The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-07-16
PRIDE IN THEIR WORK
THE KEYNOTE OF ALL THE AS
SOCIATION'S MEETINGS.
UNANIMOUS FOR A NEW LIBEL LAW
The Newspapers Of The State Behind a De-
mand for Revision. The Democratic
Press Association and the
War on Trusts.

Wilmington, n. c., July 15.-(Special)
This morning the last of the news
paper men who came down Tor the
press convention at the beach left Tor
their homes after meeting OF unusually
large attendance and significance.
The convention, l am told by the
older members. has from year 10 year
grown i'm the practical results accom-
plished by the bringing, together of the
newspaper men. which results have APP
peared in marked Improvement alike
IN the methods of newspaper publication
and management This year, particu-
larry, the discussions on matters con-
nected with the craft were spirited and
timely. They showed that the editors
Of the State have been keen students
of the newspaper situation in this State,
and of the progress in journalism here
and elsewhere. In the main the tone
Eof the meetings was hopeful from the
newspaper point Of view and indicated
growing pride in the profession of the
publicist.
The most important steps taken by
the convention was the organization of
an association composed entirely of the
Democratic newspapers of the State: the
passage of strong resolutions denouncing
trusts and, declaring the purpose of
members not to deal with trusts handling
newspaper supplies when possible TO
avoid it: and the resolution demanding
a revision of the present libel law and
protesting against the treatment accord
ed the press by file smothering of the
London libel bill by the subcommittee
of the House Judiciary Committee OF
the last Legislature.
The organization of the State Demo-
cratic Press Association was affected as
an adoption of the suggestion in the
annual address of the president, who
said in this connection:
II am aware that this association Is
composed of members Of all shades of
Political opinion. and | am admonisfled
that | must not tread upon forbidden
ground. for | would not wound the feel
ings of the humblest member present.
To avoid even the possibility of such a
thing the question arises In my mind:
Would it not be wise to organize the
North Carolina Democratic Press As
sociation?' There are many matters OF
party policy that could and ought to be
discussed by the Democratic editors of
the State. In an association like ours
and an address like this consideration
for others demands tirar political mat
ters about which we differ be omitted
from our discussions. But a number of
reasons why such an association should
be formed will suggest themselves 90
those present / have no plan matured
as to when or how this can best be
done. 1t might be done by forming a
new association. or by amending the
constitution of this association. / men
ton the matter for the consideration of
the brethren and for their action or
nom action. as thelr wisdom may dc
tate"
A temporary organization was af-
fected by the election of Mr.. X. NJ.
thurman chairman and Mr.. II. L. Lamb
secretary of the meeting. The chairman
appointed Messrs. HI. A. London, j. A.
Thomas, c. p. Sapp. J. T. Kerr. G. Z.
Abernethy. J. B. Whitaker and j.. w.
Pagan a Committee on Constitution and
Bylaws, their report to be made to a