Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-02-11

From The Hour.
The publication OF society news, or what is
going on in fashionable society, has finally be-
come feature Of metropolitan Journalism. The
World began it; by degrees the Tribune fell into
line; then the Herald, which had devoted much
space to society items in Europe, turned it's at
tention to what happened here. The Times
next, with visible shudder, described weddings,
parties and balls, and finally the Sun has been
obliged TO devote part of its space to Incidents
In society. Yet nothing is more common among
fashionable people than Outcries against the
impertinence OF newspapers. the reporters of
which invade the privacy of their homes La
dies declare that such intrusion is nsufferable
and ought to be stopped. Gentlemen assert
that it is outrageous and intimate that they
always dispose of reporters who approach them
IN the most summary manner. There are even
insnuat:ons that the best way to be rid of this
inquisitiye class is to help its members down
stars with the toe of the boot
ANY one who is familiar with the management
OF great newspapers knows what a continual
struggle the editors have to cut down the copy
so as to get all the news into the paper. There
Is little eNaggeration in saying that journal of
large size could be filed every night with good
matter which the editors strike out Of copy with
theu blue pencils. II is condensation not late
hours or night work, that is killing men in news
paper Offices. If then this is the case if fash
ionable people think that the publication of
items about their receptions. weddings. and din
ners is highly impairment, and if the newspapers
can hardly find room for actual news. why do
the journals in New York print, day after day,
descriptions OF social incidents which are most
uninteresting to the general reader? The eX-
PLANTATION is simple enough. The fashionable
people do not always tell the truth when they
rail against the intrusion of reporters into pri-
vate circles. They really like to see their names
in print; delight to have their receptions no
ticed; are in ecstasy over descriptions Of their
fine dresses. 1t cannot be denied, that the
newspapers print what the public demands and
there is no better proof that the public is deter
mined to have society news, than the fact
that the stupid stuff appears daily.
Not only do many fashionable people not OBJ
ject in their hearts to seeing their names and
dOings chrOnicled; but they send the matter to
the newspaper offices themselves. Hardly a
mail fails to bring statements that wedding
will take place at such an hour in such church;
that this lady has returned from Europe by such
q steamship; that this one and her husband will
sail; that reception (Which ''please nOtice'O is
to occur St such a number in Fifth Avenue at
the time named; that enclosed is an invitation
to wedding to take place in Rochester, which
please send tOyOur special correspondent there"
(Ihis comes from the "best man, who lives in
New York; well-knOwn lawyer in this city
always sends his card and his wife's to a certain
newspaper office, and marks on them "F. C.. ID.
c." or "Patriarch's Ball. or perkins Candy
This means to the initiated editor that this gen.
tleman and his wife will attend these affairs and
want their names printed. This same man has
been heard by the writer to excaim bitterly
against the ''impertinence'' of these "vulgar re-
pOrters."
The description Of the dress of bride who
was marHed in Grace church not long ago ap-
peared in a leading newspaper. The bride had
written it herself In fact, she revised the entire
account of the wedding. as she happened to know
man on the paper who obtained for her the
copy at an early hour in the day. Her father
has often said that all newspaper men were
good for was to be kicked. A reporter called
one evening to see the husband of leader in
New York society about an addition toga library
in which the family had long beeh interested
and which is certainly legitimate subject of
inquiry. The gentleman was out. The ser
want, 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 errand. "Oh dear!" ex-
claimed the lady in most disappointed voice.
Il though you had come to report my ball."