St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-04-15
NEWSPAPERS AS EDUCATORS.
Editor Child's Staid Old Organ
Stands Up for Them.

otdHOS Up lOf IutIHs
Philadelphia Ledger.
1t is curious to notice the various
ways in which the daily newspaper is
read. Some take it up to fortify their
preconceived opinions and confirm their
prejudices. Whatever they can find of
this nature they eagerly read and APP
plaud; whatever is opposed they either
quietly ignore or read only to attack.
Many read from curiosity, selecting
those parts which especially attract
them. Some only care for the political
news; others for the columns on science
OF art, music or the drama; some are
most attracted by the editorial matter;
others by the local tidings, while others
scan eagerly some departments of the
various advertisements. Truly the mod
ern newspaper is a unique thing in the
extent of variety it offers for the numer-
Gus interests and tastes of its many
readers, and faithful description of it,
as it now exists, might have found place
in olden times among the marvellous
fairy tales.
Even now few persons know how to
make the best use of this daily friend
and instructor. While all go to it for
interest or amusement or special infor-
nation, few regard it as serious means
of education. Yet such it certainly
might become if it's capabilities were
recognized and brought out. In the
first place the reliable newspaper gives
running history of the present time
of our own country most copiously and
infinitely, but also of the other countries
of the world in their main features.
Every student of past history may thus
continue his studies up to the latest day
and keep hold of the threads which
otherwise must be dropped, while all
may have their interest in the past
quickened and revived by studying the
more vital events of the present. Thus
the careful and judiciouS perusal of the
daily paper may become real educa-
ton in the line of history.
1t may also secure many of the adj
vantages which are gained by travel,
for the large majority who must ordina-
rily stay at home. 1t gives more than
glimpses of foreign lands as they now
appear, their products, their various OBJ
jectS of interest, their phases of civil
zation. Indeed, it is quite possible for
one man to visit a distant country, and
to come away with less real knowledge
about the place and people than another
has gained at home through the daily,
perusal of an able newspaper.
There is, however, no one educa-
tional value SO great as the stimulus
given to the individual to exercise his
own mental and moral faculties, and
this every wise reader of an excellent
newspaper may gain. The great ques-
cuSSed, and he has fair opportunity
of cultivating and using his Judgment
upon them. 1t is not always
needful that the he arrive at unalter-
able conclusions concerning all o
them, but it is of the first Importance to
his own manhood that he accustom him
self to think of them impartially and
reasonably. and thus fit himself for
future action or decision when the time
comes. Prejudice is always narrow and
ignorant. 1t can be driven out only by
larger views, broader Outloolls and
deeper knowledge, and these in turn
will stimulate thought and reason, and
lead to just conclusions.
1t may be said that to make the news
paper such means OF education would
be impossible for many and difficult for
all. Everything valuable has its diff
ficulties, and doubtless the habit of
reading the newspaper for improve
ment, as we'll as for news and amuSe-
ment, cannot be acquired without
some effort. But it is an effort that will
richly repay every one who puts it
forth. One practical method of cu1tivat-
ing this habit among the young is the
newspaper class, which has been intro
duced into some of our best schools, and
in some outside circleSor clubs OF young
people. Special subjects are taken up
by competent instructor, explained
and commented upon, questions an
Swered, and general interest aroused.
This interest is naturally increased
by the continual changes and progress
of events, and the members of such
class will soon be found eagerly watch
ing for the sequels to the events they
have been discussing in each fresh
newspaper as it arrives. Much of the
same work may be done by intelligent
parents In the home circle, and
gossip and idle conversation may
be replaced by interesting dis
cussion on vital questions now
so little understood and so little cared
for. Young girls thus instructed will
paper to the fashion column and the
marriage notices: nor boys to the sport
ing intelligence and police reports; but
both will take real interest in all topics
of value to their city, their country and
the world.
No greater stimulus could be given to
the character of the newspaper itself than
such habit of thoughtful and judiciouS
reading. The demand for accurate in
formation. sound views and an elevated
moral tone would be vastly increased
and would be promptly met, and thus
the influence of every careful and intel
ligent reader would be felt for good
through the entire community.