Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-05-17
Why He Left.

"Arkansaw journalism was not very
inviting when came to the State,v said
the religious editor of an apostolic publi-
cation. ''but / am regardless Of Invitation.
entered the newspaper business at quite
an early age, and soon became local adi-
tor Of the Nashville onion, 4 paper that
fiOurished before the war. We had no re-
ports in those semi-weekly days of South
ern journalism. The local editor was
supposed to gather all the news and write
il in accordance with his own ideas
There was no managing editor. The edi-
tor was too much occupied with politics
to pay any attention to news matters: SO
the local man. especially as his de-
partment was one of secondary con-
sideration, had i comparatively easy
time and very poor salary. One night /
Went out TO report the closing exercises
of the medical college. This was a great
event in society circles, and the paDer con-
tanning full account was treasured by
every one present. The political editor
cOndeScended to tell me to make fulbre-
port to our next edition, which came out
on the following morning, and impressed
in no small degree with my mission, |
went forth to execute the great command.
/ had not gone very far when | met
party of friends. They recognized my i'm
pOrtance and hOnored me accordingly. but
ventured to suggest the prOpriety of going
into a saloon and taking something to
drink. As | was rather early for the cere-
monies, went in and formed one link of
a circle around decidedly convivial
table. We took several drinks, when
| arose and declared that
must go. sit down. said friend. What
the thunder do you care for lot of doc
tors? You've got a programme, so what's
the difference whether you go or not?' |
sat down again and before / could realize
how time had flown, late hour had
arrived. | hurried to the office and from
the programme wrote up a glowing ac-
count OF the exercises. The editor read
the proof and expressed himself highly
gratified. He became so enthusiastic
over it that he declared his intention of
increasing my salary. | went to my room
pleased with myself and satisfied with the
world. l lay in bed and smoked my pipe
with thrilling sense of pleasure. dream
ed of fresh laurels, of coming greatness as
a journalist. l awOke with a pleasant re-
collection of the previous night. The
EDITORS words were fresh in my ears. l
would be great journalist. The servant
entered the room and handed me the OPP
position paper. | held it for a moment,
and wondered if the poor fellow who
wrote up the medical college exercises
had received such compliments from the
editor rs | swallowed. III read the Door
fellows report unused. / looked for a
double head but could not find it. 'Un-
equal to the OCCASION thought. just
then my eyes fell upon the fol-
lowing sensational paragraphs lowing
to the illness of Professor Eve, the com.
mencement exercises of the medical
college, which were to have taken place
last night, were postponed Twas sunni
ed. l reached for my pants, and drew
them on in daZed way. left the room
hurriedly. While | stood at the foot of
the stairs, | saw my editor enter the front
door with shotgun. l slipped around,
climbed the back fence, sought the sub
urbs, and meditated. l knew that a re-
turn to the city was certain death. had
no money. but started on a foot voyage.
CATER months of weary walking |
reached Arkansaw, where / secured a
situation as editor of religious paper.
Here L cannot forestall events. The Cos
pei goes ahead. Once | heard that my
old editor was dead, and l started on a
visit to Nashville, but hearing the report
cOntradicted, l returned. Editing a re-
ligiOus paper may not be so sensational,
but it is much more safe.