The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-14
THE sEMI-wEEKLY MESSENGER: FRIDAY, july "A, 1853.

ObsA@6 III a1Ea Il oAA
that l must not tread upon forbidden
ground, for I would not wound the feel.
ings of the humblest mi present
To avoid even the possibility OF such
thing the question arises in my mind;
Would IT not be wise to organize III
sociation" There are many matters o.
party policy Tat could and ought Il be
discussed by the democratic editors OF
the state In an association like OUTS
and an address like this consideration
for others demands that political mat
from our discussions. But a number o1
reasons why such an association should
be formed will suggest themselves 70
those present / nave no plan matured
as ITO when or how this a best be
done. 1t might be lone by forming a
new association, o. by amending the
constitution OF this association. I men,
ton the matter for the consideration OF
h brethren and for their action or
non-action, as their wisdom may die
tate"
In passing, / desire to congratulate
you Upon h fact that the press of the
state enjoys the confidence of the peo-
pie in a longer measure han It has
in years. There have been times when
some suspicion by a portion at least OF
our citizens, but by acting fairly n
frankly upon public questions, the
press has regained the good will OF
most of our citizens, and never before
were the of the state on
better terms with their readers. Preju-
dice has been removed and a newspa-
per's influence among its readers is
limited only by its character and abili-
ty. Under these conditions the papers
of the state ought ito enjoy a fair meas
ure of prosperity"
The next question discussed was the
betterment Of the paper, so as to in
crease circulation and enlarge adver-
tfsement patronage. Along this line
he spoke abou the Importance OF keep
ing local and editorial work strictly
first class, as they are two departments
that go further han any other to-
wards giving circulation and influence
to a paper. The local field, he said,
should be fully covered and the news
given accurate and spicy.
Relative to the circulation depart
ment, he advised newspaper men when
they had a good thing not to wait for
people to come after it, but take it to
the people; advertise their paper in ev-
cry way and never miss and opportuni-
ty ITO solicit for it.
The advertising department Of a pa
per was treated quite extensively in the
report. He urged the members to edu-
cate the business man to advertise,
and TO help to make his adj attrac-
tive n ~seasonable; and not tt run
stale and out of date advertisements
which reflect upon the wide ~awakeness
of both the paper and advertiser.
Other interesting subjects were we'll
handled by President Dowd, notable
ones being: Special Advertising Agen-
cy," he Business Management of a
Paper" Foreign Advertising and
What is Advertising SpaceWorth?" He
| also Cl1OOQStp6 that tho aCSocioti ion &C
tablish a question box and an informa-
ton bureau for the benefit of it's mem
bers.
One important part Of the report was
the reference made to the Libel Law
as follows:
Il cannot close this address without
reference to the legislative committee
appointed at u last session. l pre-
sumo they will report during the SEES
sion of this convention, their endeav-
OrS to secure the passage of a fair and
just libel law, and the success attend
ing their efforts, and that such further
action as may be necessary will be TAX
en- by the association"
The report closed with the following
beautiful expressions:
Finally, brethren. is there need fol
me to mention the dignity and respon-
sibility of our profession. We preach
to more people than all the preacher:
of our state. We teach more people
than all our universities and colleges
and free schools combined. If oppor.
tunity brings responsibility surely ours
is a responsible position. Do we mold
public thought? Do we shape the des
TIMES of the great state of North Car
Iolina? Then, brethren, let US go abou
our work in the fear of God, and fillet
with love of our fellow man. We ar
here to help educate and uplift tn,
~ Ccac of o11r nnnn1n N0fuith CT n nd in
atu has scattered her %resourc
about us with a lavish hand we ar,
comparatively a poor people. 1T is on
of the privileges of the press to educat,
public sentiment in favor of pOpulal
education. We have helped the goot
work, and I hope the day may speedil!
come when every Door boy and girl ii
the state can secure enough education
to equip them for the fierce struggle
of life. Education is what the stat
needs. With an educated citizenship
the development of our woul'
be greatly facilitated, n our owl
people would reap the Let u
extend a cordial welcome to all worth.
citizens who cast their lot with us, bu
North Carolina for North Carolinian
should be our motto. If fortunes are t
be made why shouldn't they be mad
by our w people. Our good state i
going forward by leaps and bounds il
NAIS - AMI
industries. II prosperity will only com
to our farmers then it will come to al
and lone more surely than to the edi
| tors of the state.
Looking beyond the confines of on
:, state into the affairs of our nation, w
are met with great problems which wi
) affect the nations destiny. The wa
with Spain is ended, h war with til
: Philippines is not. What will we d
with the savages when it is? What ha
, become Of the Monroe doctrine? Doe
, a government derive it's power fror
: the consent of the governed? Can
: liberty-loving people deny the right c
liberty and seh-government to others
Who can tell into what i~nternations
complications imperialism will brin
: us? And, then, what of the trusts
: Are they to grow unchecked and cor
tinue to rule the people Of this cour
i, try? Is combined wealth or patriotism
= to win in the struggle now going fierce
= ly on? These are difficult problem
{ that demand our most serious after
tion. Let US be ready and eager I
: meet them with an abiding faith in tn
Righteousness of our cause, n wit