The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-04-16
The Reporter.

1t Is singular the public generally
does not accord the reporter the per-
sonal honor that is his due. He is es-
sentially the public's very faithful SER
want, and public servants are ordina-
rily held in specially honorable regard.
As it is, he is, as rule, looked upon as
atolerated rather than favored individu-
al. This should not be. The reporter
occupies position very nearly at the
front among the elements that contri-
butte to the progress of the world. He
is one of the most useful products of
the nineteenth century. There were
reporters, of course, a hundred years
ago, but they were only feeble proto-
types of the reporter of to-day. He
represents in himself and his calling
the eager quest of the world for infor-
nation. As the newspaper has grown
in value the reporter has grown in inn
portance, for it is by the work of the
latter that the former is maintained.
There are many persons usefuuy eIn-
ployed in Journalism who are not Te-
porters and they will take no offcnse at
the assertion that to the reporter be
longs the chief seat OF honor among
journalists. There are reporters Of
many classes and grades, but their du
ties are very similar. 1t would appear
that there was 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 may imagine
Almost the same abilities are called iutO
play and in each instance the aim is
the Same-accurary and completeness.
The qualifications necessary to the sue
cess. ul prosecution of his work are
multifarious. He must be able to dis
cover. penetrate, apprehend AMI real
ize. He must have an agreeable man
ner. courage. nerve, presence of mind.
resources that never fail. His discre-
ton must be exquisite; his judgment
exact; his conclusion irreiutable
Usually he must work without definite
orders and at the same time do every
thing necessary to the proper prrSen-
tation of the subject in hand. In no
other business, perhaps, are so many
qualifications demanded. Is it anY won
der satisfactory reporters are scarce?
The reporter is Il most disagreeable
person to the individual who has an
uneasy conscience. The embezzler; the
thieves of the public treasury; the rob-
law; the politicians who have certain
opinions of themselves and others for
the people; rascals with schemes afoot
none of these are favorably inclined
toward the reporter. And just here
may be cited fact OF special moment
as indicating the very responsible po-
sition occupied by this unpretending
member of the press. The people have
the newspapers for in ormatiOn regard
ing public affairs that almost entire
dependence is placed upon them for
knowledge relating to the conduct of
public affairs. If there is anything
wrong in the administration of these
trusts it is left to the newspapers to
discover it and, by making due report,
to enable the people to apply the prop
er remedies. This work is assigned
the reporter. They, therefore, 90 about
as representatives plenipotentiary OF
the people. There cannot be much
more important employment than this.
That the trust reposed is fully regard
ed. the downfall of many public rob-
Der attests. And loyal set of fellows
are these reporters! How incorruptible
they are, every newspaper proprietor
knows. Many an OverwOrketl, poorly
paid, shaify reporter has refused,
without hesitation and with the utmost
scorn bribes that would have made him
almost rich, and gone on unswervingly
in the line of duty, with never a
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
ClereLQnd EdnitH Fair.