The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1895-01-12
A SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM.

A SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM.
Some months ago the esteemed
Sedalia Gazette contained n forclble
editorial advocating the establishment
of II chair of journalism in the State
University.
Since that time nearly every Missouri
publication has expressed an opinion,
either pro or con. We have read, with
no little interest, nearly every article
that has appeared in our exchanges
upon this subject. We have carefully
reviewed the arguments, rs a result Of
such review, unqualiiedly endorse the
position taken by the Gazette, Presi-
dent Jesse and those of our exchanges
which have advanced arguments in
fav n OF establishing such an institu-
ton.
While we believe that Missouri jour
nslists will compare well with those of
any other state in the sistcrhood, we
further believe that Missouri newspa-
perdom could admit Of a vast improve
ment before reaching perfection.
We regard journalism as u profes-
sion, which like all other professions,
combines the theoretical with the prac-
teal.
One of our exchanges advances the
ridiculous argument, that journalists
are born, not made. A position that
carries with it its own refutation. Men
make journalists, before journalism
makes men. Some men may be en-
lowed with n native ability that may
be well adapted to journalism, but the
man in any profession who depends
upon what he learns or knows per-
chance, a never be a brilliant uc-
cess.
Environments may have much to do
with the elevation of man, but they
alone cannot carve an honored name.
1t matters not what profession a man
may adopt, he will be a miserable
makeshift, lest he apply himself dill
gently and faithfully to the study OF
that profession.
Another exchange enters its protest
and says that journalists are make in
the print shop. This is an argument
possessing merit only to a limited
extent. 1t Is equally as safe to say that
tho farmer is made at the pillow share,
fn11(arsat the rifle, the doctor at
Aslewyer in the court
Ckthe pulpit. A
not all. AZ low law
before he pleads It, nded1 before he
practices, the Bible before Be breaches
1t, so, also, must he know the princi-
pies of photography before he becomes
an author, the principles of political
economy before he becomes a states
man, the principles of journalism be-
fore he becomes n journalist. A man
learns the mechanical part Of ncwsPa-
per business in an Office, but being an
expert at kicking a press or setting
type, it does not necessarily follow that
q man is a journalist, any more than
being able to make a speech implies
that a man is a statesman.
The INTELLIGENcER believes that no
a~vocation in life carries with it more
responsibility than journalism, and 1t
further believes that every man who
enters upon that profession should be
prepared to meet the arduous response
bilities it imposes. His preparation
should begin with a study of the
English language, should embrace a
thorough research in economies and a
knowledge of psychology, logic and
metaphysics. We believe that the
journalistic profession deserves as
much at the hands Of the state as do
the professions of law, medicine or any
other.
A department OF. journalism estab-
lished at our State University in which
attention Is given to style of
writing, history, political economy,
and other branches of which the
successful journalist must have a
knowledge, would be productive of
great good to the press and people of
this commonwealth.
There has, as yet, been no valid OBJ
raised to the establishment of
such n department, and manifold rea-
could be given for such a move
These reasons are patent and
can readily be conceived.
We join with the Gazette and other
esteemed contemporaries in saying, give
US a school Of journalism in which the
Missouri boy may cultivate his talents,
20 that when he assumes the role of a
moulder of public opinion, he will be
able to discharge his duties %intelli-
The list of distinguished widows now
receiving special pensions from Uncle
$1,000 to $4,000 per an
num-is quito lengthy. 1t includes:
Mrs. James A. Garfield, S416.6 sc per
Mrs. U. s. Grant, s4l6.66;
Mrs. p. H. Sheridan, S20S. 33; Mis-.