken, together with those Of the papers
TO which they were attached. After the president
had explained the object Of the assemblage the mo-
ton entertained md debated.
MIR BANGS proposed an ame ndment in the folio wing
words -
Tat committee of three be appointed examine the ere
dentalt ember and be &C.
knowdged such credenta he stating to what paper pa
Iers he is attached in New York city"
1t was further moved and seconded that the chair.
man should appoint raid committee; and he accord.
ingly appointed Messrs. Bangs, Hamilton, and Otis
The result Of the action of this body was as is an.
nexed -
J: W. simonton, Age Ttos II. Hooper, N. Y Herald