Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-10-13
HOW TO HANDLE NEWS.

Correspondents frequently apply to
the editor Of THE ENQUIRER for tnfor-
nation as to the character Of news de-
sired by this newspaper. The informa-
ton has been given time and again,
verbally, to individual correspondents,
and it has more than once been pub
lished in these columns. The follow
ing, however, by Editor Grandon, OF
the Adrian, Michigan, Telegram, COW
ers the whole ground so completely, as
to leave nothing unsaid so far as we
are concerned. The instructions are
intended by the Michigan editor for
the guidance Of correspondents alone;
but we can see no reason why all our
readers should not be advised Of what
is required Of a good reporter. Editor
Graadon's booklet runs as follows:
In the first place we want letter
at least once a week from each cor
respondent.
Write the long way Of the paper, as
since putting in our typesetting ma
chine it Is much more convenient Tor
the compositor.
Do not be afraid Of sending in too
many items; but do not fill up with
make showing.
Do not write essays or editorials on
any subject whatever in your reports.
If you have something you wish to pre-
sent on that line, make it into q sepa-
rate communication.
Remember that items that are talked
about in your town'or vicinity are the
items that will interest your readers.
Send that kind Of items, and your work
will give you recognized position IN
your community that will well repay
the time and effort required.
Please give careful attention to the
following suggestions:
Murders and Suicides.-Write up as
fully as possible. Get all particulars.
Interview everybody who was. wit
ness, or can give any facts bearing on
the case. Use names freely. Give BIZ
ography Of the victim and perpetra-
tors of the deed. If in doubt what to
write, telephone for instructions:
Fatal Accidents.-Write up fully,
giving all the particulars possible, and
do not forget to give the names Of all
persons who were in any way connect
ed with the affair. Do not stint your
self for space. Give facts, and report
other peoples opinions, If necessary.
but do not express opinions Of your
own.
Serious Accidents.-Write up as full
ly as the circumstances suggest. Ac-
cidents that cause but trifling injury
should be mentioned in a few words
only.
Fires.-If the loss or damage is great,
write fully, giving all the particulars.
Give causes; amount Of loss to each
person; amount Of insurance carried
by each; accidents, if any; means used
to extinguish the fire; names of those
who distinguished themselves; wbeth-
er or not the losers will rebuild. Re-
member to give names; names are the
most important part Of news items.
ImprovementS.-New buildings in
process Of construction. Give names
Of owners and contractors, dimensions,
cost, when completed.
Farm Items.-Make note Of any facts
of special interest among the farmers.
An uncommon yield Of any particular
crop, and extra good sale Of STOCK
losses by theft or cholera etc.
Burglary and Theft.-When, where
and how did it occur? Losses; names
of persons arrested. Do not name par
ties suspected.
DeathS.-Give name and age and
cause of death, time of funeral, and
where and by whom conducted. If a
prominent person, give sketch of life;
also names of survivors, financial con-
dition of deceased, life insurance if
any. Do not send card of thanks, un-
less paid for. The price is 10 cents a
line.
Weddings.-Give names and date
where and by whom married. Name
of parents. Where they will reside?
If prominent persons, give particulars
as to dress, music, decorations, etc.
AnnouncementS.-G date Of any
public meeting Of general interest, and
state the subject of the meeting. Do
not send programmes, unless Of some
exceptionally important meeting. Do
not write advertisements Of entertain
ments, socials, teas, etc., gotten up for
the purpose Of raising money, unless
paid for so doing.
Business Items.-Do not under any
circumstances write business locals to
advertise any person or firm, unless
paid for at the regular rate, 10 cents
per line.
The instructions as to announcements
conform to our practice, except that
we prefer to publish such things where