Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-02-28
A LIBEL ON THE "NEws."

There seems to be a desire on the part
OF some rival or rivals OF the Desefet
News to deprecate It in the estimation
Of its advertising patrons. The purpose
OF this is not difficult TO discern. The
growth IN the influence and subscription
lists Of this paper, particularly during
the past year, has been remarkable.
Success has attended our efforts In all
directions. This perhaps is a cause OF
offonse to some Of our contemporaries
In this state. The power welded by
the Deseret News and the constant in
crease Of Its circulation among the peo-
pie in every county disturb some Of our
neighbors. and here and there a note OF
jealousy is heard and ungenerous and
unjust remarks made
But there is something more than
this, Of which We have cause 10 COM
plain. We can pass by with a smile
those little grumblings. which DO not
affect us at all. But We find in an East
ern publication, which is "a journal for
advertisers" something that is evident
ly intended to do this paper a financial
injury, and It bears the ear-marks Of
Utah manufacture. Here is an excerpt:
1.-THE Deseret News Is the only Nor
mon daily, and has dropped from an
estimated rating exceeding 1900 in 1885,
TO exceeding 1000 In 1899. II seems
nevertheless. to be a prosperous paper.
Doubtless il is more Of Church organ
than mere news distributor"
Coupled with this are some remarks
culogistic OF another paper, intended
clearly as sharp contrast between the
two Utah journals. The object Of this
depreciation OF the Deseret News is
obvioUs. 1t Is also execrable. Further,
II is llbelous and should be treated ac-
cordIngly.
The truth Is that the Deseret News,
as is wen known here largely increased
its circulation during the year 1893. Its
daily edition increased 40 per cent dur
ing that year, and its semi-Weekly
edition. which at the beginning Of the
year was lO,2sO, IS now 1890 copies
twice a week. These are the facts in
the case, to which the business depart
ment is ready TO certify.
1t Is possible that the periodical
which thus misrepresents the Deseret
News is vexed with this paper, because
It does not advertise In the columns Of
either Of the publications issued by the
llbeller. But this paper will not be
black-mailed. While we believe In the
benefits OF advertising, we exercise our
own choice and our own liberty as &c
the mediums BY which we desire to
reach the public. There Is a way by
which justice can be secured in this
matter, and when there IS evident In
ten,lon to place this paper in false
light before the business world, We have
the right TO take such steps as arr
necessary TO obtain fair treatment ant
proper yiadlcaton.
The prospects Of the Deseret News
are Of the very best. Not only do tho
reading people In these Western States
and Territories show their appreciation
Of this paper, but the advertising public
recognize It's value and make use OF III
columns. II Is not merely the vehicle
through which the authorities Of thi
Church present their views and wishes
on ecclesiastical matters, but It Is know
everywhere as a newspaper, containing
intelligence concerning current affair
throughout the world and conservative
comments on live topics Of varlou
kinds
II does not pretend 10 be perfect !
does not expect nor does it aim &
please everybody 1t win no, truckle I
any party, nor yield TO anything tina
appears 10 Il to be wrong and advers
10 the interests Of this community. W
are grateful to our numerous friend
who support and applaud the course Q
the News" and expect to increase II
usefulness as time rolls on.
The great advance In the cost Of ma
terlal, the price OF paper having gon
w enormously is the only present bar
rier In the way OF its Increased financis
success That obstacle We hope TO b
able TO surmount. In any event. even
we are compelled to slightly raise III
price OF subscription, We expect, by IN
blessing Of God. TO make the Desers
News power for good. not only In III
western country but in every part OF Il
civilized world.