The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-06

measure that the interests of the merchants are
identical. They are rivals in working for bust
ness and the success of their respective political
parties. And vet, because of that rivalry, the
Sun is not warranted in calling the editor of
the Herald an unmitlgated scoundrel and
IN r the %nostrils of IN dec yllialng men. s These
to some that are used. As Fred Douglass wrote
to his master, ''the vocabulary of the damned
affords no words sufficiently Internal" to express
an excited editors opinion of his rival. Possibly
ne may have some infirmlty or deforinlty, and
alluslon is made to that as a mark which the
Creator has placed upon him by which all men
may know him. This sort of controversy, to say
nothing OF It's morality, Is undisnifed and I'M
gentlemanly. 1t is not enjoyed or approved by
the class of readers who may be relied upon to
support a newspaper; it dishonUrs the profession
and degrades the manhood OF editors who engage
in it.
Discussion is proper and necessary. The con-
uroYersial discussion of political and other ques-
lions on which men may differ, in the editorial
columns of newspapers, is both right and bene-
fetal, when conducted in a proper spirit and for
the purpose of establishing the truth. Such dis
eussion should always be candid and d~jgnified.
Candor is impelled by a conviction that the posi-
tlon taken, or view entertained. is correct, aud
dignity of manner goes naturally with the pre-
s%entation of sound argument The average
reader is able to discover the difference
between q bubble and an argument, and
very soon entertains a contempt for the
qul0bler. Ridicule may be employed edect<
80 10 ONiAh M bhO PAoHOHAeAyA
worthy of candid argument or it may be tho
only weapon possible to employ against an ar
gument that is unanswerable. Inveetive and
personal abuse are both undiguifed and ia
~effeetual. A Chicago policeman who was "a quiet
spectator of a fight between two men, being
asked why he did not interfere, replied that he
did not desire to be pragmatical. Some editors
are rather inclined to be too much that way;
they are hunting O quarrel or improving every =
opportunity to interfere in somebody else's fight.
1t would be well for them to cultivate absti-
nence and appropriate the moral contained In
the pOliceman's answer.
While it is entirely possible and reasona-
BILE for rival newspapers to live on amicable
terms with each other, it Is only possible when
each attends strictly to its own business. 1t is
not wise for them to play the old game of mutual
ing each others business, or to quote largely from
each others columns to display their good will.
1t is better that their relations be friendly in o
quiet way, without frequent demonstrations.
and when differences come up. as they will nat
urally, let them be discussed with moderation
and decorum. The establishment and cultiva-
tiOn of mora intimate relations between MEM
bers of the press throughout the State will dis
cover wants and the means of supplying them.
Personalities in the editorial columns of a par
tisan newspaper are one of the evidences of in
dividuallty, and their use is to be commanded
rather than condemned. They lend a eharu aud
vivacity to the columns which nothing else can
supply. And yet, personal abuse should be
avoided. 1t is not profitable in a political cam
paign to attack the private life and character OF
a candidate of the opposite party, whether for
county, State or national office. Attacks of this
kind call out counter attacks: elimination
and recrimination follow. The sanctity of
the home Is invaded, and whatever
can be discovered or invented that is preiudiciaI
to the candidate is published for the purpose of
injuring him. Such attacks usually help rather
than injure the person at whom they are aimed,
The general intelligence and sense of fair play In
the American people cannot readily be imposed
upon by the printing OF anything that is mali
cious or unjust. 1t Is gratifying to believe that
the publication OF scandals and petty ISLANDERS is
no longer regarded a potent factor in changing
votes, and is no longer practised by honorable,
self-respecting newspapers. 1t is time editors
should understand that most persons who read
and pay for papers are disguised with vItupera.
zion and scurEility' and 1t is hoped that from
lies" as a distinct branch OF car
pentry, will not be .practiced.
style of attack in the public press. 1t is not Of
ten employed by editors of character, who pre-
tend to conduct an honorable business. The dl-
rect, unequivocal charge Is more manly and eff
fective. As a full discussion of this topic would
involve the freedom of the press and the law OF
libel, which Will be exhaustively treated by a
competent gentleman who has made thorough
preparation, l will not pursue it further.
Tae question OF public PATRONAGE Ia the form
meeting by a capable member, who
has spent much time in ascertatning
the subject, and whether amendment is needed.
In conclusion, it may not be improper TO say
newspapers that are started ever become es-
tablished. In conformity to the scientific law
Of nature, discovered but recently, OuE the
fttest survive. In other words, a newspaper
whose field of public action is wisely chosen
will survive, if it is conducted in such q manner
as to deserve recognition ard popular support; it
will fail If it has no field or no guiding principle
in it's management, The least valusbie of all
chattels recognized as property is a newspaper
located IN toe wrong place. or one which
has neither popular respect nor official
patronage. The most valuable property,
considered in connection with the amount of
cash capital invested, is a good newspaper, we'll
located ana properly conducted. Such a news
paper is worth four times as much as the ma
chinery and materials used in its publication.
Let each editor and proprietor make The estimate
aud computation for himself. His SO, 900 outfit,
in the form OF press, type, etc, should give him
a newspaper worth $4,000. The increment rep
resents satisfactory situation, editorial ability,
business management and hard work. All these
constitute what is compreneuded in thu term,
good will" They make tho paper so valuable
that its patrons entertain Tor it only good will,
which consists very largely of cash payments.
Every Indiana editor is presumed TO have a
thorough knowledge of domestic and foreign
politics, in addition to Il classical education. He
has, of course, the most comprehensive inf0rma-
ton on all scientific questions, including the
latest discoveries and demonstrations. His is
an encyclopedia i'll ten volumes on ancient and
modern political history. He knows all about
the school system and the practical manage
ment of public, private and parochial schools.
He must be on intimate terms with ecolesiastIo
history, the drama, the opera and the circus,
and be able to run a Sunday-schOOl. Being able
to write huently on all subjects, and having
under his vest a conscience void of offense, ha
has a perfect right TO be a serene individual.