The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-02-06
PER YEAR:
WEDNESDAY. FEB. 6.
The Democratic Press of Indiana.

The Indiana democratic editorial associ-
ton held its annual meeting in this city
Thursday. The attendance was crafty
ingly large and the proceedings were in
teresting and entirely harmonious. Mr..
30. HENDERSON, the brilliant young editor
of the Kokomo Dispatch, was chosen presi-
dent for the ensuing year.
The assembling of so many democratic
editors from all parts of the state made
pleasant occasion. Democratic journalism
in Indiana is, we are glad to say, on the up
grade. With very few exceptions the
democratic newspapers of the state are
now conducted with ability and are
credit to the party and the state. Our
democratic editors are body OF sincere,
earnest, faithful men, thoroughly devoted
TO the great principles which they advo-
cate with so much intelligence and vigOr,
and fully abreast OF the times There
has been a distinct and very
gratifying advance in 'the tone and
general character of the democratic news
papers of the state during the last few
years, and as a rule they are now con-
Quoted with more dignity, enterprise and
ability than their republican competitors.
They show a progressive spirit; they are
quick to take up any movement or meas
ure in the interest of clean politics and
honest government; they are growing in
independence and in courage, and, better
than all, in the self-respect and faith in
the people which inspires them to disre-
gard the dictates of corrupt politicians
and party bosses. and do their own think
ing.
Our democratic papers are unquestion-
ably more prosperous than ever before,
as a rule This is partly the cause, and
partly the result, of their improved char
acter. Their prosperity will continue to
increase if they continue to advance along
the lines OF clear and progressive journal
ism, and il, at the same time, sound bust
ness methods are practiced. 4 newspaper
is business enterprise, and its business
end" should be conducted on strict BUSH
ness principles. For instance, the cash
In advance system ought to be adopted by
every publisher, and rigidly adhered to-
No paper should be sent out of the pub
lication office TO any subscriber who is in
arrears for so much as a single copy. This
Is the only safe and legitimate plan. THE
SENTINEL carries no delinquent subscribers
on its mailing list for single day. and it
earnestly advises its country contempt
raries to adopt the same rule, and stick to
it. A number OF them have done so, and,
according to statements made at yester-
days meeting, with highly satisfactory re-
suits.
The SENTINEL is more than pleased with
the growth and prosperity OF the demo-
cratic press of the state. 1t will continue
70 grow and prosper if it continues to de-
serve such good fortune. 1t is by far the
most effective agency available for the
propagation of democratic principles, and
Z ought to be literally supported by all
Who are interested in their success. 1t
should be the pleasure. as it is the duty,
Of every democrat in Indiana to take
ais home paper, and to pay IN adj
vance therefor. And the publishers should
make il their first business to see that
their patrons get full value received, espe-
Cl2uN III inc way VI COulplttS, dCCuIdle
and fresh local intelligence. The most
successful county papers, as Mr.. SToLL
and others pointed out yesterday, are
those which pay the most attention to
local matters. The general news of the
world, excepting as to matters of over
shadowing importance-of which brief
mention may be made to advantage
should be left to the city dailies. The
average reader, in small cities or in the
country, looks to MS local paper for local
news, and to some metropolitan paper for
general news. The former cannot COM
pete with the latter in presenting the news
If the world; but no more can the latter
compete with the former in It's peculiar
field