The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-27


victions, but every one admires this quality In
others. The consistent, reliable, working MEM
bers OF the party want paper TO represent them
that does not have to apologize for its existence
and that OF its party-and no other kind has
much influence with them or commands much
respect
The true independent paper is the partisan
paper, the one whose party loyalty cannot be
questioned Such paper las earned the right
to advise and to criticise Its standing as mem
Der OF the party-one that desires the greatest
good to the party-wiu cause its words to be
needed by party friends and give them more
weight than half dozen independent papers Of
equal ability, which may be friends or enemies
not necessary that paper shall indorse
every man or measure that may be foisted upon
the party. The paper that is actuated by princi-
pie and has the true interests Of its party at
heart will stand as q monitor and guide to direct
the course Of that party and itmay often become
necessary to raise warning voice or protest
against certain acts or tendencies Of its own
party, and 1t will not Hesitate to do So however
painful the duty.
while it is right for paper TO be strongly
partisan, to stand up manfully for its principles
and its men against all foes yet it Is true that
most papers deal too much in politics When
the editor Is lazy, or tired, or hurried, Ii is so
easy to dash off an article on the familiar and
fruitful subject Of politics that the temptation
Is almost irresistible. A paper should give no
uncertain sound when 1t does speak, yet 1t is not
proper for a paper more than an individual, to
be forever Haunting It's politics in the face Of
Every paper should aim to be ben
eft TO the community in which 1t
is published Aside from any question of poll
tics, IL should make its patrons feel that it is
their friend; that it desires their welfare and
would not favor anything believed to be to their
injury. This can only be done by the paper
identifying itself with the affairs of the whole
people, aiming to advance every good work, and
ready to encourage and assist every one in any
proper enterprise When a paper succeeds in
making its readers feel thus toward it they. will
listen to it's advice as that of a
friend, and be influenced by its teach.
ing. Then one sound political article
will have more weight than a dozen fired at
them in such manner as to convey the impress
sion that the editor is kind of machine, set to
grind out so much politics daily or weekly, and
does it because it is his business, or because he
can't help it.
No paper can afford to be partisan in strictly
matters OF business, or in the publication OF
rather all should be friends in this respect, and
the same rule should apply to all. The
paper that grants special favors to
one mans business and discriminates
politics. will earn the merted contempt of the
public So, in matters of news all things that
are proper to publish at all should be given
fairly no matter if they have a political bear
ing. 1t is often unpleasant to give piece Of
news that reflects our own party, but it is
only fair, and is the best policy in the end
Neither, in the treatment of people in their
social relations, can paper afford to
be partisan. The perricious habit some
times INDUCED in of complimenting men,
snubbing them because they are bad Democrats
or vice versa, indicates small, contemplate
spirit and weakens the influence of the paper
People like to be noticed enjoy seeing their
names in print, being treated as of some i'm
portance, and if the compliment comes from a
political opponent it is all the more gratifying
A little taffy judiciously distributed smooths a
good many rough places in the editorial pathway
The man you compliment is sure to admire your
judgment in one thing at least and predisposed
to accept it in others. 1t creates a good feeling
and makes many friends who would otherwise
DO enemies.
To briefly recapitulate: a newspaper can afford
to be squarely and emphaticay partisan in
teaching and defending the doctrines of its own
party, and attacking those of the opposite; but,
in doing so, the object should be to convince
rather than merely exasperate opponents.
Neither is it necessary to defend bad men or ad-
vocate wrong principles that may have attached
themselves to the party, though this Is often
a matter of choice between two evils
In no other respect can it afford
to be partisan. In reference to mere news in
the treatment of financial social religious,
and all the various subjects of interest to the
community no question or pOltlcS SnOulu ever
be permitted to 1ntrude
In fulfilling q request made by the association
at its last meeting Mr.. E. w. Halford, of the
Journal, delivered brief address on the life of
the late w. s. Jingle, of Lafayette, alluding
specially to his professional, social
and domestic relations. concluding his
remarks by offering the following which the as
ISOLATION ordered spread on the records: I'm the
death of w. 8. Lingle late president of the Re-
publican State Editorial Association, the press
of Indiana has lost one who contributed in very
large degree to its high character and influence
the association has been bereft of wise coun-
selor, the State an honored citizen, and each of
us warm personal friend Other members of
the association briefly paid tribute to the estima-
bic qualities of Mr.. Lingle in speaking upon the
memorial.
The election of officers for the ensuing year
resulted as follows
President-G. I. Reed Peru Republican
Vice-president-John +. Wildnau Muncie Times.
Secretary-John Q. Hardesty, indianapolis Review.
Treasurer-C. Ricketts,, Columbus Republican.
Executive Committee-E. w. Halford, indianapolis
Journals NJ G. CARRIER Madison Courier; George
j. Langsdae, Greencastle Banner
Following the election of officers, which con-
cluded the business of the meeting, the associa.
ton adjourned.