The San Francisco call., 1898-01-09
A SHAMELESS BOODLER.

M to its debased mind the intelligence that in ad- vocatng franchise "cinch" for the new char ter 1t is wasting its energy, the Mission street Boodler still persists in its shameless course. The Boodler is evidently incorrigble In support of its 'cinch" 1t declares that know nothing about journalism and less about the charter. As for our knowledge of the constitution and the laws it has sublime contempt for it.
 Inasmuch as the Boodler does not deign to point out wherein mistaken in our interpretation of the constitution and statutes, we do no better than plead guilty to the charge of being entirely ig norant of journaism-that is, journalism as under stood and practiced in the office of the Boodler For instance, do not know how to falsify telegrams We ignorant of the art of concocting lies about public events. and even if versed in it we would not dare to print them. We do not under stand the business of publishing false want" adver tisements, and our conscience would not permit us to circulate anonymous circulars beling our busi- ness rivals, even if we were not too cowardly to print them. In that department of journalism which negotates advertising" contracts calling for edi- torial silence at $Iooo a month we are also com pletely unversed.
 The reflection that know nothing of the art of journalism understood and practced by the Boodler, however brings one consolation. Our ig- norance shared by reputable newspapers through 
 the journalism practced by the Mission street Booder is uniquely distinct. Not only does the Boodler contract away its editorial liberty at stp- ulated per month, but the moment it sees chance make better contract it repudiates its obligations
 This was the history of the famous $3o,ooo lad vertising" contract The Boodler remained on the Southern Pacific payroll for twenty-two months drawing for its silence the princely sum of $22o At the end of that period there began the mad rush of the demagogues to the rescue of the railroad strikers of 1894. The Boodler perceived an oppor- tunity to get increase of pay. Like the strikers it struck But Mir Huntington considered the price he was paying for the Boodler's friendship sufi- cient. He stood firm and the contract fell
 Thus the Boodler achieved the dazzling dstinc- ton of being a corruptonist who will not stay bought-a journalistic role in which it stands un- rivaled in the newspaper world.
 The Boodler may be surprised at the statement but we are proud of our ignorance of this kind of journalism. All we know about the newspaper business is c publish truthful and reliable news It may be stupid, but accept only such money for advertising the legitimate results of the business justify patrons in paying We know nothing about franchise "cinches," nor about blackmailing water or gas companies. We trust the Boodler will par don our interference with its attempt to again hold up' the Southern Pacific Company. Our view of the law governing street railway franchises was pre- sented in the kindest spirit If the Boodler had any sense 1t would not abuse for endeavoring to save it the time and mental and tear of prose cutting "cinch' which is bound to prove profit less.