The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1881-03-17
Concerning Press Conventions.

concerning PRESS conventions.
In the course OF some comments on the
proposed school Lill. nov before the
Legislature, the Wilmington Star, in
cidentally remarks:
THE press IF the State should never
let this matter rest. The edttors should
unite. &c"
Lord, bless you. when did the editors
in North Carolina, eve unite on
anything. We have a press a~ssocia
tion -so-called-which has become
little more than AN annual frolic, and
by this course it dwaifs the influence
Of the Fourth estate in North Caro-
lima below a frst-class pigmy show
Charlotte OLscrcer.
We fear there is too much truth in
the above. But it is not surprising.
The State Of North Carolina is so large
and s o diverse in sections, interests.
and classes. that our editors who are
generally restricted 70 their immediate
sections. would be something more
than human if they should rise above
tocohty and adopt a common plan of
action.
HOW THEY Dc IN LOUISIANA.
At the Louisiana Press Convention
Mrs Field, a young lady journalist, de
livered aD address from which we quote:
III [ were called upon to provide a
motto or monitory tablet to be placed
over the desk of every journalists |
would take these words from Pericles:
II assume the lists,
Nor ask advice of any other thought,
But faithfulness and courage"
The journalist is the historian of yes
terday, with an alert ear for the pre-
monitions of the morrow-amonarch
Of opinion if he discrown not himself.
His realm is the best on the earth if he
SWAPS it Alright, for he addresses the
best impulses and staidest judgment of
his readers. His utterances may not
always be welcome, but if they disclose
a verile motive and just solicitude for
social interests they are certain to COM
mand respect.
There is an evil in journalism, some
people would call 1t a minor one, but
which is all too prevalent. | refer to
the cowardice Of some journalist whose
policy sits above conscience" who
write with an askant eye upon the ad
vertising columns and coin their opin-
ions
TO SUIT POPULAR PREJUDICE.
A journalist worthy of the name is a
teacher whose calling it is to express
what he conceives to be the best opin
ions in the public interests. If he Dor
rows opinions and Is the mere echo of
his patrons he is recreant to his trust.
"Tatfeta phrases, silken terms precise,
90 for little. There must be fibre of
conviction in editorial matter, as if it
were written, not with a t1acid hard,
but with a resolute fist. Truth de
serves candid avowal, and the journal
ist that falters subtracts from it,"
On motion of Mr.. l.. E. Bentley,
Mrs. Fields address, which was re-
ceived with much applause, wa order
ed to be spread upon the minutes Of
the association rendered her for the
graceful manner which she had respon-
ded to the request made her.
Mr.. Lambert. read the following res
olutions and schedule of advertising
which were adopted.
I'VE, the undersigned committee
appointed to consider the resolutions
and rates relative to advertising agents
and advertising rates, beg leave to re-
port as follows:
Resolred, That the Press Association
Of Louisiana make the following sug-
gestions to editors and publishers of
newspapers.
l. The propriety of refusing in the
future to grant by contract to adver-
Using agents special positions for add
v~ertiseinents or special notices.
,. An adherence to the schedule of
advertising rates adopted by this asso-
citation in the acceptance of advertise
ments from advertising agents.
3. That we urge upon our brethren
of the press, whether members of this
association or not, and of whatever
State, the necessity of cautioning as
soon as possible, either by publication
or otherwise, the fraternity generally
against dishonest and INSCRIPTIONS
advertising agents or advertisers.
4. That we especially direct their at
tention to the justice of charging at
regular advertising rates for all politi-
cal notices, and of demanding payment
therefor in advance.
ResOlred, That the Press Association
of Louisiana recommend the adoption
of the following rates of advertising
by the publishers of country ncwspa-
pers in the State.
ADVERTISING T