The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-08
PERSONAL JOURNALISM
OF the Kind Essential to Maintain the
Law and the Rights OF the People.


Law and the Rights OF the People.
From the Baptist (Miss.) Record
Very properly this question OF personal
journalism is under discussion just now.
The Press association deplored such jour
nalsm, and a good deal is being said in the
papers obout it. 1t is topic needing wise
discussion.
Personal journalism is journalism about
persons. Whether it is right or not de-
ponds altogether on circumstances. No
thoughtful person can either condemn or
approve it without discrimination. At
lacks made on individuals in pri-
vate life or on officials without cause,
ought to be condemned. Newspaper Sian
ders ought TO be punished by the law, as
made and provided in such cases. I'm
doubtedly, editors should be held TO ac-
count both at the bar of public opinion
and at the bar of the State for a malicious
use OF their columns.
But there is personal journalism perfect
! ly right and altogether necessary to the per-
petuation OF free stitutions-necessary 10
the purity of parties and the elevation OF
public morals. Let us take an honest look
at the question as illustrated by known
cases e
1t was personal journalism that turned
lhe light on the thieving OF Boss Tweed;
hunted him from place TO place, and fin
ally securely turned the keys of the peni-
Tertiary on him. II was personal journal
ism that singled out Jacob Sharp and
brought him before the bar Of his country
to receive a Just recompense Of reward
| for bribery. 1t was the intense personal
| journalism that brought Judge Ford and
his co-conspirators and co-assassins TO jus
tice in New Orleans. II was personal jour
nalism that hung the anarchists in Chi
cago and gave pledge OF safety to the
people. II was personal journalism that
destroyed the plans and purposes OF Aaron
Burr. II was personal journalism that
overthrow Ames' direful rule in Mississippi
and the hordes OF adventures who plum
dered the south dozen years ago. II was
personal oratory that crushed the murder
GUS plot OF Catiline and saved Rome from
slaughter and plumber. 1t was personal
speech that brought lsraels SHINING king
TO repentance when Nathan told him.
Thou art the man." IL was personal
speech that caused John the Baptists head
to come Off and in due time, the destruc-
ton OF the bloody IIerodan dynasty.
II was personal journalism that brought
out and acquainted the people OF Missis-
sippi with the defalcation and jobbery and
cruelty connected with our State peni-
Tertiary. Ii was personal journalism that
fixed the guilt where it belongs. II was
personal journalism that brought TO the
notice OF the public the repeated pardon
ings OF known assassns, and personal
journalism is yet TO save our country from
the varied evils Of public plumber and mis-
rule.
II il well TO sharply condemn abuses OF
personal journalism, but to invegh against
personal journalism altogether is TO set up
the surest retreat for all manner OF public
pests. II is utterly without sense or prcce-
dent, against the genius OF free institutions
and free press. which has ever held pub
lie men to account in theirown proper per-
sons for their acts. The thing Is mischiev-
Gus, dangerous, without reason and trea-
sonable to every interest of the State and
society. An intelligent, free thinking peo-
pie will never consent 10 have the press 80
muzZlcd.
This paper is devoted 10 religion and
morality rs effected by social and political
influence. We will never consent TO be
restrained from speaking Of public men
and public measures IN they deserve.
With Sturgeon We think, II men will cor
rupt the public, II is a small thing for us to
inform the public Of Il.
We sincerely hope that the press Of the
State and country will give to this question
a calm, discriminating discussion. II has
long waited for il. II there Is real dis.
cussion Of it, the whole press will come
nearer the truth. The tendency will be 10
inform the public mind, strengthen the
weak and hesiiating papers, and curb the
impetuous and thoughtless- results desira'
bic In themselves