The record-union., 1893-05-24
THE wOMEN,S DAY.
They Monopolized the First Day of tn
Press Congress.

They Monopolized the First Day of the
Press Congress.
CHICAGO. May 23.-The first day of the
Press Congress was given over to the
women Of the profession. On the plat
form, among others, were Mrs. Croly
(Jennie June), Mrs. Wilton Stone, Susan
B. Anthony, Martha Howe Davidson
and Mary H. Krout. The congress was
opened by Mrs. Wakeman, who intro
duced as Chairman of the day and Presi-
dent of the National Press League, Mary
H. Krout, who made the address Of wei
come.
An address by Helen NJ. Winslow Of
Boston followed and then papers were
read by Martha Howe Davidson from
Olive Logan of London and Mrs. P. Oil
verona of Stockholm. Addresses were
also delivered by Mrs. NJ. A. e. Whitaker
of Boston, Miss Ethelwin Wetherald Of
Canada and Miss Eva Brodlique. The
discussion of the topic of the day, "The
Newspaper as Factor of Civilization"
was led by Mrs. Pauline Givens Swain
of Iowa and Miss Susan B. Anthony
made a few spirited remarks, eliciting
lively applause.
AT the evening session the attendance
was large, and all the addresses were
favorably received. The first speaker of
the evening was Colonel A. X. Mcclure
of the Philadelphia Times, whose topic
was ''The Relations of the Press to Polit-
ical Life and Power" He said in part
that political life and power is shaped by
our national press. Absolutely he had
no hesitation in declaring in this free
land that the great educator is the press.
1t is the supreme master, and its infiu-
ence extends everywhere. 1t is the most
potent voice in our national affairs, be-
cause it is in touch with the political life
of the country. In all Governments the
press does not reach the masses. 1t may
teach or command, but does so with the
bayonets at it's back. The American
newspaper is in sympathy with the aspi-
rations, and to this fact it owes its influ-
ences over the political life and power of
this country.
Hon. William Henry Smith of Chicago
spoke on the Public Press as Advocate
of Human Rights and the Champion of
Interests of the Common People" He
outlined the history of the prosecutions
which had befallen the champions of free
speech from the date of publication of the
first newspaper in London in 1922, pay
ing particular attention to the history of
William Cobbett, whose life was con-
tinuous struggle for the liberty of the
press. In conclusion, Mr.. Smith said the
press had been most respected and most
influential when conducted on a high
level; when the principles were avowed
and kept to the front. The names of
Hammond, Greeley, Bryant, Raymond
and Bowles stood for something Of value
to society and humanity. They did not
believe they were journalists merely "to
raise hell and sell newspapers" They
endeavored in all sincerity and truth to
live up to their responsibilities. Tho
press has won and held the respect and
confidence of the people TO the extent
that it had been brave, truthful and
honest, and, possessing these virtues, it
has been instrumental in promoting lib
erty and the general welfare of society,
thus fulfilling high mission, what from
public character ought ever to be its
career from choice, conservation to truth
and humanity.
Sever al other addresses were delivered.
among them one by Murat Halstead on
1.-THE Limitations of journalism