The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1882-03-23
Why Nswspapers Publish Society Nevs.

- SAA6 SSNASI "SND"
The time will reach us some day when
the society column will not be demanded
in the newspaper, but the time has not
yet arrived. Tho average readers palate
relishes as . 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 nevis, or
what is going on IN fashionable society,
has finally become a feature of metropo1i-
tan journalism. Yet nothing is more
common among fashionable people than
outcries against the impertinence Of
newspapers, the reporters of which in
wade the privacy Of their homes. There
are even inginuations that the best way
to be nd Of this inquisitive class ID to
help its members down stairs with the
toe of the boot.
Any one who il familiar with the man
agement Of the great newspapers in this
city, knows what q conjugal struggle tie
editors have to cut down the copy SO a.
to get all the news into the paper. There
is little exaggeration in saying that q
journal the size of the Times or the ZFi-
bune 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 uninteresting 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 q mail fails to bring
| statements that a wedding will take place
at such an hour In such q church; that
this lady has returned from Europe by
such a steamship; that this Nj and her
husband will sail ; that q reception
(Which ''please notice") is to occur at
such a number in Fifth avenue at the
time named; that enclosed is an invita-
ton to a wedding to take place 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 moi
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 6
man on the paper who obtained for hel
the copy at an early hour in the day.
Her father had often said that all news
paper men were good for was to be
kicked. A reporter called one evening
to see the husband of q leader In New
York society about an addition to q Ii
brary in which the family had long beer
interested and which is certainly a legiti
mate subject of inquiry. The gentle
man was out. The servant, however
with a knowing air suggested that tn,
lady of the house might be able to Civ.
the desired information. Down stair
came the lady, smiling graciously, still
in her wrapper. The reporter told hi
errand. hOh dearF" exclaimed the lad,
in a most disappointed voice, 81 though
you had come to report my ball."