Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-06-06
James Gordon Rennest.

The name that stands at the head of
this article had wide fame as a lead
ing and, in some respect, the foremost
journalist of the age. II seemed to have
been reserved for him to infuse ener-
gy, vitality, enterprise and life into the
newspaper world, and extend its arena,
it not its usefulness In the particular
feature of modern journalism of prompt
" supplying the public with the latest
and freshest news without reference to
its cost, he compelled those who de-
sired to win their way to public favor to
follow his example, that has spread
from the metropolitan to the country
press, which has enabled the American
newspaper to stand far in advance of
what it would have been, but for the
sagacity and boldness of James Gordon
Bennett. TO him, then, should be as
signed the credit of the advanced posi-
ton of American journalism.
Another important feature which he
introduced and deemed an essential quail
ity of a live and progressive press, was
the collection Of news at any price was
the first duty Of journalism. He cared
nothing for the expression of opinions,
!. but everything for news. Thus he be-
came the eXamplar of newspaper enter
prise throughout the world He kept
every department full, often pandering
it must be admitted, to the lowest tastes
and propensities which was perhaps
weakness, but it was a conviction that
he must and would have the news at any
cost and all hazards that made his sue
cess, and it was this characteristic that
made him the great teacher and enforcer
of the principle that in devotion to news
gathering lies at once the first duty and
chief profit of newspapers. Although
he was tickle in his editorial judgment
ON public affairs and fell far short of
being the representative of American
opinions, yet he has filled an honorable
place in American journalism and built
IN the leading neaos-paper of the world.
He was native Of small town in
Scotland. Ills age was Y years. His
parents were French CatnoiI.cs, and he
remained an adherent of the CaElollc
church until his decease. AT the age OF
fifteen he entered Catholic Seminary,
where he pursued course of study with
the intention Of entering the priesthood,
but this plan he abandoned, and en-
barked for America in 1919 An adven-
turous but thoughtful and intelligent
boy, he is said to have gained his inspi-
ration from reading Franklins autobiog-
raphy. Tie taught school in Hartford
and then made his way to Boston, where
he found employment as proof reader.
In 1922 he went to New York, from
whence, after short connection with
the press, he went to Charleston, S. c.,
where he engaged for a time on the
Courier He made his first venture in
journalism on Sunday newspaper. AT
ter an adventurous life as school mas
ter, lecturer, Washington correspondent,
etc. lie started the Herald, ip May,
1885, Of which he remained sole propri-
etor and conductor up to his decease, al
though he Withdrew from the active
management about five years ago. His
last sickness was only of one weeks du-
ration. lie died at half past five O'Clock
S'n Saturday morning.
THE New RoUTE.-The Portland and
Ogdensburgh railroad party which left
Swanton last week, passing over the
road between Swanton and Ogdens-
burgh, arrived in that city on Sunday
evening by overland conveyance from
Wadding. They speak in high terms of
the route over which they passed. as
well as of the liberal promises of the
people of the several towns along the
line.
TIM RAY MURDER. The coroners
-iurv in the Tomhannock, Rensselaer,
county. murder case, rendered verdict
last week to the effect that Peter R.
Ray, came to his death, on the 10th of
MAY, by being shot, dubbed and beaten