The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-01-18
JOURNALISM AND SOCIAL CRY e

JOURNALISM AND SOCIAL CRINE.
\ few days ago social scandal attracted
the attention of our citizens and was
noticed in these columns EditOrially
mention was made of the social crime itself
and ii was sought to draw some useful
lessons therefrom, not indeed by an attack
upon the parties who were the chief actors,
but generally, as deductions from a specific
fact. Since then we have received three or
four communications approbatory and
complimentary of the articles referred to.
On the other hand it has also been inti-
mated to us on one or two occasions that we
were scarcely severe enough upon the par
ties concerned in their personality. AS
these differences of opinion exist relative
to the manner of handling such subjects,
We desire to offer few thoughts on the
matter. The majority of people entertain
very erroneous views of journalism, and
think that the true province of the nows-
paper is simply to reflect individual preju-
dices and wage war against the man
or woman who may become the
unfortunate victims of crime or pas
sion. 1t is true that such view
is taken only by the thoughtless, but it fire.
quently claims as its supporters large
circle and is entitled to notice. Nothing,
however, could be further from the truth.
A truly dignifed and legitimate paper ha,
nothing to do with individuals further than
to report their conduct when the latter is
contrary to law and calculated to democrat
ize or corrupt the public. A journal ought
to be newspaper purely and not vehicle
OF personal spite or an avenue, indeed, for
the peculiar bias or enmity or indignation
OF the editor or any of its attaches. A mere
organ for party or personal expressions,
means for attacking individuals, never rises
to any higher plane and rarely exerts more
than the most transitory influence. While
such journal may make the unskill-
iul laugh, il cannot but make
the judicious grievc." We have striyen
IN the conduct of this paper to protect soci-
ETY., while retrainng from descending to a
conflict with or criticism upon the indiyid-
ual. Every fact has two sides, double
significance indeed, and the journalist
must attend to these two phases. The one
is the fact as a matter of news, and, if well
authenticated and of such character as to
interest or cnllghten the public, should be
icarlessly and simply stated Comment
upon the individual fact and its actors /,
unnecessary, for they speak for themselves
Besides it looks like misuse of authority
and advantages to turn the batteries of the
press, conicssedly mighty against poor,
weak man or woman who are never in posi-
ton to defend themselves or answer what
may, after all, prove unjust and
hasty criticism, But the other as.
Pect Of every case, whether a
crime or scandal is the lesson taught there
by. Every fact has a meaning, and carries
with it certain influences either good or
bad, These influences are pant OF the crime
the legitimate property Of the public, and
such therefore rs the press has right To
notice and comment upon, What have We
got to do with John Smith individually?
We could abuse him, but would such course
benefit us or add any greater ob,iquity to
his oilensei BY no means. We are, how
ever, affected by his crime, his misconduct,
whatever that may be, and if general con.
illusions therelrom can he drawn, if the fact
itself conveys warning or teaches a lesson,
ii is urpriyilege to call attention TO the
same ana comment thereon, \ Just and
Intelligent 10 list will deal with the
au.l, violation of law and
' r.p.ay ignore the per
I.,r,nr We are when legitimntelv
conducting our business, in search ofprinci-
pies and conclusions and have nothing to
do with men further than mention them as
the instruments of wrong doing. In refer
encc to oar late scandal we were actuatcd
and controlled by such views, and in our
iitorial notices referring to the matter at.
tempted to show the Nervousness VI the Of
Tense aud the necessity for wutchrulncss
and avoidance Of all action having even the
appearance oi or tendency toward evil,
while We left the poor unfortunate accused
to the lashlugs of their own ConscicnccS and
the condemnation of the public, which in.
yariably follows the mere announcement of
such guilt without any personal criticisms
from Us, What does u paper or
1 community care for man? II is
hia conduct only that We are inter.
,.i Foo, and that alone and not the
Individual are the legitimate subjects of
criticism and abuse. We are gratidcd, of
course, to have the appreciation of the pub.
6nuJ.I Our efforts ,' conduct q journal
.., suugj grounds
individuals, but iii,
... @ u,J. conducive to
.. .A' interests of
....... ...,,J,t lor while no cruel
adv, ..... utu misguided. unlor.
tunat, .aen.. deceived individual
Let the Nv ..t Nu,, ... guilty party
while the pres, aud community ~, large
grow wiserirom the natul, deductions and
obvious warnings of his mi,,np. In appa.
rently very clear casts Of crime
. l.. "a