The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1885-09-03

iession. more than any other. presents an
example OF that evolution which is accom-
plshed by natural selection and the sur
vival of the fiitest." The greatest journalists
of the country have reached their proud
erinence only after many years of active
work broug!. the experience that ensures
success. We cannot afford to follow amy
haphazard, happy-go-lucky system any
more than can the lawyer or the physician.
And the Montana Press Association. whose
Inauguration has been attended with such
promising omens. will prove one OF the
most powerful engines for mutual improve
ment-a sort of informal training school
where each member can learn something
from the experience or ideas of his fellows.
Editors as class are prone to attack
each other and to fill their columns with
coarse, personal abuse of their brethren.
One sinister effect of this policy is its pro-
nounced tendency to drag the editorial
profession from its high estate. 1t degfa,es
the Press before the public eye. a gronp
of editors constantly quarrelng among
themselves presents the spectacle ofa lot
OF fellows who are deserving of general
eyecration-each Of them guilty of all thai
is said by his fellows and perhaps more.
In the eyes OF the public it is dog eat dog"
Furthermore it is disgusting to the general
| reader. a few morbid tastes may delight in
such personalities, but the common-srnsc
reader, npon whom we must depend for
genuine appreciation and Ultimate support
is annoyed beyond measure. | appeal To
any of You to tell me if quarrel between
editors conducted through the columns of
their PAPERS, of which you are IA disin-
teresied reader is not ridiculous and dis
gtsting. Next tinie you feel like provoking
or carrying on a quarrel with your neigh
Dor, put yourself in sensible reader :
place ami re member your bread AMI butter.
But criticism of fellow editors and the
products of their pens is frequently not
merely proper but necessary; il is often our
duty to differ most positively with the pro-
fessional or public bearings of a fellow
editor; il is often necessary To call attcn-
ton to his professional or even personal
faults and to contradict and oppose him
strenuously. Bat all this can be done in :.
courteous split and without breach of pro-
fessionai etiquette or of the decorum which
should mark the intercourse of gentlemen.
There is n, member of this association who
, is not entitled to the respect of all ineai
much more should lie command il from
! 4; II 1i.ts In, Ia
posed to recognize the respectability anu
high honDr of our common profession.
> Where no personal acquaintance exists
there is little regard for personal feeling
e But sucl gatherings as this. repeated at in
l tervals. promotes friendship, softens prrju-
4 dices, opliterates baseess antagonisns ;nd
p makes d brethren in acquaintance as w'
:, are in aIsiness. 1t seems to me that II
this raticular, a marked benefit has al
ready rAultcd since the organic meeting p
this Association.
And iis avoidance of coarscnes. >5pu.'
II be obsGvei in all personal criticisms. i
= is very teqnertly the province OF the news
paper discuss the records OF qual'iica
.ions oincn occupying or seeking pnbli'
a position lit appears to be a duty to 'lisal
a, prove Il their public act, or aspirations
f. that .li4; can he most effectively pcriorina'
,e in "a sl.rit of Gecency, geniility aud iai
= conscirrec, remembering that such n.el
il have trends and that offensive langnae
| will covert them into enemies oi you
d. paper md will not add one.to it, liz, -
a "a ,.;r nj h,nnr,l,ia crit isis
H. ever inst impressive and shows create
liz dignityand stronger case than do co1rs
TIA and sendalous language. Inwarrailtabl
,ir denunj jations and assertions that cannd
,d be maintained. ! do not mean To conve
of the intrence that paper may be- ''i''''fs'
e- fully pnaucied and ever oecupv p..:cc i
lie the affections of men. He is either an ia
.ir ac,ivepr an insignificant person Who live
ell in thi. crowded, struggling world wi-hou
lis occasbnally interfering with the pl"asnrc'
m. purst;s or ambitions of his fellow. 81
m. is with the great individuality called
M newspaper Ii il is alert and pro gressiy'
i'm with irm ideas on all subjects. cpniuete
he wiihut fear. favor or malice. II must t
e,s necessity touch sore spots here aud thei
he and incite envy and enniiy. but at T.!
a, sam.tnei it will receive due respect.
ON
de Tie editorial page. willie by no meat
us the lost Important feature of the lape
ON shoid be conducted with infinite care
~ thaii may be a brilliant framework! for IL
wi picare formed hy your news columns {
sri' We, a. the wand by which To guide publ
'ur option and attract personal fesl.c..
) tina department of the paper avoid a Slot
w c!,. careless style; express no ha-ty, a
ali Considered opinions; be- honest and c"n'i-
ru eli in your expressions lest Sour lack
isl ,itcrliy he discovered and your iniiien'
rk w..,ienei back your ideas wi h AZ .n'nea
an for ie human mind turns upon tar giv'
ii of rason; be fearless in attacking What ~
.rs helfve to deserve attack, for even uaayli
inqbravery l. more admirable dan ina