The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-11-01
some very hard thinking

said finally
The managing editor was standing
in the doorway between the two rooms
He was astonished at the EDITORS re-.
mark and thought he had perhaps mis-
understood him
what did you say9"
Leave it out We won't use it.
BUT The managing editor was
simply dumfounded. He stared at
Norman as if the editor were out Of his
mind
IL think. Clark. that it ought not to
De printed. and that's the end Of it.,
said Edward Norman. looking up from
his desk.
Clark seldom had any words with the
chief. Norman's word had always been
law in the Office. and he had seldom
been known to change his mind. The
circumstances now, however, seemed to
be SO extraordinary that Clark could
not help expressing himself
'Do you mean that the paper is to
go to press without word of the prize.
fight in it9"
"Yes; that's just what I mean"
But it's unheard Of All the other
papers will print it. What will our
subscribers says Why, it's simply
Clark paused. unable to find words to
say what he thought
Edward Norman looked at Clark
thoughtfully/ The managing editor
was a member Of a church of different
denomination from that of Norman's.
The two men had never talked together
on religious matters. although they had
been associated on the paper for several
years
Come in here minute, Clark, and
shut the door," said Norman.
Clark came in. and the two men faced
each other alone. Norman did not speak
for minute. Then he said abruptly:
"Clark, if Christ were editing daily
paper, do you honestly think lie would
print three columns and half of a
prizefght in it9'
Clark gasped in astOnishment. Final
y he replied. "No; I don't suppose he
would"
"Well. that's my only reason for
shutting this account out Of The News
l have decided not to do thing in con-
nection with the paper for whole year
that honestly believe Jesus would not
do"
Clark could not have looked more
amazed if the chief had suddenly gone
crazy. In fact, he did think something
was wrong, though Mr.. Norman was
one of the last men in the world. in his
Judgment. to lose his mind
"What effect will that have on the
paperr he finally managed to ask in
faint voice.
"What do you think ?" asked. Edward
Norman, with keen glance.
II think it will simply ruin the pa
per. replied Clark promptly. He was
gathering up his bewildered senses and
began to demonstrate. "Why, it isn't
feasible 20 run paper nowadays on
any such basis It's too ideal The
world isn't ready for it. You can't
make it pay. Just as cure as you live,
If you shut out this prizeight report.
you will lose hundreds Of subscribers
1t doesn't take a prophet to say that.
The very best people in town are eager
to read 1t. They know it has taken
place. and when they get the paper
this evening they will expect half q
page at least. Surely you can't afford
to disregard the wishes of the public to
such an extent. It will be great mis-.
take if you do. in my opinion"
Edward Norman eat silent a minute.
Then he spoke gently, but firmly.
"Clark, what. in your honest opinion,
is the right standard for determining
conduct9 Is the only right standard for
every one the probable action of JesusH
Would you say that the highest, best
law for man to live by was contained
in asking the question, What would
Jesus dor and then doing it regardless
OF results1 In other words, do you think
men everywhere ought to follow Jesus
example as close as they can in their
daily lives9"
Clark turned red and moved uneasily
in his chair before he answered the edi-
tors question.
"Why, yes. I suppose, if you put it
on the ground Of what they ought to
do. there is no other standard of con-
duct. But the questions are: What is
feasibleY Is it possible to make it payg
TO succeed in the newspaper business
we have got to conform to the customs
and the recognized methods of society.
We can't do as we would do in an ideal
world
''Do you mean that we can't run the
paper strictly on Christian principles
and make it succeed?'
eyes; that's just what l mean. 1t
can't be done. Well go bankrupt in 80
days"
Edward Norman did not reply at
once. He was very thoughtful
I'VE shall have occasion to talk this
over again, Clark Meanwhile / think
we ought to understand each other