The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-07-26
THE NATIONAL EDITORIAL
CONVENTION.
The Fourth Estate. |

The convention of the National
Edit Crial Association which met in
Asbury Park, N. J., July 2-6, was
undoubtedly the most representative
gathering of newspaper editors that
has taken place in this country. There
were about five hundred delegates
present, representative of the rank and
file of American editors.
Since the organization of the associa-
ton 1t has grown, not only in
members, but in power and influence.
1t may not number among its active
members the editors Of a few news
papers whose chief claim for distinction
lies in the large number of copies of
their papers circulated daily, but it
does include hundreds of editors, each
in his way as powerful as the men who
affect to ignore his usefulness.
The "country editor as he is
called by his brethren in the city, is
in possession of greater power and
more far-reaching influence in pro-
portion to the circulation of his paper
than can possibly be the editor of
metropolitan newspaper. The former
is numbered by thousands, while the
latter are easily within the range of
hundreds to enumerate.
From the ranks Of "county editors"
have graduated some of the leading
lights of American journalism. 1t
has been found that progressive ideas
are no patent to editors in the large
cities, and that the "man in charge"
of a crossroads patent inside can
frequently give points of great value
to the fellow whose publication is run
off on perfecting press.
The meetings of the National
Editorial Association have been pro-
ductive of much good. They have
brought together in a common cause
editors from every section of the
country.
Topics of general interest have been
discussed and means and methods
presented for the general good.
The editor of the "hated con-
temporary has joined in debate with
the editor of the " sheet around the
corner" and each has gone home
with the opinion that "the other
fellow was not SO bad after all.
After a meeting between the editor
from Maine and the editor from
Georgia, the "fiery editorials" grow
! cooler, and there are fewer exchanges
of hostilities Men learn to know
each other better, and by association
weave closer bonds of relationship.
But, aside from the sentimental
phase, there is one of business. 1t is,
perhaps, the foundation of the whole
structure. Upon it the success or
failure OF all interests depends.
The interchange of ideas is Of
inestimable value. Suggestions are
made and ideas presented that are
worth thousands of dollars. Ways
and means for the betterment of the
press are sought. Political bias is
cast aside and fraternal affiliation
takes its place. Improvements in
mechanical appliances are exhibited
and explained and their effect upon
the making of newspapers noted. In
fact, the meetings of the National
J Editorial Association have been a most
important factor in the progress ol
American journalism.
The program contained many topics
ofgeneral interest which were judiciouly
assigned and which received able
treatment.
The convention attracted many
editors in addition to the regular
delegates. The charming surround
ings of Asbury Park were inducements
which at this time Of year is hard tC
resist.