The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-03-14
The Journalistic Experiment Of che
Rev. Mr.. sheldon.

The Rev. Mr.. SHELDON began yesterday
his weeks editing OF the Topeka DAILY Capt.
tai, on the theory proclaimed in his book,
I'm His Steps" or according to his notions
Of the principles and methods on which
CHRIST would edit a daily newspaper. II by
this he means that every newspaper should
he governed in its conduct by strict relig-
ious principle he starts out on the right
basis; but it is not a novel basis, though his
conception Of what such a duty requires
of an editor may be peculiar.
Mr.. SHELDON lays down In beginning his
task some precepts that are good and
others which are bad or questionable. His
injunction to his reporters to avoid slang
is measurably sound, for slang, except as
used by taste and judgment. may be wholly
objectionable; but it Is a narrow mind
which excludes it arbitrarily. Slang may
be employed to impart vigor and natu-
ralness and vitality to writing; and, more
over, the slang Of to-day may become
part OF the standard speech OF to-mor-
row. II II deserves to live as contribu-
tory to valuable expression it will live.
Unless, therefore, an editor is q COM
petcnt Judge Of good writing, as
Mr.. SHELDoN's literary productions show
he is not, it is wise for him to be shy Of
using slang; though morally, Of course,
there is nothing reprehensible in IL; tho
worst that can De said Of 1t Is that il IL apt
totrench on vulgarity and to impair dignity.
Considering the character OF Mr.. SHELDOY's
experiment with the Topeka paper, he Is
prudent in admonishing his subordinates
against slang.
He requires all interviews to he submitted
to the persons interviewed, and it Is a good
and honest rule, though not at all peculiar
to him. Every newspaper should strive
increasingly for accuracy, and its reputa-
ton with the public should depend on it.
He shuts out theatrical news, but that is an
unjustifable exclusion, indicative OF a mar
rowness Of view which would destroy the
influence of n paper among peopleof breadth
Of intelligence and cultivation. He will
have only clean sporting events" reported,
but what are the unclean sporting events?
He would avoid 1.-THE horrible details" Of
crimes, but the record q newspaper gives
Of current events ought to be both
accurate and complete. What will
Mr.. SHELDON do? Will he tell OF q
murder, for instance, without telling how
It Is done2 Political stories" he COM
mands, must be non-partisan." What Is
that? II he means that they should tell
only the truth, he ia right enough, but to
avoid telling the truth on the pretence Of
"'non-plrtisanship" Is partisan and is
also immoral. He will no: print scan
dnls.' That il a good rule, II by it is
meant printing as established facts
malicious and uncontradicted rumors and
gossip which cannot be- substantiated, to
tn" injury of the probably or possibly inno-
cent. Every decently conducted news
paper refuses to print such stun.
An innovation introduced by Mr.. Shell
DoN is the substitution on the front page Of
his paper of p"riunctory religious appeals
AID essays for the current DAVIS news Of
the world, but there ia no merit in il.
The news may serve a religious pur-
pu,e ever more than the distinctly
religious essay. Besides, the one ia read
universally and the other generally passed
over. The publication Of news is the
great and special function which iusti-
fcs a newspaper. Moreover, the religious
views and admonitions Of the editor
may be- provocative of u spirit OF re-
sentiment which outrages religious pre-
cept. Nr. SHELDON opened his paper Of