The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-08


part and therefore he was obliged to let
them take precedence in his work.
Green's letters were edited by Mr.. Les
lie Stephens. who has shown his SUI
perior fitness for editorial tass, by his
work on the National Biography, Shakes
peare. etc. He has shown, or rather the
letters themselves have shown, that
Green was something more than his
torian. something more than laere lover
of books. He left fascinating record
of his own life which shows unmistaka BILE
literary quality.
Richard Whiting, known in this coun-
try as the author of MOB John Street
was reported to be dangerously i'll net
long ago He is now back at his desk
working at another novel. The long
years which Mr.. Whiting served as leader
writer for the London Daily News Doubt
less had much to do with his illness. Most
of his newspaper work was done at night,
and for several years, Mr.. Whiting spent
parts of his days studying the SORTS Of
conditions which are shown SO wildly IN
"John Street" To this day, American
visitors in London insist on having NO.
5 John Street pointed out 40 them De-
did not actually exist. The author COM
piled whole volumes of notes on slum and
labor subjects, which became the material
for his book.
Miss Lafayette McLaws is young "o-
man who makes a bid for fame in when
the Land Was Young HISTORICAL mover
which has been well received. The reason
McT.a Il
woman is because a recent review o. her
bool, in yery prompinent journal called
her Mr.. McLaw several times II sim
gle column. Agnes c. Laut, who signs her
books. A. c.. Laut, had similar exper-
fence. The names. George Eliot, John
Oliver Hobbies and Lucas Malet are
stumbling blocks to the unlnltlated.
I have frequently seen ridiculous at
tempts at publicity. but the following
| is about the worst. The EngIsn puoil-
cation of a book recently brought out
here with several portrait illustrations,
was issued without the American pic
lures. and the explanation gwen was
that the author was SO we'll known IN
| PERTAIN social and diplomatic circles
abroad that the portraits of herself
| would at once establish her identity. vi
course. her identity must be kept ND
| den--what rot! No one abroad mas yet
| taken the trouble to send for an Amerl-
can copy of the book. in order to dlscov-
err which particular princess wrote the
contents.
| "What's What" is the title of gen
eral mine of information, misinformation
and opinion recently published. me
| whole work contains some 900,UO0 WORDS,
| The compiler. says he wrote 35O,o0O or
| them.
Under the head of Advice to Editors,
he gives the Observation-Disclosures 10
the public without comment;
| All articles are too long and most
should not be written.
| News, rather than opinion.
| Avoid a series.
] Suspect criticism and leave it out If
possible.
| Don't let your contributors be per-
sonal: that's an editorial privilege.
| An editor does not argue: he asserts.
! All contributions should be cut 'occa-
sionally-keeps the staff in order.
| An editor should be grumpy-that' S
business.
| Editors have enemies but no friends.
The former are persons of the lowest
character: the latter if they existed,
would be the angelic host.
| No contribution is better than the pa
per deserves
| contributor should always be thank
ed (even if he be dismissed) but never
praised.
! Everyone is to work all day and every
day if required--he does it himself!
| An editors judgment is infallible. His
pen, however, sometimes slips.
| Never apologiZe-eXcept to insult.
Mistakes are nevitable-misstatem
excusable, compensation inconceivabe.
Full acquainta nce with law of libel
| is necessary.
i Never see clergymen, inventors or ed
ucators.
| Never take favor
| Be liberal with your best men and
mean with your worst.
Bully your staff-but discreetly
Have at least one. if possible two
.'close" days in every week.
Read the provincial papers.
Always notice but never mention a
rival periodical.
Praise actors, picture dealers, dress
makers, politicians of your own party
Ilsailors. SPORT Amen, popular noyelists,
and music hall singers. Take it out
of men of science, religion, literature
and art; these last only make good copy
when they do wrong.
Have a waste paper basket like a
bucket, constitution like horse, re-
volving arm chair and q heart like a
neither milestone.
HERBERT BREWSTER.