Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1895-06-08
llglous. that will make the world better

liglous, that will make the world bette,
for the knowledge and truth it imparts.
The true journalist must be thought
ful citizen; one who considers a subject
in all its bearings before writing upon
1T, lie can not act upon impulse in
giving expression to his views. He
must weigh his words before speaking
them, II he would avoid saying impru-
dent things-promulgating ideas that
in his more thoughtful moments he
would not havo spoken.
Journalists, like poets and orators, II
is said, are born, not made, and while
this may, to some extent, be true, can
not wholly. subscribe to the theory.
Some men do succeed better as Jour
nalists than others. Whether this is
because OF their native talent, God
given genius, adaptabillty to tho busi-
ness, or untiring energy, is an nm.
answered question; but all these qualifi-
cations are aids and means to an end.
distinguished citizen OF this State,
who commenced life as country editor,
but abandoned it when called to Office
by his people, when discussing journal.
Ism some years ago, said: "The man
who succeeds as publisher would, BY
employing the same energy grow inde-
pendent in any other pursuit in life-no
other business requiring the industry
necessary to the successful conduct of
newspaper"
This remark impressed me as being
most forcible and true, and the same
thought has doubtless occurred to the
members of this association, who have
realized but too keenly tho hardships
in the pathway Of editor and publisher.
While there may bo some attractions
In the career of the successful journalist
glory, glamour, honor and renown,
comfort and independence, as the world
understands these terms--his life is not
! wholly one of ease and pleasure. Nay,
1t IS life of unremiting toll, arduous
labor ceaseless care, constant worry and
never-ending annoyance of miscel-
laneous and multiplied duties, ever in
creasing with renewed responsibilities.
The successful journalist must be |
fearless, aggressive, progressive, indus
trious, incessant worker, employing
every faculty, all his powers. His mind
can have no rest; his hands cannot be |
Idle lie must be early in office and re-
main late for, during the bustling
hours of business he must give much of
his time to the public and routine work,
reserving the quiet hours of evening
lor the preparation Of his editorial mat
ter, His one thought must be his paper,
bending all enegries Of mind and body,
giving all his time and attention to
making it a success. He must not only
be an industrious worker, but an en-.
thusiast, welded entirely to his profes.
sion, ever putting it above all things,
save his honor, his family and his God
lie must be positive character, man
of convictions, fearless in the advo.
cacy of what he believes to be right,
and bold to condemn what he conceives
to be wrong. Hc must be independent
in all things, not going beyond the pale
OF party, lotting the world know by his
action and utterances that his editorial
opinions are his own, and not for sale
or barter.
Much has been said and written about
personal journalism. There is nothing
more pernicous in its tendencies, Or SO
degrading in its effects; and no language
is too severe in condemning this evil
practice, one that breeds more trouble ;
and ill-feeling among members of the !
press than all other agencies for mis-
chief combined-which is but the out a
growth OF a mean temper and throws ,
doubts upon the justice of ones reason I
ing and conclusions. t
But, thanks to the good breeding and L
rare intelligence of its members, the
press OF Mississippi is distinguished for t
It's lack OF personalities, few editors feel t
ing that they can afford to stoop so low a
As to indulge in this questionable style
of journalism.
A pleasant controversy with an agree :,
'ble confrere-a gentlemen, your equal
who will treat you civlly, expecting
'ivility in return, is not out Of place.
n fact 1T lends zest to newspaper life, !,
md is often the means OF developing =
lew ideas and rich thoughts, for "lt is y
he friction Of minds which illuminates U
subject But, members of the u
'ress, let me urge you. never engage in l
! controversy with an ignorant. vain. I
glorious, cross and disagreeabie editor 81
"a carping critic, chronic fault-findar, II
Who will go out of his way to crticise ii
md condemn your acts Give him y
1ide-berth, "the right of way" Ignore
him. Let him bay the NOON to his a
earts pleasure, till he sees how ridicu- d.
GUS he appears and rerires, disguised o,
With his own vain performances. W
In conclusion. let me add, that the r.
ournalist who makes no enemies can :,
ave no true friends. for weak, vascll- ':
atng and negative character attracts II
either friend nor foe. You can not
un with the hare and hold with the
ounds. You can not serve two masters
,ou can not carry water on both L
houlders. You must declare yourself
n all great questions, and in doing SO
lust needs please one element and ST
ifend tue other. But, be it SO: for bold -,
tvocacy of question will draw about -
on an army Of friends, while your "
nemies, though heartily despising you, "
IN but admire your bold, open handed d'
nd aggressive policy. Stand by your b,
lends at all times, grapple them about ca
on with hooks of steel; ask no favor of, Is
nd give no quarter to, your enemies; ri
ut rather congratulate yourself for y.
aving made them, for then you NAV h'
now that you have within you the
ements OF success, if not of greatness. dc
'tlll in thy right hand carry gentle peace si
silence cnvous tongues. Be just and fear not; he
It all the ends thou aim st at be thy couptiys us