The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-26
AS TO

oOO
newspaper is a source of instruction
and pleasure no sensible man will de-
ny. That sensational, unreliable,
flashy unclean newspapers do much
evil and are a positive curse to society
there can be no doubt. They pollute,
deceive, misrepresent, and are moral
ly misasmatic and injurious. That
there are many excellent
now published in the United States we
think true, and they deserve whatever
of public approval and patronage. The
curse of newspapers has been for a
century their extreme p~artisanship.
They fail to see both sides n to do
justice to all. They too often conceal
facts n defend wrong. In his re-
spect they are lacking in principle and
in a proper sense, of justice and truth.
It is very hard to be a political editor
n avoid extremes. It is very hard
always to do what is exactly right and
becoming. Many Of the more dfstin-
guished are excellently ed
tied, are able in discussion, careful in
news, and rich in some departments
Ia POlIIACdA. al C"oPdpCAS
with much excellence INC value have
certain characteristics and i~ndividuali-
ties of their own. This paper will have
features wholly unlike that other pa
per that in time has qualities of excel
lence in which the name is something
deficient. Some papers are conducted
to satisfy the demands of a higher
GRADE of roqdQrC-Of an Q611pofoH o1ion.
tage. Others seek popularity and never
on a plane much below the more cul-
tured class.
1t is very difficult to name wisely the
best paper in a country or state. A
close reader, who has access to many
of the best, will find much to praise
in the general get up" of all, one ex-
ceiling in this department, another in
a different department. But after
much handling you will see which pa
| per is fairest, most honest. You will
come to hin that some particular pa
per has the best news service, or is the
best educator, or treats of questions
Of more prominence than it's rivals.
It is very absurd for men not of wide
acquaintance with the leading newspa-
pers, and with some special qualiica-
tons for judgment, to pronounce. thus,
that, or the other best paper in a city.
a state, a section or in the Union. Many
crude, rash judgments are expressed.
Every paper worth considering has
friends Inc admirers. They prefer it to
it's neighbor. They think we'll Of it.
All newspapers with opinions and indie
pendence and a conscience will make
enemies, for truth hurts n bites, and
men are naturally intolerant and OPP
posed to free thought v e in a free
country. In all countries there are
men who will abuse you for daring to
oppose their views and will show their
sense Of right and appreciation of
liberty Of conscience and thought by
~"boycotting" a newspaper. Every
newspaper has readers who read but
little else than what they see in their
paper" and to them it is the best pa
per in the state and is beyond all pow
er Of praise.
1t is very pleasant for a newspaper
to AVE encouraging words from
friends and patrons. 1t helps to be
assured that you are appreciated and
make good impressions. With most
editors their experience is that they
are more apt to be cursed OUT thar
made vain by excessive laudation. II
does not hurt any sensible man moi
vanity-ridden, to be told by sone in
telligent person that his course is ap'
proved and his work is very satisfac'
tory. 1t is pleasant to receive letter:
from men of character and education
kindly, sympathetic and warm in ex
pressions of appreciation. 1t gives hope
it cheers. it makes you feel hat vol
do not b in vain, and that honest,
and industry and fidelity 20 principles
to conscience, to the truth, are no
J without their reward. Only recentl