The age-herald., 1897-08-05
ETCHINGS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS

when one recalls the fact that he has lately figured very conspicuousy in the columns of the Constitution, Journal and other To- cal papers. His unjust estimate of the work of reporters comes largely from the role he lately played in one or two local sensa- tions.
 Some weeks ago. Dr. Roberts and the stewards of his church declined to allow the W. c. T. U. to hold it's meetings in Trinity church. because, forsooth, many members of that organization were advo- cates of woman's suffrage. The good women were denied the privilege of again meeting in room in Dr. Roberts church. although in the past they had been granted that favor. Dr. Roberts was positive, and active in his opposition. and very enter
 taining correspondence between some members of the W. c. T. U. and pr. Rob- erts ensued through the columns of the daily press. Each side presented it's views without hesitation, and without much tact, and for days the discussion, and various ''cards' published afforded the newspaper public much amusement and diversion. N
 Immediately succeeding the excitement of Dr. Roberts campaign against the w. C. T. U.. the reporters-young and old discovered that he and one of the promi- nent members of his church had been en- gagged in an unchristianlike. row or quar- rel, which had seriously interfered with the increase of brotherly love in the con gregation. This, and the reconciliation
 brought about by a committee appointed by the church authorities, was written about by the vigorous Atlanta reporters. The committee furnished the press with an exact copy of the proceedings which preceded the amicabe adjustment of Dr. Roberts and MT Chamberlins difficulties; and it read very like similar papers pro- mulgated by mortal minded" men. who had lost their temper and had become en-
 tangled ,in unbecoming and ill-natured controversies.
 The trouble in Dr. Roberts case was not with the reporters, but with Dr. Rob erts himself. When a man makes unfor- tunate blunders he naturally objects to having them exploited for the benefit of a voracious public, but he has little right to attack the profession of journalism, be- cause in the columns of the daily, papers he comes in for his share of notoriety when he has committed some act unbe- coming 8 minister of the gospel and a leader of a Christian people.
 Journalism is a ministry broader and more far-reachng than any other under the sun, save that of preaching the gos- pei of Christ.
 Side by side, hand in hand, the pulpit and press must go; without the union of the two the civilization and evangelization of the world is impossible. In the provi- dence of God the press of today has as noble and glorious a work to do as that of tho DuIDif To antaqOniZe the two is to divorce the greatest powers in the uni verse, which have been united by an All Wise Providence.
 There are certain features of modern
 or new journalism which should be eliminated from all reputable papers. Noth- ing is to be gained by publishing the de- tails of revolting scandals; the opening of doors, behind which are hidden hideous skeletons, which should never be exhibited to the public gaze the eternal bickerings and petty iealousies of rival editors and newspapers, and a few other faults, which lessen the power of the press.
 But the news as it broadens and edu- cates the masses, must be given; crimes against society and humanity must be rc- ported, with the lessons they teach, and sin in all its hideousness must be held up as warning and reproof
 The press has been especially generous to the pulpit, and many distinguished preacher owes much of his reputation as an orator and a Christian to the news papers, which have reported his sermons and commended his piety. Such nlins- ters have no quarrels to make with news papers; their preaching and living are in accord; and there Is nothing to tell about them but what is good and praiseworthy. In enumerating southern writers of fc- ton, and the work which has given them immortal flame, this enquiry naturally obtrudes itself, "Why has no southern story-teller made one of the products of his genius melodious with the music of a southern song?" Du Maurier, with his artistic temperament, saw the advantage of having fresh, sweet English ballad run through his story of "Triiby'' like the ripple of a pure mountain stream through the dark and sunless forests. He gave new life to the exquisite old ballad of Ben Bolt" and above the chatter and clamor of art students; above the abilities of the Latin Quarter; beyond the demoniacal power of Svengali, and the tragedy of poor power of Svengali and the tragedy of poor Little Bille's and Trilby's lives comes the sweetness of the old song Trilby, written with all the strength of Du Maurier's mature genius. would have been incomplete without "Ben Bolt" which is interwoyen in the story like a thread of gold. e4 There arc so many tunefui melodes which belong exclusively to the south-which no one but southerner can sing-4an6 which 1 await the touch of an artists pen to give | deathless fame. The wonder is that James | Lane Allen, with his aesthetic tempera- ment. has not woven into his stories some | southern song which all the world would 1 hear. and. hearing, love.
 Samuel Minturn Peck, who has written i so many delightful ballads, can do this service for the people, if he will. The south is full of melody and sunshine, | and her songs have been sung by the great l est divas of the world. Our writers of fic- tion should profit by Du Maurier's exam 1 pie, and set the world to singing the sweet | est songs that were ever writ
 BALL. The Wisdo om of Kruger.