Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1900-05-30
TnI ETHICS or JOURNALISM.

W. ts'NNS W
There is no greater agency forgood
than the press and the man who con-
ducts n newspaper has a great mis-
sion to perform II he does his duty.
While possibly the chief object is 10
make money, like those engaged in
other occupations, the nature OF his
calling is such that his methods are
more apt To meet the public eye and
more likely to invite public censure
or approval. No newspaper should
abuse the confidence and esteem of
IFS patrons by resorting to obscene
language in n controversy in which
IL Is unable to cope with II rival.
Every newspaper editor is liable to
err in judgment and sometimes ad-
nit things To his columns that will
occasion him regret afterwards. But
such lapses are far different from IA
constant and intentional resort tn
vulgarity and blackguardism which
has prevailed ia Iewistown. While
the writer is branded ms either n
scoundrel or an ignoramus and his
paper denied entrance 10 some homes,
1t seems to have but little effect. The
d%cpraved writer thinks he is doing
something smart or cute, when in
fact he is but copying the language
heard in the vilest resorts which hefrc-
quents. Occasionally II proprietor's
trust Is abused by some n in his
employ who has nothing to gain or
lose. But wen in that event re-
sponsibility cannot be shifted.
ordinarily the ties oi friendship
among those engaged in newspaper
work are very strong. There il no
stronger brotherhood than the press
association uf this state. Although
the members differ politically, and
frequently indulge in sharp thrusts
Of satire during IA heated political
campaign, yet these things are all
forgotten at their annual reunion.
But IL must he said here that nearly
every publisher in Montana il n gen
tleman-thcre are a few exceptions.
There are several unfit for associa-
ton or recognition.
II has been said that n newspaper
Is largely what the people make II.
This IL true In IA measure, even
though the press Is supposed to be II
leader in public thought and opinion.
Ii the people say they will not sup
port either by subscription or adyer-
Using n paper that they will not al
nit into their homes, the tone OF the
paper will he elevated Mt once or
cease To exist. II the people by their
support encourage paper conduct
ed On the plan Of the Police Gazette,
there are editors who will accommo-
date them by giving them that kind
Of Il paper. Many business men are
too timid. They are afraid of Of
Tending some customers by the with
drawal OF support, hut this Is the
only way To remedy IN evil that
brings disgrace upon n town or COM
munity. In times past the question
has been asked: what kind Of peo-
pie have you ove in Lewistown that
they will give support to n paper un-
fit to enter their homes"!' They
would scarcely believe that Lewis
town would compare favorably with
any city in the state morally, social
ly and intellectually. Yet such is the
fact.
A little ink and paper and n few
fonts OF type do not constitute a
newspaper. 1t il the result ofmonths
and years Of toll and study to meet
the demands and high ideals of Its
readers. Its aim should be to gain
friends instead OF losing them. Ii
such a course will not bring financial
success and have n power for good,
it will be because there Is no field for
labor and the enterprise Is trying to
create what cannot possibly exist.