Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-12-15
THE PRESS.
lite Mighty influence For Good or
Evil.
Synopsis of Father Cults Interesting
Charity Lecture at the Cathedral
Last Night

Father D. B. Gull the genial aud popular
priest of Bellaire delivered lecture at the
Cathedral last evening on the Press. The
good sized audience tina. greeted him was
great personal compEu snt and showed
devotion to the cause oecharity, in which
the lecture was delivered Ri Rev. Bishop
Kahn, Mgr. Sullivan, Fathers Deehan, Nc
Elligott and McMenamin we're seated in the
sanctuary, while some of our most proni-
nent citizens were among the audience.
The reverend gentleman introduced his
remarks by quoting from Archimedes:
Give me position for fulcrum and
will shake the whole earth" One might
say now: "Give me control OF the press
and will rule the world
Formerly the sword settled great questions,
changed nations destinies, tore down old
land marks and caused new ones to spring
up. So, too, the eloquent voice of a hermit
enraptured all Europe and sent millions to
the rescue of the Holy Land; but now the
one was becoming rusty for want OF use and
eloquence though still potent, moved only
the thousands whilst tina Press carried Oh
the millions and exerted an influence that
was fathomless for good or evil. -.
The daily newspapers were consid-
cred in the pleasure they afforded, the
circulation they enjoyed and the power they
welded. The model journalist was ex
allied to the highest; the acknowledged au-
tbority which whipped scoundrels for their
stealings; tore the mask from hypocrites;
extolIed virtue; dashed the oppressors of the
pocr, and made the humblest feel they had
rights equal to the most aristocratic. The
daily journal properly conducted is the ed
ucator of the masses; the mirror in which
all mankind behold their semblance to
each other; the diary of the acts
of tbe world; the molder of opinions.
ard the great recorders Of thought. The
constituencies journalist was scathingly re-
buked for his subversion of right, his
inversion of private rights, his pandering
10 groveling passions and his purchase by
the highest bidder. The disrespect for law
full authority, the false charges against poll
rical opponents or business rivals and the
open encouragement to crime so common
10 certain large dailies were soundly rated.
The publishers of sensational trash and
illustrated accounts of criminals daring
deeds were denounced as not only devilish
in their motives and hellish in their tenden'
cics, but likewise conspirators against their
country and their race by their corruption
Of youth-the hope of the church and the
State. The editorials, the news depart
ment, the advertisements were all sub
iected to criticism.
The country editor with his able asso-
ciate editors-the glue pot and the scissors
were touched upon, also the religious
weakRes and the propriety of supporting
Catholic papers so that they become enabled
to employ the best talent in defending
Catholic doctrine and Catholic practices
and Catholic personages when so often
malgned and misrepresented. Cath
Ole and all UNCONVENTIONAL jour
nails we're confined in circulation
10 limited few, and they not always the
best payers. Journals often succumbed
because the favored few Of the subscribers
tailed to pay their honest debts. The in.
Justice often done by journals was adverted
10 and all redress declared practically i'm
practicable. A lawsuit seldom amounted
10 anything. Pistols and clubs were game
that two could play at and the editor was
generally the best shootist.
Several little anecdotes that tended to
tighten the gravity OF the subject and to
amuse the audience we're told: The col
lection taken up after the lecture amounted
to over $50, and it was bad night for col,
lections, too.
Mrs Whitaker presided at the organ and
rendered some excellent music.