The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1895-05-24
TALK ON JOURNALISM.
Made Before The Mississippi
Press Association,
BY r. II HENRY AT BILOXI.
NAY Is, 1895.
A Practical Discussion Of the journalism
Of To-Day.

n lICtiCdl DlSCuSSlOu VI Gne JOuInAllSm
Of To-Day.
Through the partial kindness OF the
President of the Press Association, |
have been selected to read a paper in
this presence on the subject of "JOur-
nalism,"a theme ever old. but always
new, for no calling or profession is
more progressive, or SO thoroughly
abreast the times as the journalism of
t0-day-the promoter of scientific re-
search, the advocate of all modern
improvements, the friend of all great
discoveries, the champion of higher
education, intelligent thought, ad-
vanced ideas, and the diffusion of
wholesome, useful knowledge. TO be
thus chosen from this body of brother
editors, is an honor not to be lightly
esteemed, and for which / am duly
grateful.
When informed of the selection,
thanked our president for the honor
conferred, and inquired his wish as to
the scope Of the article to be prepared.
when he laccnically and Willingly re-
piled "Scope it to suit yourself"
Thus left TO treat the subject as in
clination may suggest, or fancy die
tate, ! am somewhat like a ship
launched upon the sea without com
pass or anchor, having nothing to be
guided by, and permitted to drift with
tide and wind. But, though thus
summarily set aflOat by our worthy
president, perchance upon an angry
sea, without 50 much as a word Of
advice or admOnition, and left to
buffet the wild waves alone, ! feel
sure that ! shall carry with me the
best wishes OF all as l sail out from
the placid port of beautiful Biloxi,
this gem Of the gulf, this home of cul-
ture and refinement; where beauty
fingers and chivalry dwells; where
lovers stroll on silvery beach, lounge
on lazy seats, rest under the shade OF
majestic oaks, or WOO in the twilight,
when the moon silvers the palm
trees, and the stars look down, and
the nightingale sings" as We leave
this dreamy, somnOlcnt Southland
"Whsre the Mexican Gulf, with gentle roar
Washes the base OF the sandy shore,
Where the pine trees grow to the waters sid,
Aud bathc their roots in the rising tide"
| And surely the tossed mariner
will here receive a warm and cOrdia
welcome from this Open-hearted ant
generous people, when his ship re
turns and glides into this quiet haven
casts anchor and lowers sail, be
coming in fact as
"Idle as painted ship,
Upon a painted ocean"
| But to the theme: The subject O.
Journalism" is OF limitless scope
affording the widest possible rang,
for discussion, covering an endless
field for practical thought and spccu
lative observation, and can only b,
slightly touched upon in a paper o
this character.
1t is frequently the custom of thos,
who are selected to speak on this sub
ject to give, in minute detail, the his
,, tory Of the rise and progress Of tn
newspaper in America, if not il
Europe. / shall not weary the pa
. thence OF this splendid audience b,
such dull recital, but will endeavor t,
cOnflne myself strictly to the subjec
OF Journalism" as l see and under
,, stand it, and have, in an humble way
3 attempted its practical exemplitca
tion, giving briefly such thoughts AM
observations as have occurred, or suQ
: gested themselves, in a journalist
experience Of nearly a quarter Of
century.
J0URNALIsM is WHAT WE MAKE IT
!, elevated and entertaining, or CON
: mOnplace and stupid, according I
! circumstances and conditions.
: great mind does not always make
: journal; but an ordinary mind ncve
1Oes. 1t is much easier to float dow
Q to level than to rise above a natura
= source; less difficult to descend to tn
y ordinary, than to ascend to tn
sublime, the down grade being NOR
inviting than the rocky stepe.
1t Is said that this is an age q
. journalism, all the acts OF the worl
4 being narrated by the press. An
this Is true, for in the journals of tn
q day we read the history and tn
! events OF the world.
, The press Is the most potent cduci
. tlOnal factor OF the ninetecth century
!, the greatest bchefactor OF mOdcr
!. times. It Is read and studied by PEI
: pie Of all ages and In every station q
4 life. II has largely taken the place {
!, the public speaker and debator; 1t ha
invaded the domain OF the minister
for while Talmage breaches TO man
hundred souls on Sunday, his sermon
are read by multiplied thousands q
: Monday. The distinguished CUl
3 gressman will address but a small a,
I dience 10 National Halls, yet ma
thrill 4 legion with hls clO0uent