Evening star., 1896-03-03
AMATEUR JOURNALISTS.
A Unique OrSanf tiOn Which VIII
Hold Its Convention Hero In ,luax.

The Capital City Club of Amateur Journal
lists. an organization of young writers inter-
estcd in the newspaper profession, is busily
engaged at present in preparing plans for
the reception of the delegates to the 18th
annual convention Of the National Ama-
teur Press Association. which will be held
here July Z, and .. This latter associat ion
consists of some SaH or 900 prominent anna
teur writers who are scattered throughout
the United States, there being a branch club
in nearly every city. Each club publishes an
official organ and many of the members is
sue papers for their own pleasure and ben
eft. These vary in size from dodgers to the
modern profess;onal-siZed magazines.
The late eX-Speaker Randall is authority
for the statement that amateur journalism
is the noblest pastine in which an Ameri-
can youth could be engaged Not only is 1t
an enjoyable pastimc bun also a great edu-
cational institution, AS ii enables the en-
bryo author, editor, reporter and politician
to express original views with greater free
dom.
The amateurs point to the fact that such
distinguished personages as Charles Dana,
Thomas Edison, Charles Scribner, Cyrus
Curtis, Nathaniel Hawthorne and John
Wanamaker were once connected with
amateur journalism. The following extract
from the National Amateur. large-sized
magazine. and official organ of the Napa. as
the organization is commonly called, DEM
onstrates the magnitude Of the great
work: "Since amateur journalism has be-
come established as an institution, it is fair
to estimate that at least ten thousand young
men have graduated from its ranks, and
from the honor many of them are achieving
in the professional world, both in journalism
and the professions. we feel bound to con-
cede that 1t is a worthy Institution
1t has always been the policy of the Mana
tC hold an annual convention at different
cities, and Washington, after hot fight
secured the '96 convention. The dates are
the same as those of the Christian Endeavor
conclave, and a large representation is ex-
pected.
The Capital City Club is exerting every
effort to make the convention a red letter
one in the history of the Napa, and from
present indications they will no doubt prove
highly successful. The executive commit
tee, which has all the plans for the con-
vention in hand. consists of the following
well-known semi-profcssionals: Misses Sa-
rah Willard Howe. Blanche NJ. Walsh. Bes-
sic A. Tyler. and Messrs II. Edwin Hadley
Smith, Dr. Walter c. Gcsling, Gus A. Schuldt
and Vincent F. Howard.
Among the principal events scheduled is
& banquet at tire Arlington. reception to
professional press. taking of convention
photo. theater party and trip to Mount Ver-
non, besides the regular sightseeing expe6;i-
tions and social functions. The Washing
tonian, the official organ of the Capital CITY
Club, will be published daily during the
convention and will contain numerous pic
lures OF prominent amateurs, besides tte
customary interesting convention notes
There is every prospect that there will be a
friSk campaign for the offices, as there are
four candidates for every position, and the
order is full OF shrewd politicians who will
carefully watch each others tactics. The
Capital City Club Of Amateur Journalists
will hold their regular meeting March Z at
the residence of DIR. Gosling, 1000 S street,
tc further discuss plans concerning the
convention, and to listen to the talks of sew
eral distinguished professional journalists.