The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-31
THE REPORTER.
IcIeveland Vanity Fair.l

tOtcVes4uu VSutty tAIf.j
 It is singular the public generally does not accord the reporter the personal honor that is his due. He is essentially the pubiic's very faithful servant, and public servants are ordinarily held in specially honorable regard. As 1t is, he is, as rule, looked upon as a tolerated rather than favored individual. This should not be. The reporter occupies a position very nearly at the front among the elements that contribute to the pro- gress of the world. He is one of the most useful products of the nineteenth century. There were reporters, of course, an hundred years ago, but they were only feeble prototypes of the reporter of to-day. He represents in himself and his calling the eager quest of the world for information. As the newspaper has grown in value the reporter has grown in importance, for 1t is by the work of the latter that the former is maintained. There are many persons usefully em- ployed in journalism who are not re- porters and they will take no offense at the assertion that to the reporter belongs the chief seat of honor among journalists. There are reporters of many classes and grades, but their duties are very similar.
 It would appear that there was a great deal of difference between "doing" police court and dealing with affairs of contentious statesman, but the difference is not nearly so great as some my imagine. Almost the same abilities are called into play and in each instance the aim is the same--accuracy and completeness. The qualifications necessary to the successful prosecution of his work are multifarious. He must be able to discover, penetrate, apprehend and realize. He must have an agreeable manner, courage, nerve, presence of mind, resources that never fail His discretion must be exquisite his judgment exact his conclusions ire futable. Usually he must work without definite orders and at the same time do everything necessary to the proper pre- sentation of the subject in hand. In no other business, perhaps, are so many qualifications demanded. Is it any wonder satisfactory reporters are scarce?
 The reporter is a most disagreeable person to the individual who has an un- easy conscience. The embezzler; the thieves of the public treasury; the robbers working within the bound of the law the politicians who have certain opinions for themselves and others for the people; rascals with schemes afoot- none of these are favorably inclined to- ward the reporter. And just here may be cited fact of special moment as in- dicating the very responsible position oc- cupiec by this unpretending member of the press. The people have become so accustomed to trusting to the newspapers for information regarding public affairs that almost entire dependence is placed upon them for knowledge relating to the conduct of public affairs. Ifthere is any thing wrong in the administration of these trusts it is left to the ne~ spapers to discover it and, by making due report, to enable the people to apply the proper remedies. This work is assigned the re- porter. They. therefore, go about as re- presentatives plenipotentiary of the peo- pie. There cannot be much more inn portant employment than this. That the trust reposed is fully regarded, the down. fall of many public robber attests. And loyal set of fellows are these reporters How incorruptible they are. every news paper proprietor knows. Many an over- worked, poorly paid, shabby reporter has refused, without hesitation and with the utmost scorn bribes that would have made him almost rich, and gone on un- swervingly in the line of duty, with never thought of regret, finding his sole re- ward in the fact of duty fulfilled. There are black sheep in every flock, but the fewest number in the newspaper fold.