The Topeka state journal., 1900-03-26
SHELDON STATEMENT.
What He Says About His Edi-
tOrial Experience.

New York. March 26-The Journal
Sunday morning published the following
article on ''Sheldon's Experiment in Re-
Prospect written by the Reverend
Charles NJ. Sheldon, himself:
If, during my brief editorial exper-
ience, brought one sinner to see the
light more clearly and to ponder over
the evils of his life. I am more than
compensated for my labor. Judging
from the number of letters and tele-
grams have received congratuIating
me on my work, 1 am satisfied that
have accomplished some good.
L had no thought that any immediate
good would result from the effort
rather expected the world in general
and especially the people who give little
thought to matters of religion, to turn
a cold shoulder toward the effort at the
start, and 1 was right, to some extent
Nobody knew exactly what to expect
from me, excepting that it was general
ly believed that 1 would give the world
something of a sensational character
| disappointed many lovers of sensa-
tional literature in not fulfilling their
expectations, and they scoffed at my
effort
However. paid no heed to these
railings, as I had made allowance for
something of the sort l had expected
my support to come from the Christian
from the secular press, and am await
ing the verdict of the former on my eff
fort before 1 shall decide just how
much good I have accomplished The
Christian papers and magazines I be-
lieve, better understood the motive
which inspired my efforts and will be in
better position to appreciate the re-
suit.
ATTITUDE OF PRESS.
T was somewhat surprised and
panied to note the attitude of the seeu-
lar press of the country toward my ex-
pertinent as they have been pleased to
term it. [ do not mean that all of the
newspapers took a hostile stand toward
my work, but many of them were eX-
tremely bitter and exaggerated every
thing l did and said These papers
seemed anxious to belittle my work. I
don't believe they would have treated
me in such a fashion had they stopped
to consider that 1 was doing nothing
which would injure them in the least
and could result in nothing if not
good.
I take as an evidence of the good
have accomplished the determined eff
fort made by certain of the Capital di-
rectors to hereafter conduct the paper
as Christian daily I am highly graf
flied that such an attempt was made,
and would be very happy to see the
Capital finally conducted as a Christian
| newspaper.
Il would much rather permit the pa
per which I published to speak for itself
than to say anything myself about the
work made the paper the best could
and am willing to allow the world to
judge of the result. Whether made
failure in accomplishing good, such
paper could do no wrong. I don't be-
/ lieVe there has been anything published
which could exert wrong influence on
persons action. I exerted myself to pre-
vent anything harmful being publish
ed.
.One of the reforms whicr started
during the week. and which was trace
able indirectly to the work of the Capt.
tai, was the movement for the assist
ance of the starving people of India
/ The morning after the story of the first
+ paper was sent out by the correspond
ents, on Monday night, received a tel
egram from Amos R. Wells, editor OF
/ the CongregationaIist, of Boston, asking
me to- throw open the columns of the
/ paper to contributions on the subject of
! the stricken nation, and to agree. on the
/ part of the Capital. to receive funds for
/ the assistance of these people. I could
/ not well do this,a l was only in charge
/ of the paper for a week, and very little
| money could be collected in that time.
/ However, Mr.. Wells intention was an
/ evidence that the paper had ac-
| complished something toward relieving
the starving people of India.
THE temperance crusade which has
/ commenced in Topeka this week was di-
rectly to be traced to the work of the
| Capital.
THE anti-cigarette movement which
| took place in Topeka last week was also
| encouraged by the Capital
NOT A REAL PAPER.
q know 1 haven't printed what news
paper men regard as a real newspaper,
but I have made the display of what I
| consider the best matter obtainable. 1t
was not news, perhaps but it was more
important than any news can be. It
was the best reading in the world.
think the editor should assume the posi-
tiOn of a father toward a child. If my
boy wants a green apple or a cigar, 1
refuse him, because 1 know they are
bad for him.
L can not make an ideal newspaper
in a week. If had time, I would sur
round myself with a staff thoroughly in
accord with my views on all subjects.
I would require that they hold the same
views Of religion, of politics and of ev-
cry important question as ] hold.
wish the newspaper men would under
stand that [ only did weakly, and with
mistakes, what I thought was the best.
Each day when I entered the Office I
prayed for divine help and guidance.
The Capital management will set aside
a certain portion of the profits of the
paper under my management to be used
for some charity. I will use this where
it will do the most good possible
t'I have had several local and visiting
newspaper men tell me that I have at
least, sown a grain of good, and this is
very gratifying.