St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-07-15


fits derived from it may as well be reaped by
this association as by private concerns With
only private ends in view. Inc dignity OF
this association, no less than the interests OF
the newspapers of the country, demands that
there be a national newspaper directory TO
tell the unvarnished truth about all the
NEWSPAPERS whether they advertise IN IL or
not Another valuable feature OF such mead
quarters would be a bureau of information
by which publishers everywhere cOulu De
promptly advised of all new and practicable
inventions of the most recent ideas ana
methods of the fluctuations IN prices OF
material. and likewise be warned concerning
swindleS and frauds.
But its greatest value would lie IN the OPP
portunities it would afford for solving THIS
much vexed question of foreign advertising
All over this land are business concerns an&-
ious to patrOnize the columns OF the news
papers, and willing 10 nay reasonably Tor lne
privilege But between them and the news
papers stands a gang OF so called agents. VINO
possess no interest in either the advertisers
or the newspapers, and meTclieSsly ABSORB
the mons share of the business. Why
should not this aSsOciatiOn-WhY should not
the newspapers employ their own agents:
Why should not those VINO claim 10 repre-
sent the newspapers be interested IN secuI-
ing the highest prices and best advantages
for those whom they represent ana mol IN
seeking all these for themselves: Either the
neWspapers-esp especially the weeklles-should
adopt some method of this kind or they
should abandon foreign advertising alto.
gether. The fact is that vast numbers OF
agents NJ m actual loss when they should
Just IS we'll have it at a fair profit II the
papers represented in this association could
thus deal
Directly With Advertisers
through their own agents they would not
only receive double treble. quadruple the
figures now paid them, but they would have
the volume of their patronage greatly IN
creased and would maintain their dignity IN
addition The truth is that the advertising
agents have whipped the newspaper press IN
detail from one end of the land 10 the other,
and simply laughs atits seeming helplessnesS
and discomfort. But we have il III our
power TO remedy the evil and protect our
selves If we do but exert the power.
The duties OF this national Headquarters
might be further enlarged. II could be made
the medium for the purchase OF material OF
all kinds, paper, type, auxiliary Sheets pres
SeS-eYerythng used III printing ounce,
which by being purchased IN quantity could
be obtained al rates far below that now PAID.
When type founders, press builders roller
makers and paper dealers organize trusts
against US why should we not adopt the plan
Of cO-aperation for our own benefit: Thus
publishers in remote sections OF The country,
without mourning the expense OF travel or
Investigation. could be afforded the Dement'S
Vi the best material and the lowest rates.
The details Of this management II IS not
necessary here to indicate. That the plan is
simple and practicable there IS no doubt.
1t would unity, harmonic, organize Inc
press Of the country, bring lis members into
Il better acquaintance with each other Sug-
gest new movements and result IN Dement'S
which can now be neither foTetOld nor mag
ined One feature that would probably
grow out of ii would be the creation OF
press fund, such as exists in England to-day.
The proceeds 10 be applied to the support of
Them
selves out in their profession. The scanty
wages paid editorial writes IN many places
barely provides them with the means OF sub
sistence, and it is not Characteristic OF many
of them, among whom are some OF the most
refined and cultivated men of the times, to be
prOYident Of their means. It would be the
uOblest expression OF philanthrOl ny 70 thus
provide for these accomplished men, who, II
their day and generation, do so much TO adj
vance the CIVILIZATION ana increase the nap
piness Of mankind. 1t would be benevO-
lence to which the Weather Journalists
would gladly contribute. and whose malnte-
nance would be glory 20 our procession.
The near approach of the world 5 fair and
the promise Of building for the use of the
newspapers suggests a possible solution CT
this matter Of national headquarters which
is well worthy Of consideration. l respect
fully suggest that the subject be referred to
a special committee TO report, if possible,
during this session.
must be educational rather than legislative
v hen press association, state or national,
undertakes even apparently, 10 enact rules
arbitrary in nature, or TO consider subjects
calculated to provoke friction. II will fail in
its purposes and suffer as the result. But in
a spirit Of kindness and mutual belpfulness
much may be accomplished. Why should
not the members Of the National Editorial
association agree upon what are fair rates
for advertising and recommend them to the
various states for adoption. Such reeOmmen-
datiOn would imply no obligation upon the
delegates here 10 abide by them, but would
be by Wav Of information ana advice, as the
Judgment Of this body for the benefit Of the
press throughout the country. At the meeting
at Boston last year a report was adopted rec
ommending certain advertising rates. l sug-
gest that the work there begun be continued
and completed here. until this association
can give to the newspapers Of the country
lust and rational table Of rateS-Such rs will
be of great advantage 10 thousands Of pub
fishers who are suffering constant loss from
want Of knowledge upon the subject.
4 committee on legislation appointed at
our last meeting VIII report during this ses-
sion. ! have reason to state that the commit
tee has done its work well. and viii no doubt
make an interesting and valuable report
The newspapers can WELD powerful influ-
euce in securing legislation OF value to them
selves as well rs 10 the people. In an asso-
citation of all the states. il Is possible TO gather
ject CT legislation and to reach conclusions
which can be utilized TO great advantage.
The libel law in many states is imperfect and
unjust. This association, at its Denver
meeting in 1857, declared its view
upOn the subject of libel to be that when
alleged lbclous publications are made malice
shall not be presumed unless n retractiOn or
apology is refused 10 be made. or unless the
circumstances surrounding the publication
and tie refusal to attract or apologize con-
81 10 q
several states have amended their libel laws
In accordance with this recommendation.
But others have not done so, and this asSO-
citation cannot too often assert its position
upon this subject. There should be one pro-
vision in the libel law OF every state in the
lana. and that is that only so much of the
money recovered from the newspaper should
be paid 10 the complainant as viii repair him
for the actual damage done. and that the re
mainder should 60 to some benevolent fund.
This would not only protect the newspapers
from purely mercenary attacks, but also
from disTeputable lawyers who instigate
these suits in order 10 pocket the lions share
Of the damages as fees.
Advertising Prices.
The prices for,legal advertising vary largely
In the different states, as do also the pro-
visions for protecting publishers in the col
lection Of their fees. Some states publish
their statutes annual reports of municipal
and other corporations. and much other mat
Ter OF interest 10 the puBllG- OLIeTS PUBLISH
scarcely anything. There never could be a
more favorable opportunity than will be az
foTded during this meeting of ascertaining
the conditions Of legislation in the various
states, and even if this association can not
formulate its views upon these subjects the
Information gained would he exceedingly
valuable and can be utilized to advantage in
nil sections. The matter Of legislation is one
that can not lie TOO thoroughly considered by
this body.
Among the influences which have con-
tribUted TO the upbuiIding Of this association
and the promotion OF the great purposes for
which it Is constituted, not one has been more
effective than has its special journal. the
National Editorial Journalist. 1t has been a
loyal and able defender of the interests of
this body. and has become such a valuable
compendium Of the best journalistic thought
and intelligence as TO render 1t indispensi-
bic TO every editor and publisher. With its
maintenance IS largely identified the pros
perity of this association and while we
should extend substantial announcement to
all publications i'll the interest of our profess
sion this one possesses Strenuous claims to
Our patronage.
! have no recommendations touching
amendments 10 the constitution and bylaws
While a few minor changes might be made to
advantage. the days OF this meeting are too
r,rnesorc ia Ia rcralr- 6avctaI 70