The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1882-03-24
why Newspapers Publish Society News.

The time Will reach rs some day when
the society column will not be demanded
in the newspaper, but the time has not
vet arrived. The average readers palate
relishes as q sweet morsel the accounts
OF the movements In society. The New
York Hour has issued the following as
the reason why newspapers contain re-
ports of social actions:
The publication of society news, or
what is going on in fashionable society,
has finally become feature of metropoli-
tan journalism. Yet nothing is more
common among fashionable people than
outcries against the impertinence of
newspapers, tho reporters of which in
wade the privacy of their homes. There
are even insinuations that the best way
to be rid of this inquisitive class is to
help its members down stairs with the
toe of the boot.
Any one who is familiar with the man
agement of the great newspapers in this
city, knows what a coniugal struggle tie
editors have to cut down the copy so as
TO get all the news into the paper. There
is little exaggeration in saying that q
journal the size of the Times or the ITi-
bltne could be filed every night with
good matter which the editors of those
papers strike out of copy with their blue
pencils. It is condensation, not late
hours or night work, that is killing men
in newspaper offices. II, then, this is
the case; if fashionable people think that
the publication of items about their re-
ceptions, weddings and dinners is highly
impairment; and if the newspapers can
hardly find room for actual news, why do
the journals in New York print, day af-
ter day, descriptions of social incidents
which are most uninterestng to the gen
eral reader? The explanation is simple
enough. The fashionable people do not
always tell the truth when they rail
against the intrusion of reporters into
private circles They really like to see
their names in print; delight to have
their receptions noticed; are in ecstasy
over descriptions of their fine dresses.
1t cannot be denied that the newspapers
print what the public demands.
Not only do many fashionable people
not object in their hearts TO seeing their
names and doings chronicled, but they
send the matter to the newspaper office
themselves. Hardly a mail fails to bring
statements that a wedding will take place
at such an hour In such church; that
this lady has returned from Europe by
such steamship; that this one and her
husband Will sail LnhI y IeCeplOu
(Which "please notice') is to occur at
such a number in Fifth avenue at the
time named; that enclosed is an invita-
ton to wedding to takeplace in Roches-
ter, which please send to your special
correspondent there" (This comes from
the ''best man.
The description of the dress of a bride
who was married in Grace Church not
long ago appeared in a leading newspa-
per. She had written it herself. In
fact, she revised the entire account of
the wedding, as she happened to know a
man on the paper who obtained for her
the copy at an early hour in the day
Her father had often said that all news
paper men we're good for was to be
kicked. A reporter called one evening
to see the husband of leader in New
York society about an addition to n Ii
brary in which the family had long been
interested and which is certainly legiti-
mate subject of inquiry. The gentle
man was out The servant, however,
with knowing air suggested that the
lady of the house might be able to give
the desired information. Down stairs
came the lady, smiling graciously, still
in her wrapper. The reporter told his
Grand oh deari" exclaimed the lady
in most disappointed voice, II thought
you had come to report my ball"